Effect Of Percussion Massage Gun On Hamstrings Flexibility In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is present in about 65% of people with knee pain aged 50 years or older. The condition is associated with knee pain and reduced function and those with progression of tibiofemoral OA. OA are at increased risk of both incidence and Approximately 11 percent of adults with knee osteoarthritis need help with personal care.

Conservative treatment consists of medication and various forms of physiotherapy including heat, massage, electrotherapy and exercises.. The hamstring muscle group have tendency to shorten and the tightening results in increased patello-femoral compressive force, which may eventually lead to patello-femoral syndrome often associated with osteoarthritis .

Percussion Therapy is a relatively new technique that uses a mechanical system, such as the massage gun, to provide percussion massage. The application of percussive massage gun activates the Golgi tendon organ, which triggers a relaxation response, improving circulation and nutrition to the tissue, and reducing tightness and improving flexibility, It also reduces pain perception through the pain gait theory process .

Currently there are no evidence based clinical guidelines for the use of mechanical percussion devices. Further laboratory-based and clinical outcomes studies are needed to best guide clinical practice regarding these devices; however, research should also be informed based on how the devices are utilized by clinicians when providing care to patients. Understanding the knowledge and current trends in the use of mechanical percussion devices among health care professionals may help guide researchers in developing guidelines for research and/or practice. Thus, the purpose of this study was to document the knowledge, clinical application methods, and use of mechanical percussion devices.