Hydrotherapy Improves Mobility in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients, Study Finds
A new scientific review published in Medicina reveals that hydrotherapy significantly improves walking, balance, and pain management in knee osteoarthritis patients.
A new scientific review of 13 clinical studies has found that hydrotherapy can significantly improve walking, posture, and overall physical function in individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
Findings of the Hydrotherapy Review
The review encompassed studies involving a total of 834 participants, examining the impact of water-based therapy on metrics such as walking speed, stride length, balance, sit-to-stand capabilities, stair climbing, and pain levels. Researchers observed notable improvements across a substantial portion of these measurements.
The study was published in the May 2026 issue of the journal Medicina and was conducted by researchers from academic institutions in Romania. The average age of the participants in the reviewed cohorts ranged from approximately 54 to 69 years.
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent joint disease globally, driven by the gradual wear and tear of protective cartilage. According to estimates from the Global Burden of Disease project, roughly 595 million people lived with osteoarthritis in 2020, and projections indicate this number could reach 954 million by 2050.
The Benefits of Water-Based Rehabilitation
For many patients, exercising on land can cause significant pain due to the heavy load placed on damaged joints. Hydrotherapy offers a practical alternative by utilizing the buoyant force of water to reduce body weight impact, allowing for low-load movements.
"Hydrotherapy is an effective and safe tool that can greatly alleviate pain and improve walking. The conclusion of the new review indicates that hydrotherapy is an optimal rehabilitative alternative for individuals with knee osteoarthritis," explained Tzvi Handels, hydrotherapist and CEO of the Bua Center.
Therapeutic pools maintained at warm temperatures, such as 34 degrees Celsius, allow patients to experience muscle strengthening without pain. The water wraps around the limbs, carrying the bulk of the body weight and removing the heavy burden from worn joints.
Availability in Israel
In Israel, hydrotherapy treatments are available through health maintenance organizations (HMOs) subject to medical indications and eligibility. Organizations such as the Bua Center operate therapeutic pools in Ashdod, Safed, and Yad Binyamin, working in arrangement with HMOs, the Ministry of Defense, and insurance companies.
