title: First-line treatment for osteoarthritis. Part 2: Nonpharmacologic interventions and evaluation.
abstract: Because of the chronic nature of osteoarthritis, nonpharmacologic interventions provide the client with self-care strategies that may lessen pain, improve physical functioning, and increase independence and sense of control. Nonpharmacologic interventions include exercise, rest and joint protection, heat and cold, hydrotherapy, therapeutic touch, acupuncture/acupressure, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, activity and home maintenance modification, nutrition, and transportation interventions. Most of these therapies are very useful for nurses as independent interventions. Suggestions for evaluation of interventions are made.
authors.affiliation: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. clbaird@nursing.purdue.edu
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Baird
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D016530:Orthopedic Nursing; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires