Digital Treatment for Hand Osteoarthritis Shows Positive Results in New Study

A new study shows that digital osteoarthritis treatment can help patients with hand osteoarthritis reduce pain and stiffness in their hands and fingers.

Hand Osteoarthritis: A Common Condition

Hand osteoarthritis is a common joint disease among older adults. Individuals with hand osteoarthritis experience pain, stiffness, and swelling in their fingers, which can make daily activities challenging. As life expectancy continues to increase, the number of people affected by osteoarthritis is expected to rise.

Since 2021, patients with hand osteoarthritis have been able to undergo digital osteoarthritis treatment with Joint Academy. A recently published study examined the effectiveness of Joint Academy’s treatment program. The study, published in the journal Musculoskeletal Care, demonstrated promising results.

Reduced Pain and Improved Function

The study included nearly 400 participants with an average age of 64. The results showed that after just three months of treatment, participants experienced significantly lower pain levels (-27%) and reduced stiffness in their hands (-18%). Additionally, many were able to decrease their use of pain medication. Overall, the study indicates that the outcomes of Joint Academy’s digital treatment are comparable to those of in-person treatment.

“Before, the pain and stiffness kept me awake at night, but now there are days when I forget I even have osteoarthritis.” – Lisette, Joint Academy patient

High Adherence to Digital Osteoarthritis Treatment

The treatment program includes exercises designed to improve strength, mobility, and function in the hands and fingers. It also incorporates educational content to help patients understand osteoarthritis and manage their symptoms effectively, in line with guidelines from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Each patient has access to a personal physical therapist who tailors the program and supports them throughout their treatment journey.

Patient adherence plays a crucial role in treatment success. Adherence refers to how well individuals follow their prescribed treatment plan, and digital treatment appears to enhance adherence for various musculoskeletal conditions. Among those who completed the three-month program, the study found that three out of four participants had an adherence rate of over 70%, and nearly half had an adherence rate of over 90% for both educational materials and exercises.