Effectiveness of Physiotherapy vs. Pharmacological Interventions in Managing Osteoarthritis – A Meta-analysis of Rehabilitation vs. Medication Outcomes

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that significantly impairs mobility and quality of life. While pharmacological therapies such as NSAIDs are commonly prescribed for symptom relief, they are associated with adverse effects, particularly with long-term use. Physiotherapy, a non-pharmacological intervention, is widely endorsed in clinical guidelines but remains underutilized. Current literature presents mixed findings regarding its comparative efficacy, necessitating a meta-analysis to synthesize available evidence and guide clinical practice.