IMPACT OF THE HOLD-RELAX STRETCHING METHOD ON PAIN AND JOINT MOBILITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: CASE REPORT

Review Article

SALT Journal of Scientific Research in Healthcare, Volume 6, Issue 1, Page 3-c, Published on 28th March 2026, https://doi.org/10.56735/saltjsrh.ms26060103c

ABSTRACT

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a long-term degenerative disorder characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, which significantly affects daily activities and overall quality of life. Physiotherapy interventions, including manual therapy techniques such as mobilization and stretching, play an essential role in managing OA symptoms. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the hold–relax technique in reducing pain and improving range of motion (ROM) among individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with knee OA, aged 40 years and above, and experiencing pain along with functional limitations were included. Relevant literature from the past decade was reviewed using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. The review specifically focused on studies examining the use of hold–relax techniques in knee OA management. Data related to pain reduction, ROM enhancement, and functional improvement were analyzed. Results: The findings indicated that the hold–relax technique significantly reduced pain levels and improved joint mobility in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Conclusion: The reviewed evidence suggests that the hold–relax method is effective in enhancing functional performance and alleviating symptoms in knee OA patients. However, further large-scale studies are recommended to validate these results and refine clinical treatment protocols.

Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis, Hold–relax technique, Pain reduction, Range of motion, Physiotherapy intervention.