Industry News for Performance Health

Topical Pain Reliever Significantly Reduces Pain During Functional Activities in Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

Study compared the ability to complete functional tasks and knee pain among patients with knee OA after topical application of either Biofreeze^® Pain Reliever or an inert placebo gel.

Researchers in Louisville, Kentucky recently studied the effects of Biofreeze^® Pain Reliever on patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and found the decline in pain during functional tasks to be clinically significant. OA is a common health problem with symptoms including reduced functioning and joint pain. Prolonged pharmacological management of knee OA is associated with side effects including gastrointestinal, renal and neurological dysfunction. The results of the study were published in September ahead of print in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy.

The purpose of this study, led by Dr. Robert Topp, was to evaluate the ability to complete functional tasks among patients with knee OA pain after a topical application of either 3.5% menthol gel (Biofreeze Pain Reliever) or an inert placebo gel. Dr. Topp had previously published studies on the mechanisms of Biofreeze® topical analgesic, as well as exercise interventions using Thera-Band resistance products in knee osteoarthritis patients.

Twenty knee arthritis patients performed five functional tasks after applying Biofreeze Pain Reliever or a placebo gel on separate days. The researchers recorded changes in performance and pain with each functional task in both conditions. The subjects performed the following functional tasks: six minute walk, timed get up and go, 30-second timed chair stand, and time to ascend and descend a flight of stairs.

Biofreeze Pain Reliever significantly decreased pain in four of five functional tasks, whereas the placebo did not reduce pain in any of the functional tasks. Also, applying Biofreeze to the arthritic knee resulted in improved performance in three out of five functional tasks, whereas the placebo improved only one of the five functional tasks. Statistically, there were no significant differences between the Biofreeze and placebo in pain or performance; however, according to the researchers, “The declines in pain during the functional tasks appear to be clinically significant ranging from 27% to 37% decline in pain following the application (of Biofreeze).”

Menthol, the active ingredient in Biofreeze, is thought to reduce pain through biochemical mechanisms by stimulating cold receptors. The study’s authors concluded, “Using topical menthol to compliment standard pharmacological treatment of knee OA may contribute to enhanced pain relief and improve functional ability, particularly during pain-evoking activities.”

About the Academy

The Thera-Band^® Academy was formed to scientifically document the benefits of resistance exercise and pain relief, guide the company in its development of new products and exercise programs, and to promote therapeutic exercise and pain management through professional and consumer education. The Academy web site is a unique resource that connects healthcare professionals and consumers to the ever growing body of knowledge on exercise. Registration is free and provides access to the largest database of rehab exercises, protocols, research and education in the world.

About Performance Health

Featuring leading brands like Thera-Band^®, Biofreeze^® and Pedigenix^®, Performance Health offers a broad portfolio of products for the therapy, rehabilitation, wellness, massage, podiatric and performance markets. In addition to market-leading products, Performance Health provides practice building support, evidence-based protocols, clinical and product education, turn-key dispensing and pain management solutions.

REFERENCE: Topp R, Brosky JA Jr, Pieschel D. The Effect of Either Topical Menthol or a Placebo on Functioning and Knee Pain Among Patients With Knee OA. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2012 Sep 12. [Epub ahead of print]

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