The study examines if the application of sea mud compresses from Missolonghi sea lagoon can be used as an alternative treatment for the symptoms of neck, shoulder, arm, back, hip and knee osteoarthritis. The patients (n=240) were contacted on Ag. Triada beach, Missolonghi and got assigned to six different groups according to their osteoarthritic joint. An initial evaluation was performed using the appropriate questionnaires for pain, functionality of the joint and estimation of the general health status of the patient. After the completion of treatment the patients filled the same questionnaires at the end of each subsequent month and for a period of four months. The treatment the patients were following was application of a thin layer of sea mud (<3 mm) covering the joint in a uniform way and exposure to the sunlight for 30 minutes taking care that all parts of the joint received the same amount of sunlight. At the end of the thirty minute period the patients washed off the mud at the sea. They repeated the same procedure for fifteen consecutive days. Result analysis showed that there was significant reduction of pain; Neck (P=0.037), Shoulder (P=0.003), Back (P=0.001), Arm (P=0.001), Hip (P=0.004), Knee (P =0.004), improvement of joint functionality; Neck (P =0.001), Shoulder (P=0.006), Back (P=0.001), Arm (P =0.004), Hip (P=0.039), Knee (P=0.001), as well as in general health status of the patients; Neck (P=0.001), Shoulder (P=0.001), Back (P=0.003), Arm (P=0.001), Hip (P=0.016), Knee (P=0.001). In conclusion, the application of sea mud compresses from Mesolonghi sea lagoon can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis.
The efficacy of sea mud compresses from missolonghi lagoon as a treatment for osteoarthritis symptoms on neck, shoulder, arm, lower back, hip and knee joints. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283756066_The_efficacy_of_sea_mud_compresses_from_missolonghi_lagoon_as_a_treatment_for_osteoarthritis_symptoms_on_neck_shoulder_arm_lower_back_hip_and_knee_joints [accessed Jan 20, 2016].