The case for nonpharmacologic therapy of osteoarthritis.

This paper reviews the most commonly used nonpharmaceutical treatments for osteoarthritis, summarizing the available evidence. Four general areas are reviewed: aids and appliances, exercise and physiotherapy, education and behavioral change, and alternative and complementary therapies. The results of this review indicate that the use of nonpharmaceutical interventions in osteoarthritis is essential for good management of the disease. However, further research is required to improve the evidence base of the use of nonpharmacologic interventions in and the overall management of osteoarthritis.