부산대학교 도서관

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent progressive degenerative musculoskeletal condition. The estimated prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is approximately 10% in adult men and 13% in women. The utilisation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as hydrotherapy, mud therapy, aromatherapy, massage and acupuncture, has increased for managing KOA. A growing body of evidence suggests that aromatherapy can effectively reduce pain and improve functional disabilities in OA patients. This case series presents the short-term outcomes of three KOA patients who underwent a local application of tea tree oil (TTO) (Melaleuca alternifolia) mixed with coconut oil. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scale and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the impact of the TTO intervention. The results indicate that patients reported reduced pain and improved ability to perform daily activities following the application of TTO. These promising results justify the need for further research to better understand the effects of TTO application in patients with KOA.