Fact Check: Can Potli Therapy Increase Grease in Knee Joints?
An Instagram post claims that Potli Therapy Increases Grease in Knee Joints. The claim is FALSE.
Claim
In an Instagram post claims that Potli Therapy Increases Grease in Knee Joints. In the reel by medimanch it is said, "If there is a gap between the two bones or arthritis trouble, I have brought an Ayurvedic therapy called Potli Therapy. What will this potli do? It contains vat-har herbs that will reduce your pain and at the same time improve the blood flow in the area. The potli also helps restore the natural “grease” (lubrication) that has worn away between the two bones.
But how should it be used? You have to use it with oil. This oil can be something like garlic oil, or other traditional oils such as Dhanwantri oil or Mahanarayan oil. You dip the potli into this oil, warm it up, and then apply it.
If you use it for one week, you will notice relief from knee pain within that time. Along with this, if your knee produces cracking sounds, that will also reduce, because this oil seeps into the knee and helps improve the lost lubrication."
The claim can be accessed here.
Fact Check
The claim is FALSE. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim by the user.
What is Potli Therapy?
Potli therapy is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment that involves the use of heated herbal pouches, known as potlis, which are gently massaged over the body to relieve pain, stiffness, and inflammation. These potlis are typically filled with a blend of medicinal herbs such as Nirgundi, Ashwagandha, Shallaki, or Turmeric, chosen for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The pouches are heated—often using warm oil or dry heat—and then applied to affected areas, particularly the joints, back, or muscles.
What Is the Grease in Joints?
The grease in joints refers to synovial fluid, a fluid confined within the joint space that acts as a natural lubricant for articular cartilage and serves as a nutrient source for surrounding structures such as cartilage, the meniscus, and the labrum. Synovial fluid is produced by fibroblast-like type B synovial cells as an ultrafiltrate of blood plasma and is primarily composed of hyaluronan, lubricin, proteinases, collagenases, and prostaglandins. These components help reduce friction, maintain joint mobility, and support tissue health. The volume and composition of synovial fluid can change in response to trauma, inflammation, or infection, and analysis of this fluid is critical for diagnosing joint pathologies. Thus, the term "grease" in a lay context accurately describes the lubricating function of synovial fluid in maintaining smooth and pain-free joint movement.
Can Potli Therapy Increase Grease in Knee Joints?
The claim that Potli therapy increases joint grease is unsupported by scientific evidence or medical consensus. The therapy does not increases grease in knee joints or regenerate synovial fluid or restore cartilage.
There is no scientific evidence to support the use of potli therapy for knee pain. According to the study by Vicky Duong et. al., first-line management should focus on conservative approaches, including structured exercise, patient education, and self-management strategies
Studies have explored the role of exercise in managing knee pain. A review by Allyn M. Susko et. al. provides consistent evidence that exercise is an effective intervention for alleviating knee pain.
It can be concluded that there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim.
Dr. Ponnanna K M, Consultant - Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon, SPARSH Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore in a conversation explained, "From a clinical perspective, knee pain should always be evaluated and managed through evidence-based medical approaches. The sensation of grease in the joint refers to synovial fluid, a natural lubricant that is produced and regulated by the body itself. Its quality and quantity cannot be enhanced from an external basis, and any deficit or dysfunction requires proper medical intervention. Causes of knee pain, such as osteoarthritis, cartilage degeneration, ligament injuries, or inflammatory conditions, need thorough diagnosis by an orthopedic specialist. Depending on severity, treatment options may include physiotherapy, lifestyle modifications, oral or injectable medications, viscosupplementation, or surgical procedures like arthroscopy or joint replacement. Timely diagnosis and scientifically proven interventions not only help in relieving pain but also help in preventing the deterioration of joints. It is important that patients rely on clinical guidance and avoid unproven remedies, as delays in appropriate treatment can lead to progression of disease and reduced mobility."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
There is no scientific evidence that Potli therapy can increase the natural "grease" (synovial fluid or cartilage lubrication) in the knee joints. Potli therapy does not regenerate joint fluid or reverse degenerative changes as there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim.
Hence, the claim by the user is FALSE.
