Background. The aim of our research was to evaluate and compare the analgesic effectiveness of thermal therapy in conjunction with magnetotherapy and active exercises without weight load to improve the functional efficiency of the knee joint with degenerative changes. Material and methods. The level of pain, range of movement, and strength of muscle groups in the knee joint were tested before and after rehabilitation in 48 patients, divided randomly into two groups of 24 people. Results. In both groups there was a reduction in the average level of reported pain, and in the flexion deficit in the knee joint. No changes were noted in the increase of average muscle strength in the flexors and extensors of the knee. Conclusions. In respect to analgesic action and improvement of function in a knee with degnerative changes, a rehabilitation program that includes local cryotherapy proved to be more effective that a program using Sollux lamp irradiation.