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Eapen C, Rosita R, Sohani MS, Patel VD. A systematic review of the effectiveness of wrist manipulative therapy in patients with lateral epicondylitis. J Hand Ther 2023; 36:528-535. [PMID: 36918310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. INTRODUCTION Several treatment methods treat lateral epicondylitis, but there is no consensus regarding the most effective method. Research has suggested that joint mobilizations may help recover patients with lateral epicondylitis. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To determine if wrist joint manipulations effectively improve pain, grip strength, ROM, and functional outcome in adults with lateral epicondylitis. METHODS Searches were performed in 6 databases to identify relevant clinical trials. Three reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality using the PEDro scale. Standard data were extracted and summarized. RESULTS A total of 4 studies met the inclusion criteria. A best-evidence synthesis was used to summarize the results. The included studies found effectiveness in favor of wrist manipulations given for at least 3 weeks to reduce pain in lateral epicondylitis against comparison groups comprising ultrasound, laser, friction massage, and exercises. Functional outcomes varied considerably among studies. Grip strength showed varied results, and no effect was seen on wrist ROM. CONCLUSION The evidence is convincing that wrist joint manipulations positively affect pain in the short term, compared to comparison groups in the management of lateral epicondylitis. Future high-quality studies are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Eapen
- Department of Physiotherapy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
| | - Rachel Rosita
- Department of Physiotherapy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhura S Sohani
- Department of Physiotherapy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Vivek D Patel
- Department of Physiotherapy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Samaras P, Karanasios S, Stasinopoulos D, Gioftsos G. Greek physiotherapists' contemporary knowledge and practice for lateral elbow tendinopathy: An online survey. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2022; 57:102502. [PMID: 35030537 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate physiotherapists' current knowledge and practice in the management of patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy, to explore associations between the participants' education and management preferences and to identify potential evidence-to-practice gaps by making comparisons with recent research recommendations. DESIGN An on-line cross-sectional survey. SUBJECTS Registered physiotherapists working in Greece with previous experience in the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy. RESULTS Three hundred and seventy eight responses met the inclusion criteria. Most responders (70.4%-91.5%) use pain provocation tests for the diagnosis of the condition, while a limited proportion uses patient rated outcome measures (6.9%-13%). Supervised exercise is the mainstay of rehabilitation (92.6%), followed by adjunctive research recommended treatment techniques such as manual therapy (72%) and advice (59.5%). Up to 83.6% of participants use adjunctive treatment techniques that are not recommended or without research recommendation (such as electrophysical agents, ice etc.). Physiotherapists with post-graduate education in musculoskeletal physiotherapy are almost three times more likely to choose only research recommended treatment approaches. There is a lack of consensus in an optimal exercise programme (type, volume, duration etc.) in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy. CONCLUSION Despite research recommendations a limited use of patient rated outcome measures in lateral elbow tendinopathy is recorded. Supervised exercise is the first line treatment option for most physiotherapists, although the optimal application is still unclear. A large proportion of physiotherapists apply adjunctive treatment techniques that are either ineffective or poorly researched suggesting a substantial evidence-to-practice gap. Better access to knowledge, organisational and peer-support can potentially help to bridge this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefanos Karanasios
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Greece; Laboratory of Advanced Physiotherapy (LAdPhys), Physiotherapy Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Stasinopoulos
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Greece; Laboratory of Neuromuscular & Cardiovascular Study of Motion (LANECASM), School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Greece
| | - George Gioftsos
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Greece; Laboratory of Advanced Physiotherapy (LAdPhys), Physiotherapy Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Greece
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Paley CA, Wittkopf PG, Jones G, Johnson MI. Does TENS Reduce the Intensity of Acute and Chronic Pain? A Comprehensive Appraisal of the Characteristics and Outcomes of 169 Reviews and 49 Meta-Analyses. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:1060. [PMID: 34684097 PMCID: PMC8539683 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Uncertainty about the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) to alleviate pain spans half a century. There has been no attempt to synthesise the entire body of systematic review evidence. The aim of this comprehensive review was to critically appraise the characteristics and outcomes of systematic reviews evaluating the clinical efficacy of TENS for any type of acute and chronic pain in adults. Materials and Methods: We searched electronic databases for full reports of systematic reviews of studies, overviews of systematic reviews, and hybrid reviews that evaluated the efficacy of TENS for any type of clinical pain in adults. We screened reports against eligibility criteria and extracted data related to the characteristics and outcomes of the review, including effect size estimates. We conducted a descriptive analysis of extracted data. Results: We included 169 reviews consisting of eight overviews, seven hybrid reviews and 154 systematic reviews with 49 meta-analyses. A tally of authors' conclusions found a tendency toward benefits from TENS in 69/169 reviews, no benefits in 13/169 reviews, and inconclusive evidence in 87/169 reviews. Only three meta-analyses pooled sufficient data to have confidence in the effect size estimate (i.e., pooled analysis of >500 events). Lower pain intensity was found during TENS compared with control for chronic musculoskeletal pain and labour pain, and lower analgesic consumption was found post-surgery during TENS. The appraisal revealed repeated shortcomings in RCTs that have hindered confident judgements about efficacy, resulting in stagnation of evidence. Conclusions: Our appraisal reveals examples of meta-analyses with 'sufficient data' demonstrating benefit. There were no examples of meta-analyses with 'sufficient data' demonstrating no benefit. Therefore, we recommend that TENS should be considered as a treatment option. The considerable quantity of reviews with 'insufficient data' and meaningless findings have clouded the issue of efficacy. We offer solutions to these issues going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole A. Paley
- Centre for Pain Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (C.A.P.); (P.G.W.); (G.J.)
- Research and Development Department, Airedale National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Skipton Road, Steeton, Keighley BD20 6TD, UK
| | - Priscilla G. Wittkopf
- Centre for Pain Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (C.A.P.); (P.G.W.); (G.J.)
| | - Gareth Jones
- Centre for Pain Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (C.A.P.); (P.G.W.); (G.J.)
| | - Mark I. Johnson
- Centre for Pain Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (C.A.P.); (P.G.W.); (G.J.)
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Savva C, Karagiannis C, Korakakis V, Efstathiou M. The analgesic effect of joint mobilization and manipulation in tendinopathy: a narrative review. J Man Manip Ther 2021; 29:276-287. [PMID: 33769226 PMCID: PMC8491707 DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2021.1904348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To summarize the available literature with regards to the potential analgesic effect and mechanism of joint mobilization and manipulation in tendinopathy. Results: The effect of these techniques in rotator cuff tendinopathy and lateral elbow tendinopathy, applied alone, compared to a placebo intervention or along with other interventions has been reported in some randomized controlled trials which have been scrutinized in systematic reviews. Due to the small randomized controlled trials and other methodological limitations of the evidence base, including short-term follow-ups, small sample size and lack of homogenous samples further studies are needed. Literature in other tendinopathies such as medial elbow tendinopathy, de Quervain's disease and Achilles tendinopathy is limited since the analgesic effect of these techniques has been identified in few case series and reports. Therefore, the low methodological quality renders caution in the generalization of findings in clinical practice. Studies on the analgesic mechanism of these techniques highlight the activation of the descending inhibitory pain mechanism and sympathoexcitation although this area needs further investigation. Conclusion: Study suggests that joint mobilization and manipulation may be a potential contributor in the management of tendinopathy as a pre-conditioning process prior to formal exercise loading rehabilitation or other proven effective treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Savva
- Department of Health Science, European University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Michalis Efstathiou
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation in Patients with Chronic Lateral Epicondylalgia: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094877. [PMID: 34063673 PMCID: PMC8125558 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to analyze effects of a percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM) treatment on the radial nerve, regarding pain, functionality, electrophysiologic excitability, and morphology, in patients with chronic lateral epicondylalgia (LE). METHODS Twenty-four patients with chronic unilateral elbow pain were recruited for this preliminary study and were divided into two groups: control (n = 12) and PNM group (n = 12). The subjects in the PNM group received percutaneous peripheral neurostimulation with an acupuncture needle that was located next to the nerve with ultrasound guidance. Pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS), functional ability using patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE), radial nerve cross-sectional area measured by ultrasound, and chronaxie and accommodation index (AI) measured by the strength-duration curve were evaluated. RESULTS Both groups showed no differences in the baseline measurements (all p = 0.001). However, at the end of the treatment, there were significant differences between groups since only the PNM group significantly improved their values compared to their baseline values: level of pain and cross-sectional area (CSA) values showed a significant decrease while the PRTEE scores showed a significant improvement. Then, regarding AI, the PNM group showed significant improvement for the electrophysiologic nerve excitability pattern, reporting normal function in all radial nerves after treatment (p = 0.001). However, chronaxie values always reported similar values with no differences between groups (p >0.05); Conclusion: Ultrasound-PNM technique may be an interesting therapeutic tool for the treatment of chronic LE due to the improvement in the level of pain, functionality, nerve morphology, and excitability in this population.
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Leschinger T, Tischer T, Doepfer AK, Glanzmann M, Hackl M, Lehmann L, Müller L, Reuter S, Siebenlist S, Theermann R, Wörtler K, Banerjee M. Epicondylopathia humeri radialis. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ORTHOPADIE UND UNFALLCHIRURGIE 2021; 160:329-340. [PMID: 33851405 DOI: 10.1055/a-1340-0931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lateral epicondylitis is a common orthopaedic condition often massively restricting the quality of life of the affected patients. There are a wide variety of treatment options - with varying levels of evidence. METHOD The following statements and recommendations are based on the current German S2k guideline Epicondylopathia radialis humeri (AWMF registry number: 033 - 2019). All major German specialist societies participated in this guideline, which is based on a systematic review of the literature and a structured consensus-building process. OUTCOMES Lateral epicondylitis should be diagnosed clinically and can be confirmed by imaging modalities. The Guidelines Commission issues recommendations on clinical and radiological diagnostic workup. The clinical condition results from the accumulated effect of mechanical overload, neurologic irritation and metabolic changes. Differentiating between acute and chronic disorder is helpful. Prognosis of non-surgical regimens is favourable in most cases. Most cases spontaneously resolve within 12 months. In case of unsuccessful attempted non-surgical management for at least six months, surgery may be considered as an alternative, if there is a corresponding structural morphology and clinical manifestation. At present, it is not possible to recommend a specific surgical procedure. CONCLUSION This paper provides a summary of the guideline with extracts of the recommendations and statements of its authors regarding the pathogenesis, prevention, diagnostic workup as well as non-surgical and surgical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Leschinger
- Division of Trauma, Hand and Elbow Surgery, Cologne University Medical Centre, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Tischer
- Rostock University Medical Centre, Department of Orthopaedics, Rostock, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Hackl
- Division of Trauma, Hand and Elbow Surgery, Cologne University Medical Centre, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lars Lehmann
- Department of Trauma and Hand Surgery, ViDia Christliche Kliniken Karlsruhe, St. Vincentius-Kliniken, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Lars Müller
- Division of Trauma, Hand and Elbow Surgery, Cologne University Medical Centre, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sven Reuter
- SRH Hochschule für Gesundheit, Campus Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sebastian Siebenlist
- Department of Sports Orthopaedics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf Theermann
- Joint Surgery, HELIOS ENDO-Klinik Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Wörtler
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Banerjee
- Mediapark Klinik, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Witten/Herdecke University, Campus Cologne-Merheim, Cologne, Germany
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Karanasios S, Korakakis V, Whiteley R, Vasilogeorgis I, Woodbridge S, Gioftsos G. Exercise interventions in lateral elbow tendinopathy have better outcomes than passive interventions, but the effects are small: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 2123 subjects in 30 trials. Br J Sports Med 2020; 55:477-485. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of exercise compared with other conservative interventions in the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) on pain and function.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsWe used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess risk of bias and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to grade the certainty of evidence. Self-perceived improvement, pain intensity, pain-free grip strength (PFGS) and elbow disability were used as primary outcome measures.Eligibility criteriaRCTs assessing the effectiveness of exercise alone or as an additive intervention compared with passive interventions, wait-and-see or injections in patients with LET.Results30 RCTs (2123 participants, 5 comparator interventions) were identified. Exercise outperformed (low certainty) corticosteroid injections in all outcomes at all time points except short-term pain reduction. Clinically significant differences were found in PFGS at short-term (mean difference (MD): 12.15, (95% CI) 1.69 to 22.6), mid-term (MD: 22.45, 95% CI 3.63 to 41.3) and long-term follow-up (MD: 18, 95% CI 11.17 to 24.84). Statistically significant differences (very low certainty) for exercise compared with wait-and-see were found only in self-perceived improvement at short-term, pain reduction and elbow disability at short-term and long-term follow-up. Substantial heterogeneity in descriptions of equipment, load, duration and frequency of exercise programmes were evident.ConclusionsLow and very low certainty evidence suggests exercise is effective compared with passive interventions with or without invasive treatment in LET, but the effect is small.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018082703.
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Grant ME, Steffen K, Palmer D. The usage of multidisciplinary physical therapies at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Summer Games: an observational study. Braz J Phys Ther 2020; 25:262-270. [PMID: 32576442 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This observational research study analyses the uptake of physical therapies treatments in the Polyclinic during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. OBJECTIVE To describe the usage of physical therapies services - physical therapy, osteopath, chiropractic, and sports massage - by athletes and non-athletes and across different sports. METHODS The multidisciplinary team of physical therapies recorded treatment modalities, information on provider discipline and reason for attendance, in an Electronic Medical Record system throughout the 32 days of operation of the Olympic Polyclinic. Cold-therapy total immersion ice baths (TIIB) were provided as part of the services, but were reported and analysed separately. RESULTS There were 4993 encounters (4038 athletes, 955 non-athlete encounters). 1395 athletes (12.4% of all athletes) and 393 non-athletes sought treatment. For all four provider disciplines, in addition to TIIB, the primary reason for athlete attendance was for recovery (52% of all encounters), followed by injury treatment (30%), and maintenance (16%). Athletes reported "injury" as the main reason for physical therapy (92% of all encounters, 2.8 encounters per athlete), chiropractic (94%, 1.9) and osteopathy (91%, 1.8) visits. Almost all TIIB visits were used for recovery (98% of all TIIB encounters; 2.1 encounters per athlete). Athletes from handball (37% of all handball athletes), followed by judo (22%), and athletics (21%), presented the largest user groups. CONCLUSION This Olympic Polyclinic study evaluates the physical therapies' activity, and athlete's reason for use of the multidisciplinary physical therapies team, including total immersion ice bath provision. These results emphasise the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Elaine Grant
- Institute of Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; IOC Medical and Scientific Commission (Games Group), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Kathrin Steffen
- Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Debbie Palmer
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Division of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics and Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Girgis B, Duarte JA. Efficacy of physical therapy interventions for chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy: a systematic review. PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/10833196.2019.1695355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Beshoy Girgis
- CIAFEL, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Lenoir H, Mares O, Carlier Y. Management of lateral epicondylitis. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res 2019; 105:S241-S246. [PMID: 31543413 DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Lateral epicondylitis is the most common cause of lateral elbow pain. Although also known as tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis often develops as a work-related condition and therefore constitutes a major public health issue. This article reviews the pathophysiological factors involved in lateral epicondylitis, as well as the tools available for establishing the diagnosis and ruling out other causes of lateral elbow pain. Finally, the non-operative and surgical treatment options are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Lenoir
- Chirurgie de l'épaule, du coude et de la main, Centre Ostéo-articulaires des Cèdres, Parc Sud Galaxie, 5, rue des tropiques, 38130 Echirolles, France
| | - Olivier Mares
- Centre hospitalier universitaire Nîmes-Caremeau, place du professeur Robert-Debré, 30029 Nîmes, France
| | - Yacine Carlier
- Centre de l'Arthrose, Clinique du sport Bordeaux-Mérignac, 2, rue George-Négrevergne, 33700 Mérignac, France.
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Celik D, Anaforoglu Kulunkoglu B. Photobiomodulation Therapy Versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis. PHOTOBIOMODULATION PHOTOMEDICINE AND LASER SURGERY 2019; 37:269-275. [DOI: 10.1089/photob.2018.4533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Derya Celik
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bahar Anaforoglu Kulunkoglu
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
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Aydın A, Atiç R. Comparison of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy and wrist-extensor splint application in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a prospective randomized controlled study. J Pain Res 2018; 11:1459-1467. [PMID: 30122976 PMCID: PMC6080668 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s166679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) and wrist-extensor splints (WESs) are two commonly used methods in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. In this study, the efficacy of these two methods was compared. Methods The study was planned as a prospective randomized controlled study. A total of 67 patients were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 received ESWT (32 patients) and group 2 received WES (35 patients). Patients in group 1 underwent four sessions of ESWT once every week. In each session, an ESWT device at 10–12 Hz, 2,000 pulses, and 1.6–1.8 bar pressure was used. Patients in group 2 used a wrist splint, holding the wrist at 30°–45° extension for 4 weeks. Patients were assessed for handgrip strength, pain at rest, pain while working, and quality of life. Data were collected before and after treatment (at weeks 4, 12, and 24). A visual analog scale was used to evaluate pain at rest and while working, a hand dynamometer for handgrip strength, subscales of the SF36 Health Survey to evaluate quality of life, and the Turkish version of the patient-rated tennis-elbow evaluation was used to evaluate functioning of the affected arm during various daily life activities. Results In both ESWT and WES groups, although there were considerably significant improvements (P<0.001) in the parameters evaluated (pain at rest and while working, handgrip strength, Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation, Nirschl score, and SF36 subscales) were observed at 4, 12, and 24 weeks compared to pretreatment values, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of our evaluation parameters at the three time points (P>0.05). Conclusion Both ESWT and WES applications were found to yield significantly superior results when compared to pretreatment values. In comparison of the two groups, on the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkadir Aydın
- Prosthetics and Orthotics Department, Dicle University Medical School, Diyarbakir, Turkey,
| | - Ramazan Atiç
- Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Dicle University Medical School, Diyarbakır, Turkey
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