In:
Physikalische Medizin, Rehabilitationsmedizin, Kurortmedizin, Georg Thieme Verlag KG, Vol. 33, No. 02 ( 2023-04), p. 79-86
Abstract:
Background Epicondylopathia humeri radialis is often diagnosed by general
practitioners. Usually, the therapy comprises transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation using a forearm brace. Manual therapy, performed by specialised
physiotherapists, is prescribed before transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and forearm brace use. However, studies comparing the effectiveness
of all methods are scarce. Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of manual therapy,
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and forearm brace use, as well as the combination of all three. Methods Fifty-two patients diagnosed with epicondylopathia humeri radialis
were randomised into three treatment arms: a comb ination of manual therapy,
transcutaneous nerve stimulation, and forearm brace use (n=19); manual therapy only (n=18); and a combination of forearm brace use and
transcutaneous nerve stimulation (n=15). All measurements and therapies, excluding manual therapy, were performed at the first author’s practice
premises. The primary outcomes included range of motion and pain intensity; the secondary outcomes were elbow function and psychological well-being. Primary and
secondary outcomes were measured before and at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment using the Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire and the Short Form
Health Survey Questionnaire. Results The range of motion and pain intensity did not differ among the
groups. Conclusion Manual therapy alone was as effective as the combination of
transcutaneous nerve stimulation and forearm brace use for epicondylopathia humeri radialis. Our findings support the inclusion of manual therapy as a
stand-alone therapy option in the guidelines for treating patients with epicondylopathia humeri radialis.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0940-6689
,
1439-085X
Language:
English
Publisher:
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2072467-6
SSG:
31
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