Richa Thakre

How effective are physical therapy interventions in tennis elbow?

Started Apr. 14, 2022

Abstract or project description

Lateral Epicondylitis, or more commonly known as Tennis Elbow, has an annual incidence of about 1-3% in the United States. Men and women are affected equally, with the injury being most prevalent in individuals above the age of 40. Patients describe pain and tenderness around the lateral epicondyle: the bony prominence on the lateral side of the elbow. This condition is prominent in 40-50% of tennis players and in 7.4% of industrial workers. Lateral Epicondylitis is caused by excessive strain to the forearm muscle and primarily the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) extensor. Contractile overloads that repeatedly stress the ECRB tendon are the primary cause of this injury; repeated motions such as extensive computer use, heavy lifting, forceful forearm supination and pronation, and repetitive vibrations. Tennis elbow is commonly caused by forceful wrist extension, wrist flexion, as well as reptitive gripping, which causes an tendinopathy injury - an overuse injury that causes tiny tears in the muscles that leads to a failed healing response. As of right now, there is no standardized treatment protocol for nonoperative treatments. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review current physical therapy treatments, as well as their effectiveness. Current physical therapy treatments for tennis elbow include home exercises like strengthening and stretching, nerve gliding exercises, manual stretching, shockwave therapy, ultrasonic therapy, electrical stimulation and TENS (transcutaneal electrical neuromuscular stimulation), peloid therapy, kinesiology taping, and stabilization along with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate). Each treatment plan will be reviewed, explaining its advantages, disadvantages, and overall effectiveness.