Key Takeaway
ESWT significantly outperformed ultrasound therapy for pain reduction at 1, 3, and 6 months, and grip strength improvement at 3 months in tennis elbow patients.
Summary
This randomized controlled trial compared extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), ultrasound therapy, and deep friction massage for treating lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
ESWT demonstrated superior outcomes for both pain reduction and functional improvement compared to ultrasound, with benefits persisting through 6-month follow-up.
Methods
- Randomized controlled trial
- 90 patients with lateral epicondylitis
- Three treatment arms: ESWT, ultrasound, deep friction massage
- 6-month follow-up period
- Pain and grip strength outcomes
Key Results
- ESWT superior for pain at 1, 3, and 6 months (p<0.05)
- Significantly better grip strength at 3 months
- ESWT outperformed ultrasound therapy
- Sustained benefits over follow-up
Figures
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Limitations
- Single condition (lateral epicondylitis)
- May not generalize to other tendinopathies
- Specific protocol parameters