IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Dr. Rafat Kamal; Dr Sushmita Kushwaha; Dr. Deepak Joshi

Volume : VIII, Issue : VIII, August - 2019

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY AND PHYSICAL THERAPY IN LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS

Dr. Rafat Kamal, Dr Sushmita Kushwaha, Dr. Deepak Joshi

Abstract :

Introduction: Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow is one of the most common tendinopathy of the upper limb. Electrotherapy, commonly Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is used in treatment of tennis elbow. Aim: To compare the therapeutic effects of ESWT with physical therapy in patients of lateral epicondylitis. Design: Prospective, randomised (single blind) clinical trial. Methods: 60 patients were randomised into 2 groups of 30 each. Group A patients were treated with ESWT along with physical therapy, while group B patients treated with physical therapy alone. ESWT was given 3 times per week for 3 weeks. Follow up was taken at 3, 6 and 12 weeks following completion of therapy with Visual analogue scale (VAS) and MAYO elbow score. Results: Decreased intensity of pain and improvement in function was seen in both the groups. Mean VAS scores were significantly better in patient treated with ESWT as compared to physical therapy at 3,6 and 12weeks (p<0.0001) follow up. Meanwhile MAYO score were also statistically significant in ESWT group at each follow up (p<0.0001) compared to patients treated with physical therapy. Conclusion: ESWT in patients of lateral epicondylitis was found to be more effective than physical therapy