Rehabilitation of Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis- An Evidence Based Approach: Advances in Rehabilitation Techniques for Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract

Lateral Epicondylitis (LE) also known as Tennis Elbow is a lesion which affects the common tendinous origin of the wrist extensors because of chronic overuse injury leading to damage of the tendons of common extensors that joins the extensor muscles of the forearm to the humerus.The purpose of this evidence-based clinical statement is to review the scientific evidence for the efficacy of various rehabilitation techniques management of chronic lateral epicondylitis. It focuses on the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis and recent advances in the field of physiotherapy for the management of chronic lateral epicondylitis.As the primary physical impairment in LE is decrease is grip strength mainly because of pain and motor weakness, it is necessary to design a successful rehabilitation program which focuses on physical impairment and not only symptom.Thus, the main aim of successful management of this condition is therapeutic exercise and electrotherapy, which focuses on reducing pain at initial stage and later on improves functional outcomes. Recent advance therapeutic techniques like manipulation, sports taping have shown good evidence in the rehab of LE mainly focusing of pain reduction. Reduction of pain in early stages helps in recovery as it motivates the client to continue physical therapy. Thus, recent advancement in physical therapy with techniques like manipulation, soft tissue release are having good clinical evidence in the management of LE as well as other musculoskeletal conditions.