Lateral epicondylalgia: a musculoskeletal physiotherapy perspective

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia) presents a significant treatment challenge due to limited evidence supporting various interventions.
• A key physical impairment in lateral epicondylalgia is reduced grip strength, often stemming from pain and its impact on motor function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of addressing physical impairments in lateral epicondylalgia rehabilitation.
• To emphasize the role of therapeutic exercise as the primary treatment modality.
• To explore adjunctive therapies for initial pain relief and enhanced patient motivation.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination to identify physical impairments.
• Implementation of therapeutic exercise programs designed to be non-pain-provoking.
• Application of adjunctive procedures including manipulative therapy and sports taping.

Main Results:

• Grip strength deficit is a primary impairment in lateral epicondylalgia.
• Adjunctive therapies (manipulative therapy, taping) offer substantial initial pain relief.
• Early pain reduction facilitates adherence to therapeutic exercise.

Conclusions:

• Successful lateral epicondylalgia management requires addressing specific physical impairments.
• Therapeutic exercise is the cornerstone of rehabilitation, ideally complemented by pain-relieving adjunctive treatments.
• Manipulative therapy and taping techniques are valuable additions to clinical practice for lateral epicondylalgia, potentially serving as models for other musculoskeletal conditions.