Effect of low-intensity laser therapy and deep friction massage on tendon thickness and strength in individuals with lateral elbow pain – an ultrasonographic analysis

Yuvashree D S, Kanthanathan Subbiah, Jensy Jaison, P. Antony Leo Aseer, Chrysolyte Mohanan

Yuvashree D S, Kanthanathan Subbiah, Jensy Jaison, P. Antony Leo Aseer, Chrysolyte Mohanan – Effect of low-intensity laser therapy and deep friction massage on tendon thickness and strength in individuals with lateral elbow pain – an ultrasonographic analysis –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(1); 255-261

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG007DDGQC

Abstract
Background. Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is one of the most common lesions of the arm. Contradictory outcomes have been shown for treatment with low-intensity laser therapy (LILT). Deep transverse friction massage (DFM) is a soft tissue technique applied for its mechanical effects and its ability to break cross-links. LILT and DFM are both recommended for lateral epicondylitis, but only limited data are available on their combined effect. Hence, this study aims to determine the combined therapeutic effect.
Aim of the study. The aim of the study is to compare the combined effects of low-intensity laser therapy and deep friction massage with therapeutic ultrasound and general exercises in individuals with lateral epicondylitis.
Materials and methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 44 individuals with unilateral lateral epicondylitis. Both genders, aged 25 to 60 years, were recruited for the study after obtaining written consent. Pain severity, grip strength, tendon thickness, and disability were assessed in both groups using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), a handheld grip dynamometer, ultrasonography, and the PRTEE (Pain-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation) questionnaire. The experimental group received LILT and DFM, whereas the control group received therapeutic ultrasound and general exercises for one week.
Results. All outcomes improved in both groups following treatment (p < 0.0001). In the between-group comparison, pain severity, grip strength, regional function, and common tendon thickness improved significantly in the experimental group with a large effect size (Cohen’s d > 1).
Conclusion. Low-intensity laser therapy and deep friction massage improved pain severity, grip strength, and regional function in the short term with a large effect size in individuals with lateral epicondylitis.
Key words
deep friction massage, lateral epicondylitis, low-intensity laser therapy, tennis elbow, ultrasonography
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Evaluation of stretch shortening cycle and conventional exercise for lateral epicondylitis: A pilot study

S.M Divya Mary, Jibi Pau, Hema V. H., P. Senthil

S.M Divya Mary, Jibi Pau, Hema V. H., P. Senthil – Evaluation of stretch shortening cycle and conventional exercise for lateral epicondylitis: A pilot study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(5); 99-105

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG020CQA5B

Abstract Introduction. Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is a common musculoskeletal condition caused by repetitive strain on the elbow joint, often affecting individuals engaged in repetitive wrist and forearm motions. It leads to inflammation and microtears in the extensor tendons, resulting in pain, impaired grip strength, and difficulties in daily activities. Management typically involves conservative treatments, with therapeutic exercises playing a crucial role. Recent methods, such as stretch shortening cycle (SSC) exercises, utilize elastic energy to enhance rehabilitation outcomes. Aim. This study compares the effectiveness of SSC exercises and traditional exercise protocols in improving grip strength and functional outcomes in patients with unilateral lateral epicondylitis. It also assesses the interventions’ impact on activities of daily living using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) and a patient-specific functional scale. Methods. Conducted at the ACS Medical College and Hospital, the study involved 24 participants aged 45–65 years with unilateral lateral epicondylitis. Participants were randomly assigned to Group A (SSC exercises) or Group B (traditional exercises). Group A performed SSC exercises combining eccentric and immediate concentric phases, while Group B engaged in conventional strengthening and stretching exercises. Both groups completed a 12-week program. Assessments included grip strength (dynamometer), PRTEE scores, and a functional scale. Statistical analysis compared pre- and post-intervention results. Results. Both groups showed significant improvements in grip strength and functional outcomes, with SSC exercises yielding superior results. PRTEE scores revealed reduced pain and improved functionality, with statistically significant differences favoring SSC exercises (p < 0.05). The effect size for grip strength was small (Cohen’s d = 0.062), and the number needed to treat (NNT) was 17, suggesting modest clinical benefits. Conclusion. SSC exercises are more effective than traditional protocols in improving grip strength and functional performance in lateral epicondylitis, supporting their use in rehabilitation strategies.
Key words lateral epicondylitis, activities of daily living, stretch short cycle, traditional exercise, elbow exercises
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An attempt at using focused shockwave therapy to treat selected orthopedic diseases – a preliminary report

Andrzej Franek, Damian Kusz, Jacek Durmała, Piotr Król, Robert Wilk, Ewa Detko, Bartosz Wnuk, Paweł Dolibog, Edward Błaszczak, Patrycja Dolibog, Lidia Wiercigroch, Jakub Taradaj

Andrzej Franek, Damian Kusz, Jacek Durmała, Piotr Król, Robert Wilk, Ewa Detko, Bartosz Wnuk, Paweł Dolibog, Edward Błaszczak, Patrycja Dolibog, Lidia Wiercigroch, Jakub Taradaj – An attempt at using focused shockwave therapy to treat selected orthopedic diseases – a preliminary report. Fizjoterapia Polska 2012; 12(2); 147-158

Abstract
Background. Focused shockwaves have been successfully used in orthopaedics and physiotherapy for over twenty years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of focused shockwaves in treating patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OFH), as well as their effectiveness as a therapy for tennis elbow and symptomatic heel spurs.Material and methods. The study has covered to date 6 patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OFH) (stages I, II and III on the ARCO scale), 10 patients with tennis elbow (TE) and 6 patients with symptomatic heel spurs (HS). The patients were treated using focused shockwaves.Results. After treatment ended, pain intensity was noted to be statistically significantly lower in all groups of patients. In the OFH patients functional improvement could also be observed, as well as increased strength of wrist flexors and extensors and of finger flexors in the TE patients. The OFH and HS patients obtained better results in tests carried out on the tensometric platform. Conclusion. Focused shockwave is an effective and safe physical modality for treating early stages of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, tennis elbow and symptomatic calcaneal spurs; its main advantage is good analgesic effect right after treatment. However, the delayed effects of the therapy need to be investigated to confirm its effectiveness.
Key words:
focused shockwave, necrosis of the femoral head, tennis elbow, calcaneal spurz
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