dc.description.abstract | Objective: In this study, the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (RESWT) on pain, grip strength, and functionality were investigated in patients with lateral epicondylitis.
Methods: The study included 30 patients who were divided into two groups: RESWT and exercise and placebo RESWT and exercise. In the RESWT and exercise group, RESWT was applied at 2000 pulses, once a week, for a total of three sessions, and in the placebo RESWT and exercise group, RESWT was applied at 20 pulses, once a week, for a total of three sessions. Patients in all groups underwent stretching and eccentric strengthening exercises. Patients were evaluated before and after undergoing the treatment and at 6 and 12 weeks after undergoing the treatment using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity during palpation and gripping, dynamometer for grip strength, and patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) for functionality.
Results: There were statistically significant differences between groups with respect to all parameters, except VAS during palpation (p<0.05). With time, there were more significant changes in VAS during palpation and gripping, grip strength, and PRTEE in the RESWT and exercise group compared with those in the placebo RESWT and exercise group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: We concluded that using RESWT combined with other conservative treatments, mostly exercise, could be more effective. | en_US |