Abstract
Few studies have considered the effects of percutaneous electrolysis (PE) in the treatment of lateral epicondylalgia (LE). For this reason, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of PE with an evidence-based approach—trigger point dry needling (TDN)—in patients with LE. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in which 32 participants with LE were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, the PE group (n = 16) and the TDN group (n = 16). Both groups received four therapy sessions and an eccentric exercise program to be performed daily. The numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), pressure pain thresholds (PPT), quality of life, and range of motion were measured before treatment, at the end of treatment, and at one- and three-month follow-ups. Significant between-group mean differences were found after treatment for NPRS (p < 0.001) and flexion movement (p = 0.006). At one-month follow-up, significant mean differences between groups were found for NPRS (p < 0.001), PPT (p = 0.021), and flexion (p = 0.036). At three-months follow-up, significant mean differences between groups were found for NPRS (p < 0.001), PPT (p = 0.004), and flexion (p = 0.003). This study provides evidence that PE could be more effective than TDN for short- and medium-term improvement of pain and PPTs in LE when added to an eccentric exercise program.
Highlights
Lateral epicondylalgia (LE) is defined as a musculoskeletal pathology with pain in the lateral area of the elbow, pain on extension of the wrist, and reduced grip strength [1]
Thirty-two subjects participated in the study and were randomly included in one of two treatment groups: 16 participants were included in the percutaneous electrolysis group (PE), and the remaining 16 patients were included in the trigger point dry needling (TDN) group (Figure 3), who were treated with dry needle puncture for four weeks in the epicondylar musculature
Considering a 25% improvement in the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) scale after three months of treatment as clinical success, this was 100% for the group treated with percutaneous electrolysis (16 patients) and 75% (12 patients) for the TDN group
Summary
Lateral epicondylalgia (LE) is defined as a musculoskeletal pathology with pain in the lateral area of the elbow, pain on extension of the wrist, and reduced grip strength [1]. It is most prevalent among individuals aged 35–50 years and affects approximately 1 to 3% of the general population [1,2,3]. Forty percent of the population may be affected by this condition at some point in their lives [3], and the risk is the same in both sexes [4] This pathology is related to repetitive movements of the elbow, forearm, and wrist, and is usually derived from sports activity and activity in the workplace, with particular prominence in industrial professions [5]. Physical examination should not be limited to the elbow area and should include specific tests, such as the Thompson maneuver, Mill’s test, Chair test, Bowden test, and Cozen’s test [7]
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