Physiotherapy approach for treating lateral epicondilalgia

Urbančič, Špela (author), Vauhnik, Renata (author)

Lateral epicondylitis, a tendinopathy affecting forearm extensor muscles, results from overuse and commonly manifests as pain over the lateral humeral epicondyle. The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) is implicated, particularly during forceful gripping. The condition is prevalent in the 35-45 age group and it affects 1-3% of the population, with symptoms lasting two years and reoccurring after asymptomatic periods. Considering the economic impact of lateral epicondylalgia-related sick leave, therapeutic focus must emphasize long-term as well as short-term efficacy. Treatment approaches include drugs, rest, physiotherapy and surgery. Platelet-rich plasma proves highly effective, reducing pain and work absenteeism. Severe cases may require surgical approach, with studies questioning the benefits of surgery over a placebo. Pain management involves shockwave therapy, ultrasound, friction massage, eccentric exercises, stretching, and orthoses. Shockwave therapy stands out for its rapid pain relief and long-term efficacy. The combination of exercises and kinesiotaping is effective, while high-intensity laser therapy has limited evidence. Functionality improves with manual therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Orthoses may negatively impact hand function. Grip strength correlates closely with functionality, with therapeutic exercise and manual therapy showing significant long-term results.

• Language: English
• Keywords: lateral epicondylalgia, tendinopathy, rehabilitation, physiotherapy approach
• Work type: Scientific work
• Typology: 1.06 - Published Scientific Conference Contribution (invited lecture)
• Organization: ZF - Faculty of Health Sciences
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2024
• Number of pages: Str. 29-33
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-154966
• UDC: 615.82/.84
• DOI: 10.55295/PSL.2024.I5
• COBISS.SI-ID: 188492547
• Publication date in RUL: 12.03.2024

Record is a part of a monograph

• Title: Socratic Lectures : 10th international symposium, Ljubljana, 9. December 2023
• Editors: Veronika Kralj-Iglič, Yelena Istileulova, Anna Romolo
• Place of publishing: Ljubljana
• Publisher: University of Ljubljana Press
• Year: 2024
• ISBN: 978-961-297-266-0
• COBISS.SI-ID: 186758147

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.