Comparison and Short Term Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Kinesiotaping in Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract

Introduction: To compare the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and kinesiotaping, performed as the first-step treatments added to physiotherapy, on pain, functionality, and quality of life among newly diagnosed lateral epicondylitis patients.Patients and Methods: Our study was retrospectively performed. The medical records of 62 patients whose treatment was designed for clinically-diagnosed unilateral lateral epicondylitis were reviewed, they were categorized into two groups each containing 31 patients. The demographic properties, profession, body mass index, dominant hand, symptom duration, and the side of the affected elbow were recorded. Patients were assessed twice; prior to treatment onset and at 1st month after the treatment. Pain intensity was recorded with Visual Analog Scale at rest, at night, during activity (repeated elbow motions). Patients completed quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire for a functional evaluation. Quality of life was assessed by Short Form-36.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics. When the patients were evaluated at the fourth week after the treatment; the visual analogue scale showing pain severity at rest, at night and during activity, the Q-DASH, and all sub-parameters of Short Form 36 was found significantly difference. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of evaluation parameters. Conclusions:We reported that treatment effect of kinesiotaping to lateral epicondylitis is similar to that of ESWT. Both treatments significantly improved pain score, functional status and patient satisfaction.