Efficacy of Cyriax Physiotherapy Versus Eccentric Strengthening and Stretching Exercises in Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis Patients

Abstract

Background: Lateral Epicondylitis is the most common lesion of the elbow, affecting the tendinous origin of the wrist extensors. Although conservative treatment of this condition has been the subject of numerous studies, there is no agreement as to the most effective management strategy. Therefore, this study was designed to compare the efficacy of Cyriax physiotherapy Versus Eccentric Strengthening and Stretching exercises in reducing the pain and improving the grip strength and functional status of the affected extremity in chronic lateral epicondylitis.Method: An experimental study design, 60 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for the study and were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A (N=30) received Cyriax Physiotherapy and Group B(N=30) received Eccentric strengthening and static stretching of Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis. Low Level Laser Therapy was a common treatment for both the groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, assessment was performed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Hand Held Dynamometer (HHD) and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire (PRTEE) at 0 week and at the end of 4 weeks.Results: Data analysis revealed that there is no statistically significant difference between the groups in VAS, HHD and PRTEE scores i.e. average improvement post treatment in both the groups are equal, but within group comparisons showed significant improvements in both the groups. Conclusion: The efficacy of Cyriax Physiotherapy is equal to Eccentric Strengthening and StretchingExercises in chronic lateral epicondylitis.

Effects of Mulligan and Cyriax Approach in Patients With Subacute Lateral Epicondylitis

“…Sample size was sixty n=60 and they found that Cyriax treatment was significantly effective in improving pain and hand grip strength. 26 This study is similar to current study in treatment duration, measuring tools and in results. Bill Vicenzino et al find out the efficacy of Mulligan's MWM in pain relief and to correct positional fault not only in tennis elbow but also in all other musculoskeletal disorders.…”

“…25 Two studies from past literature also showed improvement in pain by Cyriax approach and mulligan approach. 26,27 One study was conducted by Madhusmita Koch and his colleagues to find out the effectiveness of Cyriax and eccentric strengthening and stretching exercises. Sample size was sixty n=60 and they found that Cyriax treatment was significantly effective in improving pain and hand grip strength.…”