EFFECTS OF DEEP FRICTION MASSAGE ON TENDINITIS (LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS) IN COMPARISON TO ULTRASOUND THERAPY

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of deep friction massage and ultrasound therapy in
subjects with tennis elbow in terms of pain, grip strength and functional
activities.
STUDY DESIGN
Randomized Control Trial.
STUDY SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS
Study was conducted in Physiotherapy OPD of a tertiary care hospital. A
sample of 50 patients were inducted in the study. Sample size calculated
through open Epi calculator.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Patients with the diagnosed lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow) presenting to
out Patient department of two tertiary care hospitals has been enrolled for
study after written informed consent. Subjects were randomly allocated into
two groups i.e. group A and group B. Group A = DFM + exercise, Group B =
U/S + exercise.
RESULTS
Total 50 patients were randomized and divided into two groups. Group A: the
mean pain score on VAS before treatment was 5.88±1.130 and after
treatment 1.80±1.041 p-value=0.006. Group B: the mean pain score on VAS
before treatment was 6.56±1.446 and after treatment was 2.72±1.208
p-value=0.006. Group A: the mean grip strength score was 13.92±2.691 and
in after treatment was 19.60±5.454 p-value=0.342. Group B: the mean grip
strength was 15.12±2.505 and after treatment was 20.92±4.183p-value=0.342.
CONCLUSION
The present study showed no statistical difference in using deep frictional
massage therapy in relieving pain, improving grip strength and functional
performance in subject with tennis elbow.

KEY WORDS
Tennis Elbow, Lateral Epicondylitis, Deep Friction Massage, Hand Held Dynamometer,
Ultrasound Therapy, Grip Strength.