Shockwave Therapy: An Effective Treatment for Lateral Epicondylitis
Title: Lateral epicondylitis: This is still a main indication for extracorporeal shockwave therapy
Authors: S Thiele, R Thiele, L Gerdesmeyer
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is an effective treatment option for lateral epicondylitis, according to a recent review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a painful condition that affects the outer part of the elbow and can be caused by repetitive use of the arm and wrist.
While ESWT has been used to treat various tendinopathies with good results, the use of ESWT for lateral epicondylitis has shown conflicting results in the past. The review aimed to analyze the reasons for this conflicting data and to highlight why ESWT is still a main indication for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.
The review analyzed published RCTs on ESWT for lateral epicondylitis and found that the conflicting results could be due to variations in treatment protocols, patient selection, and outcome measures. However, despite these variations, the review concluded that ESWT is still an effective treatment option for lateral epicondylitis.
ESWT works by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing pain and inflammation. It is a non-invasive and well-tolerated therapy that can provide long-lasting relief from pain and improve the patient’s quality of life. ESWT is also cost-effective and can reduce the need for more invasive treatments such as surgery.
In conclusion, ESWT is a main indication for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis, despite the conflicting results of previous studies. The therapy is safe, effective, and can provide long-lasting relief from pain and improve hand function. Further research is needed to optimize the use of ESWT for lateral epicondylitis and to better understand its mechanisms of action.