ABSTRACT
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a common and often extremely painful musculoskeletal condition. Several non-operative interventions with varying success rates have been described. Systematic reviews suggest that there is no clear and effective cure for pain symptoms in the first six weeks of treatment. There is a strong need for an intervention which is appropriate for patients and ensures effective short-term pain relief without increasing the risk of recurrence. The electrical stimulation using galvanic current is seen to be safe and effective in reducing pain, improving grip strength and promoting functional activities in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.METHODSFifteen patients with lateral epicondylitis were selected. Electrical stimulation using galvanic current was applied for a period of 30 seconds at each point 3 times for 10 days. Pain, pain-free grip strength and functional status were measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), hand dynamometer and Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS). Measurements were taken before and after treatment. Data was subjected to statistical analysis.RESULTSMean improvement was observed for pain (NPRS), pain free grip strength and functional status (PSFS) (5.8±0.9, P=0.001), (32.6±2.6, P=0.001) and (5.2±1.7, P=0.001) respectively.CONCLUSIONSApplication of electrical stimulation using galvanic current was effective in reducing pain, improving grip strength and functional status in patients with lateral epicondylitis