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
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was to identify the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy on pain and function of a frozen shoulder. METHODS: Thirty patients were assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n=15) and the control group (n=15). Both groups received traditional therapy for 4 weeks, 3 days a week. The experimental group, however, received an additional high intensity laser therapy. Pain was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The functional ability was measured using the patient specific functional scale (PSFS). A paired t-test was used to determine any differences before and after the treatment, and an independent t-test was used to determine any differences between treatment groups. RESULTS: Both groups showed a statistically significant difference for VAS and PSFS score (p<0.05). In comparison between two groups, more experimental group than control group statistically significant difference (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: There seems to be a positive effect on pain and function of frozen shoulder from using high intensity laser therapy.