Physiotherapy or Acupuncture for Lateral Epicondylitis
Lateral Epicondylitis
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Lateral Epicondylitis focused on measuring physiotherapy, manual therapy, acupuncture, eccentric exercise
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Lateral epicondylitis LE (duration > 2 weeks)
- Unilateral localization
- Individuals with average pain of NRS 4 or higher during the last week prior to screening
- Aged between 18 and 67 years
- Written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Corticosteroid injections during the last 4 weeks
- Diseases of the central or peripheral nervous system
- Inflammatory rheumatic diseases
- Radio-ulna or radio humeral osteoarthritis
- Unwilling to participate
Sites / Locations
- Norsk Idrettsmedisinsk Institutt Ullevål
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Experimental
Active Comparator
Acupuncture and eccentric exercise
Physiotherapy and eccentric exercise
Watchful waiting and eccentric exercise
Treatment will be performed according to traditional Chinese methods (STRICTA: Standards for reporting interventions in controlled trials of acupunc-ture). Therapists will select points frequently recommended for the treatment of LE. As local point, LI11 and LI10 over the muscular origin of the lateral extensor group of the forearm will be used, and LU5 in the cubical region. LI4 and TE5 will be regional points for pain therapy in the upper limb, GB34 will be used as a distal point for treatment of tendinosis in general, and ST36 for treatment of pain. Needles will be inserted down to the musculature and obtaining De Qi sensation and will remain in situ for 20 min. All patients will receive four treatment sessions; this may be extended to eight depending on patient's pain report and the therapists' clinical evaluation. Maximum treatment period is 4 weeks. Patients will also be instructed in eccentric strength exercises for daily home training from enrolment and 12 weeks forward.
Manual techniques as gliding mobilization of elbow, therapists are spezialised in manual therapy. At least four treatment sessions will be performed, but depending on the patient's perceived intensity of pain and the therapists' clinical evaluation, a maximum of eight treatment session can be given. All treatment session will be performed during a period of maximum 4 weeks. In addition, patients will be instructed in eccentric strength exercises for daily home training from enrolment and 12 weeks forward.
Patients will be instructed in eccentric strength exercises for daily home training from enrolment and 12 weeks forward.