The forgotten radial nerve: A conceptual framework for treatment of lateral elbow pain.
Alison Taylor, Aviva L Wolff
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34193382Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID07385677
Comparing the Effectiveness of the 'Think in Nerve Length and Layers' (TINLL) Approach to Traditional Treatment for Patients With Lateral Elbow Pain
Led by University of Vermont · Updated on 2026-02-04
68
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Lateral elbow pain, often referred to as lateral elbow tendinopathy or tennis elbow, can greatly limit daily activities. This research compares two treatment approaches to see which might better help people with this condition. The study involves adults referred for lateral elbow pain and evaluates if the "Think in Nerve Length and Layers" (TINLL) method is more effective than traditional therapy techniques. Participants are assigned to one of two groups based on their previous treatments: a traditional treatment group or a TINLL group. The traditional group receives weekly treatments for 4 to 6 weeks, including wrist extensor stretching and strengthening, soft tissue work, joint mobilization, taping, ergonomic advice, electrical nerve stimulation, and wrist splinting. The TINLL group has treatments every 1 to 2 weeks over 4 to 6 weeks, focusing on joint and tendon mobilization, elastic taping of muscles and nerves, stretching and strengthening of elbow and upper arm muscles, and ergonomic strategies. After one month, participants may choose to switch groups if they wish. Participants undergo assessments before treatment, at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and at the end of treatment. These include pain rating scales, grip strength tests, pinch strength tests, and functional surveys common for elbow pain. Six months after treatment, follow-up calls assess pain, function, and use of taping or home exercises. The study monitors changes over time to understand how each treatment impacts pain and function in lateral elbow tendinopathy.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Comparing the Effectiveness of the 'Think in Nerve Length and Layers' (TINLL) Approach to Traditional Treatment for Patients With Lateral Elbow Pain.
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Able to understand English and aged 18 years or older
- Referred for lateral elbow pain or lateral epicondylitis
- Positive for one of the following: tenderness over lateral epicondyle with palpation, pain with stretch of long wrist extensors, or pain with resisted wrist or middle finger extension
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to cognitively follow directions
- Is a legally-mandated reporter
- Scheduled for surgery or post-surgical patients
- Has carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, or medial elbow pain
- Has received Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or percutaneous needle tenotomy (PNT) treatments
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Treatment
Duration - 4 to 6 weeks
Participants receive either the TINLL or traditional treatment for lateral elbow pain. Treatments occur once every 1-2 weeks for the TINLL group or once weekly for the traditional group over 4 to 6 weeks. Assessments are conducted at the initial visit, 2-week visit, and 4-week visit to measure pain, function, and strength.
3 visits (in-person) at initial, 2-week, and 4-week
Follow-up
Duration - 6 months after treatment
Six months after treatment, participants are contacted by phone to answer follow-up questions about pain, function, and use of taping and home exercises.
1 phone call
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Orthopedica and Rehabilitation Center - Occupational Therapy/Hand Therapy, University of Vermont Medical Center
South Burlington, Vermont, United States, 05403
Actively Recruiting
Loading map...
Research Team
V
Victoria Priganc, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here
Published Research Related To This Trial
Lateral Elbow Pain and Muscle Function Impairments.
Ann M Lucado, Joseph M Day, Joshua I Vincent...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36453071Epidemiology and Disease Burden of Lateral Epicondylitis in the USA: Analysis of 85,318 Patients.
Ryan M Degen, Matthew S Conti, Christopher L Camp...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29398988