Radial Shock Waves Versus Focal Shock Waves in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylalgia

What this Trial Is About

Lateral epicondylalgia (LET), a condition marked by elbow pain, reduced wrist extensor muscle strength, and disability, is the focus of this study. Researchers aim to compare the safety and effectiveness of two types of shockwave therapies—radial shockwave therapy and focal shockwave therapy—in managing the symptoms of LET. The study will measure changes in elbow pain, grip strength, and disability over a six-month period. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one receiving radial shock waves, another receiving focal shock waves, and a control group receiving a placebo treatment with very low energy settings. Each participant will undergo three treatment sessions, with one session per week. The radial shock wave group will receive 2000 pulses at 2.5 bars pressure and 8 Hz frequency, while the focal shock wave group will receive 2000 pulses at 0.2 mJ/mm² energy flux density and 4 Hz frequency. The placebo group will receive 20 pulses per session at 0.08 mJ/mm² energy flux density. Throughout the study, researchers will assess participants' elbow pain using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), grip strength with a handheld dynamometer, and disability through the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire (PRTEE). Additionally, the Global Rating of Change (GROC) will be measured. Follow-up assessments will be conducted for six months to monitor changes from baseline. The study is randomized and triple-blinded to ensure objective evaluation of the treatments.

Treatment of Lateral Epicondylalgia With Shock Waves