Effects Of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain, Grip Strength and Functional Activity in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis

Effects Of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Using Ergon Technique on Pain, Grip Strength and Functional Activity in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to find the effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) using Ergon Tools on pain, grip strength and functional activity among patients diagnosed with Lateral epicondylitis.

The study concluded that IASTM is effective in improving pain, grip strength and functional activity in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Background: Lateral Epicondylitis is a type of "repetitive strain injury" that causes pain on the lateral portion of the elbow, especially while gripping and applying resistance to the forearm's extensor muscles, both men and women are equally affected by it. Traditional Physical Therapy has failed to improve the disorders caused by LE, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is a new approach for its treatment a lot of tools are being used and Ergon Tools are among one of them, very less data is available for its efficacy in lateral epicondylitis patients.

Objective: To compare the effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization using Ergon Technique on pain, grip strength and functional activity in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Methodology: 72 individuals with lateral epicondylitis pre-diagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon, are assessed from Sikander Medical Complex, Gujranwala. After fulfilling the inclusion criteria, the participants are randomly divided into two groups, 36 participants receiving IASTM using Ergon Tools and 36 participants received conventional physical therapy. Both groups receive treatment 2 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures are pain (VAS), grip strength (handheld dynamometer), and functional mobility (PRTEE) collected at the baseline, 1st week, and 4th week.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both Male and Female Patients
• Patients between the age group 20-50 years
• Sub-acute Patients having symptoms for > 6 weeks and < 3 months.
• Patients who had pain rating from 5 to 9 in VAS will be included
• Patients with Positive Cozens test, Mill's test

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with any surgical or trauma history of the elbow
• Rheumatoid Arthritis and Malignancies
• Cervical Radiculopathy patients who have referred pain in the elbow
• Loss of Passive ROM in extension
• Active infections such as, Bursitis, Calcification of the soft tissues, Fragile skin, Hyper Mobility & Joint Effusion
• Hemophilic Patients
• Osteoporosis
• Patients with history of getting treatment with Steroid Injections will be excluded.