Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises and ESWT in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis

Investigation of the Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises Applied in Addition to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain, Muscle Strength, Functional Status, and Quality of Life in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis

We aim to investigate the effects of adding scapular stabilization exercises to the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) protocol in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis on pain, muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life.

Forty eight volunteer participants with lateral epycondilitis aged 18 to 65 years were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as study and control group. In the control group, a protocol including ESWT, stretching of the ECRB muscle and wrist extensor muscles, and isometric, eccentric, and concentric strengthening exercises for the wrist extensors will be applied.

In the study group, the same protocol will be administered (ESWT, stretching of the ECRB and wrist extensor muscles, and strengthening exercises), with the addition of scapular stabilization exercises.

The exercise program will be conducted twice a week for 8 weeks. At the beginning of the treatment and at the end of the eighth week, pain, muscle strength, functional status, and Quality of Life were evaluated between groups

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 18 and 65 years.

  • Diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis by a physician, with positive Mill's, Cozen's, or Thomsen tests.
  • Experiencing pain and tenderness over and around the lateral epicondyle for at least 3 months, with symptoms exacerbated by resisted elbow extension, wrist extension, gripping, and supination.
  • Willing to voluntarily participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Individuals with serious systemic or cardiovascular diseases that contraindicate exercise of the hand and upper extremity.

  • Those diagnosed with upper extremity entrapment neuropathies.
  • Patients with a diagnosis of malignancy.
  • Individuals with open wounds on the hand or upper extremity.
  • Pregnant women or those suspected of being pregnant.
  • Patients who have received physiotherapy and/or injection treatments within the last 6 weeks.
  • Patients with diabetes mellitus, rheumatologic diseases, or neurological disorders.
  • Individuals who have undergone upper extremity surgery or had an upper extremity fracture within the last 6 months.
  • Patients with coagulation disorders or those receiving anticoagulant therapy.
  • Individuals with conditions causing degenerative changes in the hand and upper extremity.
  • Patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, medial epicondylitis, radiohumeral bursitis, or cervical disc pathology.
  • Patients using analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications other than acetaminophen (paracetamol).