ABSTRACT

Background: Recurrent musculoskeletal pain has an apparent repercussion on health care costs, employment productivity and quality of life. Lateral epicondylalgia, is a common recurrent musculoskeletal complaint that is often confronted by physical therapists. Pain, reduced grip strength and functional disability are main problems seen in chronic lateral epicondylalgia patients (CLE). The complexity in pathophysiology of CLE is reflected by the lack of consensus on management and remains a therapeutic challenge. Purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of Mulligan’s mobilization with movement and myofascial release technique on pain, pain free grip strength and functional disability in recurrent chronic lateral epicondylalgia patients.

Methods: Thirty subjects within age group 25-50 fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited in this study. The subjects were divided into two groups; Group A (Experimental) and Group B (Control). Group A underwent Mulligan’s Mobilization with movement, myofascial release technique and Conventional treatment, Group B underwent Conventional treatment only. Interventions were conducted over a period of 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week, 1 session per day. All subjects were assessed for pain free grip strength using hand dynamometer, functional disability using Patient rated tennis elbow evaluation questionnaire and pressure pain threshold using pressure algometer before and after intervention.

Results: Mulligan’s MWM combined with myfascial release technique and conservative treatment is more effective in treating recurrent chronic lateral epicondylalgia.

Conclusion: This study asserts a multimodal treatment approach for the management of recurrent chronic lateral epicondylalgia by relieving myofascial, articular and nervous system impairments.

Keywords: Chronic lateral epicondylalgia; Mulligan’s mobilization with movement; Myofascial release technique; Pressure pain threshold; Pain free grip strength.