Physiotherapy Management of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by lateral elbow pain and functional limitation. Evidence regarding optimal physiotherapy management remains inconsistent.
Objective: To describe physiotherapy management and observed changes in pain, wrist muscle strength, range of motion, and functional status in a patient with lateral epicondylitis.
Methods: This single case report (n=1) followed the CARE guidelines and involved a 42-year-old woman with left lateral epicondylitis of two weeks’ duration. The patient received four physiotherapy sessions over two weeks, twice weekly, comprising transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, infrared radiation, myofascial release, stretching, mobilization with movement, active range of motion exercise, eccentric wrist extension and flexion using a dumbbell, and a home exercise program. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T1) and after the fourth session (T4) using the Visual Analog Scale, manual muscle testing, goniometry, and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. Data were analyzed descriptively.
Results: Pain during movement decreased from 4/10 to 2/10, pressure pain from 5/10 to 2/10, and resting pain from 2/10 to 1/10. Wrist flexion increased from 66° to 72° and extension from 60° to 65°. Flexor and extensor muscle strength increased from grade 4 to grade 5. The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation score decreased from 50 to 20. No outcome measurements were available for T2 and T3.
Conclusion: Clinical changes were observed after four sessions, including reduced pain, increased wrist range of motion and muscle strength, and improved functional status. The contribution of individual intervention components cannot be determined from this single case.