Comparative Analysis of Ultrasound Therapy versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for the Management of Tennis Elbow

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the therapeutic efficacy between ultrasound therapy and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the management of tennis elbow. Thirty adult subjects diagnosed with tennis elbow were prospectively enrolled in this study and stratified into two groups: Group A (undergoing extracorporeal shock wave therapy) and Group B (undergoing ultrasound therapy). Pain intensity was quantified using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), functional impairment was assessed through the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), and hand grip strength was measured via dynamometry. Pre-treatment and post-treatment assessments were performed to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes. Both extracorporeal shock wave therapy and ultrasound therapy demonstrated efficacy in alleviating pain and improving functional capacity in individuals afflicted with tennis elbow. Notably, Group A exhibited a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity, as evidenced by decreased VAS scores, alongside a marked enhancement in grip strength post-treatment, in contrast to Group B. Ultrasound therapy yielded comparatively modest improvements in pain relief and failed to elicit significant enhancement in grip strength. The findings of this investigation underscore the superior therapeutic efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy over ultrasound therapy in the management of tennis elbow. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy conferred substantial amelioration in pain intensity and functional impairment, thereby emphasizing its preferential utilization as a therapeutic modality for tennis elbow. Keywords Tennis elbow, Lateral epicondylitis, Musculoskeletal disorder, Physical therapy, Pain manaagement