Background: Elbow is a very functional joint. Elbow stiffness is a significant cause of disability hampering the function of the upper extremity as a whole. Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are relatively pain-free techniques used in clinical practice for restricted range of motion (ROM). Objective: To study the effects of MET on pain, ROM and function given early in the rehabilitation in post-surgical elbow stiffness. Methods: An RCT was conducted on 30 patients post elbow fracture fixation. Group 1 was given MET immediately post removal of immobilization while Group 2 received MET 1 week later along with the rehabilitation protocol. Pain (Visual Analogue Scale), ROM (goniometry) and function (Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) were assessed pre and post 3 weeks. Results: Group 1 showed greater improvement than Group 2, mean flexion and extension change between groups being [Formula: see text], 95%CI(5.9,17.4) and [Formula: see text], 95%CI(4.4,12.7), respectively. VAS and DASH scores improved better in Group 1, mean change being [Formula: see text], 95%CI(0.6,1.8) and [Formula: see text], 95%CI(13.5,22.8) for VAS and DASH scores, respectively. Conclusion: MET can be used as an adjunct to the rehabilitation protocol to treat elbow stiffness and can be given safely in the early stages of post elbow fracture rehabilitation managed surgically with open reduction and rigid internal fixation.

Background: Iontophoresis and LASER therapy have been beneficial in the treatment of tennis elbow. This study was undertaken considering the dearth of literature available to compare the effects of Iontophoresis and Laser therapy.Materials and mehodology: 60 subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Group A was given Iontophoreis with 0.04% of dexamethasone sodium phosphate and group B was given LASER with a wavelength of 607nm and energy density of 7.2J/cm2. Pain on VAS and grip strength with a handheld dynamometer was assessed pre and post 6 treatment sessions.Results: Both the groups showed improvement in pain and grip strength (p<0.05). However, Iontophoresis with 0.04% dexamethasone sodium phosphate showed better results. Conclusion:Iontophoresis with 0.04% dexamethasone sodium phosphate and lowlevel LASER both are effective treatment modalities for the treatment of tennis elbow <6 weeks. However, Iontophoresis showed better improvement than LASER.