A Case Study of Bilateral Lateral Humeral Epicondylitis in Which Pain Catastrophizing and Depressive Tendencies Were Improved by Stretching the Pectoralis Major

Abstract

We report a case of prolonged bilateral lateral humeral epicondylitis with pain catastrophizing and depression whose symptoms improved with pectoralis major stretching. [Participant and Methods] The case was a male patient in his 40s who had had bilateral lateral humeral epicondylitis for more than 2 years. In the initial evaluation, the Numerical Rating Scale, Kraushaar & Nirschl classification, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and elbow and wrist joint range of motion (ROM) were assessed. In the interim evaluation, shoulder ROM, the Horizontal Flexion Test, and scapula abduction rate were added to the initial evaluation items. The final evaluation was the same as the interim evaluation. [Results] All of the evaluation points were significantly improved by pectoralis major stretching.[Conclusion] Pectoralis major stretching reduces the internal rotation of the upper limbs and the scapula abduction rate, is effective at improving the ROM of internal rotation of the shoulder joint, and is considered useful for lateral humeral epicondylitis. The psychological evaluation items also improved as pain was reduced.