Extracorporeal Shock Wave Versus Interferential Current in Tennis Elbow

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare between the effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and Interferential Therapy (IFC) in improving pain intensity, disability and grip strength in patients with Tennis Elbow (TE).Setting: A physical therapy outpatient clinic.Participants: Seventy-two participants with TE completed the program and were randomly assigned into three groups. Pain Duration was more than 12 weeks.Interventions: Group 1 (n=24, mean age=40.41±3.91 years) received ESWT and exercises. Group2 (n=24, mean age=44.72±7.10 years) received IFC and exercises. Group 3 (n=24, mean age=49.01±3.61years) received exercises. All subjects received three visits a week for four weeks. Materials:Visual analog scale, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire and the hand dynamometer were used to measure pain intensity, disability and grip strength before and after 4 weeks of intervention.Results: There were statistically significant improvements in all dependent variables. Also, subjects who received ESWT and exercises had the most significant effects. ESWT may be more effective than IFC in treating TE by reducing pain intensity, disability and increasing grip strength. Conclusion:ESWT improved pain, function and disability better than IFC in patients with TE.