Tennis Elbow, or Lateral Epicondylitis, is an injury affecting up to 3% of the population.* There are many ways to treat Tennis Elbow. Most common and one of the better performing methods are Physiotherapy. Besides that, Injection Therapy, Bracing, Taping and Acupuncture are a few other alternatives. Tennis Elbow injuries can be a waiting game where results won’t show straight away, sometimes it will even lead to surgery.
Studies show that Shockwave Therapy has been very effective when it comes to treating Tennis Elbow, amongst many other Musculoskeletal Disorders such as Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis.
One study for Tennis Elbow shows a decrease in pain and functional impairment, and an increase of the pain-free grip strength test. It demonstrates that Radial Shockwave Therapy is safe & effective and offers high patient satisfaction. It must therefore be considered as possible therapy for the treatment of patients with tennis elbow.**
Application Guidelines for Treating Tennis Elbow with Radial Shockwave Therapy
1.RADIAL SHOCKWAVE ON ELBOW
Patient can be in a sitting or supine lying position. Elbow must be flexed and supinated to treat the insertion of m. extensor carpi radialis brevis, but more extended if treating the tendon. This depends of palpation. Move the hand piece with small circular movements at the most painful spots in the tendon.
Pulses: 1500
Energy level: 1.4-2.4 bar
Frequency: 12 Hz
Transmitter: R15
2. R-SW FOR TRIGGERPOINTS IN THE M.EXTENSOR CARPI RADIALIS
Have the elbow in a slightly flexed position. Treat the most painful spots in the muscles until pain relief from the proximal to the distal part of the muscle. You will often find the most painful spots in the proximal part of the muscle.
Shocks: 1800
Energy level: 1.8-3.0 bar
Frequency: 12-15Hz
Transmitter: R15/D20
3. V-ACTOR
Treat the same muscle groups as done with R-SW. Treat the tender and tight spots until the area feels relaxed.
Shocks: 3000-4000
Energy level: 2.0-2.6 bar
Frequency: 28-35Hz
Vibration Head: V25
