Effectiveness of physical therapy treatments on lateral epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVE To analyze research literature that has examined the effectiveness of various physical therapy interventions on lateral epicondylitis. DATA SOURCES Evidence was compiled with data located using the PubMed, EBSCO, The Cochrane Library, and the Hooked on Evidence databases from 1994 to 2006 using the key words lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow, modalities, intervention, management of, treatment for, radiohumeral bursitis, and experiment. STUDY SELECTION The literature used included peer-reviewed studies that evaluated the effectiveness of physical therapy treatments on lateral epicondylitis. Future research is needed to provide a better understanding of beneficial treatment options for people living with this condition. DATA SYNTHESIS Shockwave therapy and Cyriax therapy protocol are effective physical therapy interventions. CONCLUSIONS There are numerous treatments for lateral epicondylitis and no single intervention has been proven to be the most efficient. Therefore, future research is needed to provide a better understanding of beneficial treatment options for people living with this condition.