Comparative analysis of the therapeutic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and high-intensity laser therapy in lateral epicondylitis: a randomised clinical trial.

研究概要

Fifty patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomized to receive either high-intensity laser therapy (HILT; n=25) or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT; n=25). Outcomes of interest were pain reduction measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), tenderness, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scale (Q-DASH), and grip strength. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, and 12 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both HILT and ESWT significantly improved pain, tenderness, disability, and grip strength. However, HILT was more effective than ESWT in reducing tenderness, pain, and disability. These findings suggest that while both therapies are effective, HILT may offer superior benefits in managing lateral epicondylitis.