Effect of Myofascial Release Therapy and Active Stretching on Pain and Grip Strength in Lateral Epicondylitis

JRCRS-2016; 4(1): 3-6

Abstract

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is one of the common conditions in the elbow joint. Muscles and
soft tissue around the elbow are predominantly involved in lateral epicondylitis, studies identified that
extensor muscles specifically extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) is affected due to vigorous and
repeated wrist movements. Multiple management strategies have been identified ranging from
conservative to surgical, Cryotherapy to ergonomic advices, but still the results are inconclusive.

Objectives: The objective is to find out the effect of Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) and Active
Stretching on pain and grip strength in Lateral Epicondylitis.

Methodology: Quasi experimental study design with 42 sample size was selected for the study in
consideration of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study was approved by the institutional ethical
committee. The participants were divided into two groups, group I underwent myofascial release
therapy with active stretching, and group II underwent only active stretching for 8 weeks, All participants
receive treatment thrice weekly. The outcome measures selected were pain and grip strength.
Pain was assessed through visual analog scale and the grip strength was assessed through Hand
held Smedley spring dynamometer

Results: The results were analysed using Mann Whitney U test to compare the difference between
the experimental group and control group. The result shows that adding Myofasical release therapy
with active stretching produce a significant improvement in pain reduction and the grip strength in the
patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Conclusion: The study concluded that adding MFR with active stretching produces significant
reduction of pain and improvement of the function in lateral epidcondylitis.
Key words: Lateral epicondylitis, Myofascial release therapy, Active stretching, Grip strength. Pain.