Blood Flow Restricted Training to Enhance Lateral Epicondylitis Rehabilitation.
Julie Nuelle
Summary
Lateral epicondylitis (LE), often referred to as "tennis elbow" is a common and debilitating overuse injury affecting 1-3% of adults annually. LE is most often defined as a syndrome of pain near the area of the lateral epicondyle of the elbow commonly effecting the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis with associated weakness; it most commonly effects the dominant arm. The best treatment for LE is unknown and research to support current treatment methods are insufficient. A common limitation in functional recovery experienced by this population is pain at the lateral aspect of the elbow. As such, innovative therapeutic interventions directed at quickly reducing pain may address this unmet need and allow for improved outcomes, as well as earlier return to function.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ages 18-65 years of age 2. Diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis confirmed by the treating orthopaedic surgeon and ultrasound 3. Must be able to read and write in English 4. Able to provide own written consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients over 65 years of age 2. Contralateral upper extremity involvement resulting in less than normal range of motion, muscle strength or daily pain greater than 1/10 3. History of prior injection for treatment of lateral epicondylitis 4. Pregnancy 5. Recent history of deep venous thrombosis (within the past 12 months) 6. Active treatment…
Interventions
- DeviceBlood Flow Restriction Device
Occlusion training involves the application of a cuff to the upper arm that is designed to restrict only the low-pressure blood flow in veins. It does not prevent blood flowing from the heart to the arm.
- OtherStandard Physical Therapy
Standard physical therapy protocol for lateral epicondylitis rehab without blood flow restriction.
Location
- Vicki JonesColumbia, Missouri