This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the therapeutic efficacy between ultrasound therapy and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the management of tennis elbow. Thirty adult subjects diagnosed with tennis elbow were prospectively enrolled in this study and stratified into two groups: Group A (undergoing extracorporeal shock wave therapy) and Group B (undergoing ultrasound therapy). Pain intensity was quantified using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), functional impairment was assessed through the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), and hand grip strength was measured via dynamometry. Pre-treatment and post-treatment assessments were performed to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes. Both extracorporeal shock wave therapy and ultrasound therapy demonstrated efficacy in alleviating pain and improving functional capacity in individuals afflicted with tennis elbow. Notably, Group A exhibited a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity, as evidenced by decreased VAS scores, alongside a marked enhancement in grip strength post-treatment, in contrast to Group B. Ultrasound therapy yielded comparatively modest improvements in pain relief and failed to elicit significant enhancement in grip strength. The findings of this investigation underscore the superior therapeutic efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy over ultrasound therapy in the management of tennis elbow. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy conferred substantial amelioration in pain intensity and functional impairment, thereby emphasizing its preferential utilization as a therapeutic modality for tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow Lateral epicondylitis Musculoskeletal disorder Physical therapy Pain manaagement

Tennis elbow, clinically referred to as lateral epicondylitis, represents a prevalent musculoskeletal pathology characterized by localized pain and tenderness at the lateral aspect of the elbow joint 1. Etiologically attributed to repetitive overuse and microtrauma, this condition commonly afflicts individuals engaged in activities necessitating repetitive wrist extension and forearm pronation, such as racquet sports and manual labor 2. Therapeutic interventions for tennis elbow encompass an array of modalities, encompassing rest, pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and interventional procedures. Among these modalities, ultrasound therapy and extracorporeal shock wave therapy have garnered substantial attention due to their purported efficacy in pain alleviation and tissue healing 1, 3.

Ultrasound therapy entails the application of high-frequency sound waves to the affected region, eliciting thermal and non-thermal effects conducive to tissue repair and analgesia 4. Conversely, extracorporeal shock wave therapy entails the targeted delivery of high-energy shock waves to the afflicted area, stimulating neovascularization, modulating inflammatory cascades, and promoting tissue regeneration 5.

Despite the widespread adoption of these therapeutic modalities, a paucity of comparative studies evaluating their relative efficacy in the management of tennis elbow exists. Thus, this study endeavors to elucidate the therapeutic superiority between ultrasound therapy and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in ameliorating pain intensity and functional impairment associated with tennis elbow 6.