Hand Therapy > Volume 14, Number 2 > Pp. 46-52

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Randomized controlled trial of a new electrical modality (InterX) and soft tissue massage, stretching, ultrasound and exercise for treating lateral epicondylitis

Lorien Coff ^*, Nicola Massy-Westropp ^*  and Suzanne Caragianis 

^* School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia; Suzanne Caragianis Hand and Occupational Therapy, Daw Park, South Australia, Australia

Correspondence: Nicola Massy-Westropp, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, North Terrace, South Australia 5000, Australia. Email: Nicola.massy-westropp{at}unisa.edu.au

Background. The primary symptom reported by patients with lateral epicondylitis is pain. The InterX is a newly developed electrical device aimed at reducing pain by transmitting a varying electrical impulse into the surface of the skin via a portable, hand held applicator. This study investigates whether the InterX could provide additional acute pain relief and function for patients with acute lateral epicondylitis, to that of soft tissue massage, stretching ultrasound and exercise.

Methods. Twenty-six patients were randomized to two groups. The experimental group received InterX in conjunction with soft tissue massage, stretching, ultrasound and exercise, whereas the control group received soft tissue massage, stretching, ultrasound and exercise.

Results. In the short term, both regimes resulted in significantly reduced pain and improved functional ability (P < 0.01). The control therapy also resulted in significantly improved grip strength.

Discussion. There was no significant difference in the improvements between groups in pain, difficulty with functional activities, although both groups' pain decreased significantly in the short (3 weeks) and medium (9 months) term. The experimental group received 30 minutes' greater treatment duration per week.

Conclusions. The provision of the InterX in addition to soft tissue massage, stretching, ultrasound and exercise did not affect patients' outcome.

Key Words: Lateral epicondylitis • electrical modality • soft tissue massage • tennis elbow • physical therapy modalities

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