Objective

The chronic lateral epicondylitis is a common pathology with an economic impact. Actually, many costly therapies are prescribed without evidence of their effectiveness. Physical therapies seem to be neglected. However, they can correct actions at risk and involve the patient in his rehabilitation.

Material/patients and methods

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a standardized 2 month rehabilitation program composed of: an outpatient group education session, 18 liberal physical therapy sessions with correction of the posture of the trunk and shoulder, eccentric strengthening of the supinator muscles and the wrist extensor muscles, stretching, and some self daily exercises (transverse friction massage and stretching) according to Pernot-Comtet protocol. Patients were evaluated at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Twenty-three patients aged from 18 to 65 years old, who had failed an initial treatment, without physiotherapy recently, were enrolled.

Results

In total, 71% of patients reported being restored by this protocol. At 3 months, the mean VAS decreased 6.2 ± 1.84 to 4.26 ± 2.68 and was maintained at 6 months (4 ± 2.84), P = 0.0005. The Pain Free Grip Test evaluated on Jamar dynamometer had increased significantly at 3 months: 26.12 kg ± 12.3 versus 21.29 kg ± 8.94 initially ( P = 0.027). This effect was maintained at 6 months (24.3 kg ± 10.14, P = 0.17). The significant improvement of the score “Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Functional Capacity” reflects a functional gain at 3 months (26.7 ± 10.5 initially versus 19.32 ± 14.46, P = 0.0035), maintained at 6 months (20.21 ± 14.25, P = 0.017). Half of the patients initially on sick leave restarted working at 6 months. The rate of active population has about tripled from 25% to 70%. An initial Pain Free Grip Test superior to 21 kg predicted to succeed in this protocol (sensibility 73%, sensitivity 83%).

Discussion–conclusion

These results argue for efficiency of an appropriate physical therapy, which had no side effect. However, this pilot study should be confirmed by methodology with a higher level of evidence.