Using technologies like laser therapy and ultrasound to treat tennis elbow

First of all, Tennis elbow is a common condition that is clinically referred to as lateral epicondylitis and is characterised by discomfort and soreness on the outside of the elbow. The application of modalities like ultrasound and laser therapy has drawn a lot of attention recently, even if classic physiotherapy methods like exercises and manual therapy are still very important to rehabilitation. This blog examines the efficacy of various modalities in the treatment of tennis elbow and offers a thorough rundown of ten exercises that work in tandem with them.

Comprehending Tennis Elbow Rehabilitation: It’s critical to comprehend the principles of tennis elbow rehabilitation before diving into the details of ultrasound and laser therapy. Rehab’s main objectives are to lessen discomfort, increase range of motion, strengthen muscles, and encourage tissue repair. To achieve these goals, physiotherapists use a variety of approaches, such as manual treatment, therapeutic exercises, and modalities.

Tennis Elbow Rehabilitation Techniques

1. Ultrasound Therapy

 This modality of therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to reach deep tissues and offer therapeutic effects. Ultrasound aids in tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and improved blood circulation in tennis elbow rehabilitation. It is frequently applied to reduce pain and hasten the healing process during the acute stage of an injury.

2. Laser Therapy

Using particular light wavelengths to stimulate cellular activity and encourage tissue repair, laser therapy—also referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation—uses light to treat medical conditions. Laser treatment is used in tennis elbow rehabilitation to help with discomfort, inflammation, and collagen synthesis. When traditional treatments have reached a plateau or in cases that are persistent, it is especially helpful.

Effectiveness of Modalities

Studies have shown that laser therapy and ultrasonography are useful in the rehabilitation of tennis elbow. According to a comprehensive evaluation that was published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, both techniques helped those with lateral epicondylitis feel less discomfort and perform better. Furthermore, Wang et al.’s randomised controlled experiment from 2020 revealed that the combination of ultrasound and exercise therapy produced better results than exercise therapy by itself.

Ten Equivalent Workouts:

1. Eccentric Wrist Extension: Use a resistance band to do wrist extension, paying particular attention to eccentric control when descending.

2. Using a light dumbbell, bend your elbow to a 90-degree angle and spin your forearm to alternate between pronation and supination.

3. Wrist Flexor Stretch: To stretch the wrist flexors, extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing downward. Then, slowly pull back your fingers with your other hand.

4. Eccentric Forearm Twist: With your wrist extended and a hammer or other comparable object in your hand, slowly twist your forearm outward while using your wrist extensors to resist the movement.

5. Rubber Ball Wrist Flexion/Extension Exercise: By alternating between flexion and extension movements, squeeze a rubber ball to develop your wrist flexors and extensors.

6. Isometric Wrist Extension: To engage the wrist extensors in an isometric manner, place the forearm on a table with the wrist dangling off the edge. Then, press against the surface with your palm.

7. Radial Deviation/Extension: To do radial deviation and extension, move the wrist sideways while maintaining the stability of the forearm. Use a resistance band.

8. Using a theraband to secure it to a fixed position, spin your forearm in pronation and supination while pushing against resistance.

9. Hand Gripper: To strengthen your grasp, use a hand gripper and concentrate on making deliberate squeeze and release motions.

10. Rubber Band Finger Extension: To strengthen your fingers’ ability to extend, wrap a rubber band around your thumb and fingers. Then, open your hand against opposition.

Conclusion:

By lowering pain and inflammation and encouraging tissue healing, modalities including laser therapy and ultrasound can improve the results of tennis elbow rehabilitation. In conjunction with specific exercises designed to enhance forearm muscle strength and flexibility, these modalities offer a comprehensive strategy for effectively controlling tennis elbow. Physiotherapists are vital in helping patients get the most out of their rehabilitation by customising treatment regimens to meet each patient’s needs.