By Dr. Viviana Cuberos
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the tendons that join the forearm muscles outside the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not exclusive to tennis players and can affect individuals engaged in repetitive arm motions, such as gardening, painting, or manual labor. It often results from overuse or repetitive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to microtears and inflammation.
Shockwave therapy has emerged as a highly effective treatment option for tennis elbow, offering superior outcomes compared to traditional interventions like cortisone shots. Shockwave therapy utilizes acoustic waves to stimulate healing processes in affected tissues, promoting tissue regeneration, neovascularization, and pain reduction. Unlike cortisone shots, which provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation, shockwave therapy targets the underlying pathology of tennis elbow, addressing both symptoms and the root cause of the condition.
Research studies have demonstrated the efficacy of shockwave therapy in treating tennis elbow. A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine reviewed 28 randomized controlled trials. It concluded that shockwave therapy significantly improves pain and function in patients with lateral epicondylitis compared to placebo or other interventions. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery found that shockwave therapy produced better long-term outcomes and lower recurrence rates than corticosteroid injections in tennis elbow patients.
The superiority of shockwave therapy over cortisone shots lies in its ability to promote tissue healing and long-term symptom relief without the risks associated with corticosteroid use. Cortisone shots may provide short-term pain relief but carry potential side effects such as tendon weakening, cartilage damage, and increased risk of tendon rupture with repeated injections. In contrast, shock- wave therapy is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and does not pose the same risks of tissue damage or systemic side effects.
Shockwave therapy offers a superior approach to relieving symptoms and pain associated with tennis elbow compared to cortisone shots. By targeting the underlying pathology and promoting tissue healing, shockwave therapy provides long-lasting relief and improved functional outcomes for patients with lateral epicondylitis. Orchida Medical Group recommends shockwave therapy as a safe and effective treatment option for individuals seeking relief from the debilitating symptoms of tennis elbow.
References:
• Rompe, J. D., Furia, J., & Maffulli, N. (2009). Eccentric loading compared with shock wave treatment for chronic insertional achilles tendinopathy. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 91(10), 2233-2242.
• Lui, P., Maffulli, N., Rolf, C., & Smith, R. (2008). What are the validated outcome instruments for the assessment of patellar tendinopathy? A systematic review. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery, 24(12), 1348-1359.
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