Efficacy of ESWT (extracoporeal shock wave therapy) in lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Objective: We have aimed to evaluate The Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in patients with lateral epicondylitis, in terms of the short-and medium-term clinical, functional and quality of life.Method: Patients who were randomized on alternate days to 1 session (n = 34) application of ESWT (3 sessions) was performed. Patients before treatment, after treatment, and the VAS scores after 6 weeks and 3 months, NİRSCHL score, PRTEE score, and SF-36 scores parameters were evaluated.Findings: In our patients a total of 3 sessions of ESWT application every other day, after the VAS score, NIRSCHL score, PRTEE score and the SF-36 scores pre-treatment immediately after application of ESWT with 3 sessions, in subsequent 6 weeks and 12 weeks evaluations had statistically significant improvements (P <0.05 ).Conclusion: In patients with lateral epicondytilis, ESWT, applied as well-planned and focused is seen to be effective in short and medium term to reduce pain, increase daily activities and physical functions, in improving the physical and mental quality of life parameters