Comparison of efficacy of kinesiotaping and dry needling treatment in patients with lateral epicondylitis

Aim: Comparising of efficacy of kinesiotaping and dry needling in lateral epicondilitis patients. Material and method: Our trial is made in a tertiary universtiy hospital with 49 patients ( 24:kinesiotaping, 25:dry needling) as a prospective study. Visual analog scale (VAS), patient related tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) and quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questonnaire scales (Q-DASH) and post-treatment 10th day Q-DASH scores are evaluated in patients. Findings: Mean age of kinesiotape group patients is 38,4±8,5 and dry needling group patients is 50,9±10,8, mean age of KTT group was significantly low (p<0,05). 73,4 percent of cases is female, and there was no relationship between treatment type and gender (p>0,05). VAS score in before, after treatment and VAS difference are similar(p>0,05). In both groups, VAS score after treatment is significantly decreased. (p<0,05). PRTEE values in dry needling group are significantly higher before and after treatment (p<0,05). But there is no difference between groups in PRTEE difference. (p>0,05). In both groups PRTEE decreased significantly(p<0,05). Q-DASH scores in dry needling group are significantly higher before and after treatment. But there is no difference between groups in Q-DASH difference. In all groups, KTT and dry needling patient's decreasing values of Q-DASH score is statistically meaningful. Conclusion: Kinesiotaping treatment in lateral epicondilitis is as effective as dry needling therapy and can be used as an alternative treatment. Keyxords: Lateral epicondylitis, dry needling, visual pain scale, PRTEE, Q-DASH