An Observational Study of Results of Dry Needling in Lateral Epicondylitis

Dr Janak Rathod, Dr Parth Kinkhabwala

Abstract: Background: Lateral epicondylitis is also known as a Tennis elbow is a common disease of middle age which is painful and functionally limiting entity affecting the upper extremity & causes decreased productivity. The first line treatment for LE is topical and oral anti-inflammatory drugs from ice applications and brace used. If the 1st line treatment fails second line treatment generally invasive are offered and second-line therapeutic regimens include saline, corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma injections. Dry needling is relatively new for treating the same. Here we will observe and analyze the results of dry needling in lateral epicondylitis. Methods: The study involved 30 patients having lateral epicondylitis. The patients were evaluated after 2 and 4 weeks on the bases of Patients – rated tennis elbow evaluation score (PRTEE). Results: Dry needling was very effective at 2 and 4 weeks. Also, dry needling has very less complications. So is now a preferred method of 2nd line treatment in lateral epicondylitis. Conclusion: Dry needling is a safe method, and it might be an effective treatment option for LE same as the second line treatment because of the low complication rate.

Keywords: Tennis Elbow, Dry needling, Lateral epicondylitis