THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE VERSUS KINESIOTAPING IN LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to compare the clinical efficacy of myofascial release (MFR) and kinesiotaping (KT) on pain intensity, grip strength and functional limitation in lateral epicondylitis (LE). Methods: 60 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to two groups: MYF and KIN. In MYF group ([Formula: see text]), the subjects were treated with MFR technique and conventional physiotherapy whereas in KIN group ([Formula: see text]), subjects received KT and conventional physiotherapy. The intervention was given 4 days/week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures included numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), handgrip strength and patient rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) score. These measures were recorded pre- and post-intervention after 4 weeks. Results: Paired and unpaired [Formula: see text]-test was used for statistical analysis. Both the groups showed statistically significant improvement in the outcomes measures but MYF group had better improvement in functional limitation (PRTEE) ([Formula: see text])) and NPRS ([Formula: see text]) as compared to KIN group. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that MFR is more effective in decreasing pain, functional disability and improving grip strength in LE as compared to KT.