Effects of Various Taping Techniques in Lateral Epicondylitis on Functional and Ultrasonographic Outcomes

Lateral epicondylitis (LE), also known as tennis elbow, is an overuse injury causing elbow pain, and it is difficult to treat. It is characterized with frequent pain and sensitivity at the lateral section of the elbow, mostly at the extensor tendon (extensor carpi radialis brevis [ECRB]) origin and the extensor digitorum communis [EDC] muscle. It was estimated that annually it occurs in about 1%-3% of adult individuals worldwide. There is no consensus regarding its etiology; however, it has been associated with repetitive movements, smoking, and factors increasing physical load, such as obesity. In recent studies, workplace use of non-naturally positioned elbow and wrist have been associated with elbow pain. In addition, repetitive microtraumas have been known to be triggering injuries.

Pain is the primary complaint in LE patients. Pain increases with activity, and it becomes acute with injury or trauma. LE is associated with decreased extensor muscle strength and variations in biomechanics; however, it has been a matter of debate whether these variations are the cause or the result of LE. In its pathophysiology, three interacting components, namely local tendon pathology, changes in the pain system, and losses in motor function have been reported. Recent studies have highlighted that, rather than an inflammatory condition, tendinosis (chronic symptomatic degeneration of tendon) occurs in the forearm common extensor muscle tendon adhering to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Ultrasound evaluations indicate various tendon pathologies, such as tendon thickening, focused hypoechogenic zones, tendon lacerations, and calcification.

LE may heal on its own and usually responds to conservative treatment. In case conservative treatment is inconclusive, surgical methods may be opted for. Several conservative methods are among the treatment options for LE, such as resting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), injection treatments, exercises, and physiotherapy programs involving manual therapy techniques, massage, braces, deep friction message, extracorporeal shockwave, low level laser therapy, low frequency electrical stimulation, and other electrophysiological agents. The use of non-elastic taping techniques is an approach utilized in the conservative treatment of LE and there exist reports examining its instantaneous effects on muscle strength, grip strength, and pain; however, it was indicated that further studies are warranted to show the effectiveness of taping. Kinesio Taping®, which involves elastic tapes, is rather a more recent technique used in orthopedic injuries in addition to physiotherapy, and it has been gaining popularity. Even though there are reports indicating the effects of adhesive tape on muscle and grip strength in LE patients, its effectiveness could not be compared with other treatment modalities because of several reasons, such as its instantaneous effects or the lack of a control group.

The literature review shows that, due to the structural differences between athletic tape and Kinesio Tape®, athletic taping applications are rather adopted to control the movement of the joint with pain, to support non-contractile structures, such as ligament and capsule, and for stability. Studies utilizing non-elastic tapes in the treatment of LE are inadequate because they examine effects in the acute period and they lack comparisons. On the other hand, it has been observed that Kinesio Tape® is mostly used for functional support, muscular facilitation, and myofascial relaxation, and studies focusing on the management of lateral epicondylitis are scarce.

The aim of the present study is, in LE patients, to compare the short-term effects of two different taping techniques in addition to an intense physiotherapy program on the severity of pain, grip strength, functional status, joint limitations, and structural changes in tendons that can be indicated by diagnostic USG