Dry Needling vs. Standard Therapy for Tennis Elbow

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by James Dunning, DPT PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial compares two methods for treating inner elbow pain: one using hands-on therapy, exercises, and ultrasound, and another adding electric dry needling. It aims to find out which method is more effective for patients with this condition. Dry needling is similar to acupuncture and frequently regarded as a form of acupuncture, with evidence supporting its use for localized musculoskeletal pain conditions.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the idea that Dry Needling vs. Standard Therapy for Tennis Elbow is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that dry needling can be effective for treating tennis elbow. One study compared dry needling to open-release surgery and found that dry needling helped reduce pain and improve function in workers with chronic tennis elbow. Another study on a similar condition, golfer's elbow, showed that a single session of dry needling improved pain and disability, allowing the patient to return to normal activities. While these studies suggest dry needling can be beneficial, they do not directly compare it to standard therapy for tennis elbow. However, they indicate that dry needling can be a useful option for managing elbow pain. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for dry needling in treating tennis elbow?

The studies provided do not directly address the safety data for dry needling in treating tennis elbow. However, they do explore the efficacy of dry needling compared to other treatments like Kinesio Taping, open-release surgery, and other therapies for conditions similar to tennis elbow. The studies suggest that dry needling can be effective in reducing pain and improving function, but specific safety data or adverse effects are not detailed in the abstracts provided. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Is the treatment Manual Therapy, Exercise, Ultrasound, and Electric Dry Needling a promising treatment for Tennis Elbow?

Yes, this treatment is promising for Tennis Elbow. Studies show that dry needling can reduce pain and improve function. Combining it with manual therapy, exercise, and ultrasound may enhance these benefits, offering a comprehensive approach to managing symptoms. ^{1 2 3 4 7}

Research Team

James Dunning, DPT PhD

Principal Investigator

American Academy of Manipulative Therapy

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-60 with medial epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) pain for at least 6 weeks, who haven't had related treatments in the past 6 months. Participants must speak English and have a specific diagnosis of medial epicondylalgia. Pregnant individuals or those with certain medical conditions like severe hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, previous elbow surgery or injuries are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I haven't had treatments like physical therapy for elbow pain in the last 6 months.

I have been diagnosed with pain on the inside of my elbow, worsened by certain wrist and forearm movements.

I am between 18 and 60 years old and can speak English.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had issues with my joints, ligaments, or nerves in my elbow.

I have had elbow surgery, dislocation, fracture, or tendon rupture in the past.

I have nerve or spinal issues, including recent severe neck or back injuries.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Manual Therapy, Exercise and Ultrasound (Behavioural Intervention)
• Manual Therapy, Exercise, Ultrasound and Electric Dry Needling (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study compares two treatment strategies for tennis elbow: one group receives manual therapy, exercise and ultrasound; another group gets these plus electric dry needling. The goal is to determine if adding electric dry needling improves outcomes.

Participant Groups

Group I: Experimental: Electric DN, Manual therapy, exercise and US Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Dry needling, manual therapy, exercise and ultrasound

Group II: Active comparator: Manual therapy, exercise and ultrasound Active Control 1 Intervention

Active comparator: Manual therapy, exercise and ultrasound

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

Mallers and Swoverland Orthopedic PT Fort Wayne, IN

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture

Lead Sponsor

Trials

15

Patients Recruited

2,200+

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Collaborator

Trials

137

Patients Recruited

10,300+

Findings from Research

In a study of 58 patients with tennis elbow, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was found to be more effective than brace or ultrasound treatments in improving grip strength after treatment, although all methods reduced pain severity.

While all treatment groups showed significant pain reduction, the brace treatment had a shorter beneficial effect compared to ultrasound and laser therapy, indicating that LLLT may provide longer-lasting benefits for grip strength.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The short-term efficacy of laser, brace, and ultrasound treatment in lateral epicondylitis: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Oken, O., Kahraman, Y., Ayhan, F., et al.[2015]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The comparison of the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and dry needling in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a clinical and ultrasonographic study. [2022]

2. Bangladesh pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparative Efficacy of Local Steroid and Therapeutic Ultrasound for Quicker Functional Improvement in Tennis Elbow. [2019]

3. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treatment of chronic lateral epicondylosis: a randomized trial comparing the efficacy of ultrasound-guided tendon dry needling and open-release surgery. [2023]

4. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute effects of one session dry needling on a chronic golfer's elbow disability. [2020]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is therapeutic ultrasound effective in treating soft tissue lesions? [2019]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The short-term efficacy of laser, brace, and ultrasound treatment in lateral epicondylitis: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. [2015]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of trigger point dry needling on lateral epicondylalgia of musculoskeletal origin: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]