Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises and ESWT in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
Investigation of the Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises Applied in Addition to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain, Muscle Strength, Functional Status, and Quality of Life in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
48 participants
Nov 1, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
We aim to investigate the effects of adding scapular stabilization exercises to the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) protocol in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis on pain, muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Aged between 18 and 65 years.
- Diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis by a physician, with positive Mill's, Cozen's, or Thomsen tests.
- Experiencing pain and tenderness over and around the lateral epicondyle for at least 3 months, with symptoms exacerbated by resisted elbow extension, wrist extension, gripping, and supination.
- Willing to voluntarily participate in the study.
Exclusion Criteria12
- Individuals with serious systemic or cardiovascular diseases that contraindicate exercise of the hand and upper extremity.
- Those diagnosed with upper extremity entrapment neuropathies.
- Patients with a diagnosis of malignancy.
- Individuals with open wounds on the hand or upper extremity.
- Pregnant women or those suspected of being pregnant.
- Patients who have received physiotherapy and/or injection treatments within the last 6 weeks.
- Patients with diabetes mellitus, rheumatologic diseases, or neurological disorders.
- Individuals who have undergone upper extremity surgery or had an upper extremity fracture within the last 6 months.
- Patients with coagulation disorders or those receiving anticoagulant therapy.
- Individuals with conditions causing degenerative changes in the hand and upper extremity.
- Patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, medial epicondylitis, radiohumeral bursitis, or cervical disc pathology.
- Patients using analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications other than acetaminophen (paracetamol).
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Interventions
Participants in the study group will follow a treatment protocol consisting of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) - 5 sessions, once per week - combined with stretching exercises for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and wrist extensor muscles, strengthening exercises for the wrist extensors, and an additional scapular stabilization exercise program. This combined program will be performed twice per week for a duration of 8 weeks. The scapular stabilization component will include strengthening exercises targeting the lower and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. The program will consist of scapular clock exercises, wall push-up exercises, and wall slide or ball slide exercises performed on a wall.
Locations(1)
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NCT07238413