Tennis Elbow/Golfer’S Elbow (Epicondylitis Humeri): Therapy

General measures

  • Immobilization of the affected joint
  • Determination of the cause of a possible chronic overload. For athletes, possibly rehearsed errors must be corrected by training measures.
  • Occupational therapy measures
    • Z. E.g. ergonomic computer mouse and keyboard, etc.

Medical aids

  • Epicondylitis braces or bandages – may be considered as a treatment option; however, evidence of efficacy is lacking [S2k guideline].

Physical therapy (including physiotherapy)

  • Physiotherapy
  • Training therapy
    • With progressive loading for the wrist extensors (wrist extensors); if necessary, an additional training program of the shoulder can also be performed.
    • Epicondylitis humeri radialis (tennis elbow): strengthening and stretching exercises relieve symptoms better than passive therapies. Note: Exercises versus injection of glucocorticoids (8 RCT): exercises were statistically significantly superior to injection of glucocorticoids for the four end points (perceived improvement in pain intensity, pain-free grip strength (PFGS), and elbow functional limitations).

Complementary treatment methods

  • Acupuncture – can be used for epicondylopathia humeri radialis [S2k guideline].
  • Leech therapy
  • Electrotherapy (ET) – should not be used as sole therapy for epicondylopathia humeri radialis [S2k guideline].
  • Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) – medical technique for disintegration and removal of calcium concretions and for pain therapy; can be used in therapy-resistant epilog chondropathy humeri radialis [S2k Guideline]
  • High-intensity laser therapy (HILT; synonyms: high-level laser therapy; high-power laser therapy).
  • Manual therapy (MT) – manual therapy as sole therapy should be avoided [S2k guideline].
  • Ultrasound therapy – should not be used as sole therapy for epicondylopathia humeri radialis [S2k guideline]