EFFECTS OF DEEP FRICTION MASSAGE ON TENDINITIS (LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS) IN COMPARISON TO ULTRASOUND THERAPY

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of deep friction massage and ultrasound therapy in subjects with tennis elbow in terms of pain, grip strength and functional activities. STUDY DESIGN Randomized Control Trial. STUDY SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS Study was conducted in Physiotherapy OPD of a tertiary care hospital. A sample of 50 patients were inducted in the study. Sample size calculated through open Epi calculator. OUTCOME MEASURES Patients with the diagnosed lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow) presenting to out Patient department of two tertiary care hospitals has been enrolled for study after written informed consent. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups i.e. group A and group B. Group A = DFM + exercise, Group B = U/S + exercise. RESULTS Total 50 patients were randomized and divided into two groups. Group A: the mean pain score on VAS before treatment was 5.88±1.130 and after treatment 1.80±1.041 p-value=0.006. Group B: the mean pain score on VAS before treatment was 6.56±1.446 and after treatment was 2.72±1.208 p-value=0.006. Group A: the mean grip strength score was 13.92±2.691 and in after treatment was 19.60±5.454 p-value=0.342. Group B: the mean grip strength was 15.12±2.505 and after treatment was 20.92±4.183p-value=0.342. CONCLUSION The present study showed no statistical difference in using deep frictional massage therapy in relieving pain, improving grip strength and functional performance in subject with tennis elbow.