Review of Literature: Previous Research on Lateral Epicondylitis and Physiotherapy Interventions

This chapter presents a comprehensive review of existing literature related to lateral epicondylitis and its management. Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder affecting the tendons at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and is frequently associated with repetitive wrist and forearm activities. The purpose of this chapter is to critically examine previous studies that have explored the causes, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment approaches for this condition.

The literature review includes studies that have investigated a wide range of physiotherapy interventions such as Mobilization with Movement (MWM), manual therapy techniques, eccentric and concentric strengthening exercises, stretching programs, plyometric exercises, ultrasound therapy, shockwave therapy, acupuncture, and other rehabilitation methods. Various outcome assessment tools used in previous research are also discussed, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), Hand Held Dynamometer (HHD), and Electromyography (EMG).

The findings of earlier studies suggest that physiotherapy interventions play an important role in reducing pain, improving grip strength, and restoring functional ability in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Several studies highlight the effectiveness of Mobilization with Movement techniques in improving pain-free grip strength and functional outcomes, while others emphasize the importance of exercise programs, particularly eccentric strengthening and stretching exercises. However, the literature also reveals inconsistencies regarding the comparative effectiveness of different treatment approaches.

This chapter also identifies the research gap in the existing literature, indicating that limited studies have directly compared the effectiveness of Mobilization with Movement and exercise-based interventions. Therefore, further research is required to determine the most effective physiotherapy treatment strategy for managing lateral epicondylitis. The insights gained from this literature review provide the theoretical foundation for the present study and support the need for a comparative investigation of Mobilization with Movement and exercise interventions.