The Effect of TENS along with NSAIDS and Exercises in Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomised Control Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Lateral Epicondylitis (LE) affects the upper limbs. Studies examined many management strategies. No method works. Noninvasive therapeutic ultrasound can cure lateral epicondylitis. Studies show a placebo effect. Low cost, convenience, non-invasiveness, and few contraindications make TENS popular for lateral epicondylitis. Objective: To see the effect of TENS along with NSAIDS and exercises in Lateral Epicondylitis. Methods: After protocol approval, the DMCH Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department conducted this six-month randomized clinical experiment. Lateral epicondylitis outpatients were invited. 30 TENS patients transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, NSAIDs, omeprazole, and therapeutic exercise. Final follow-up was 6 weeks following initial appointment. Participants provided written consent. SPSS 21 analyzed data. Results: The study population's mean age was 38.78 ± 6.09 SD (years) [31-50 years], with 50%% male and 50%% female. The mean age was 38.03±6.01 SD (years), respectively. Before intervention, the group distribution was homogenous (p>0.05). After 6 weeks, both groups showed significant improvement in VAS score and grip strength 3.40±0.97 and 38.50±9.06; p<.001). Conclusion: Overall improvement is noticed in TENS therapy. As a result, it can be concluded that TENS is safe and effective technique as a treatment option of lateral epicondylitis. However, further larger studies are needed to finalize the comment.