Manual Therapy, Exercise and US Vs. Manual Therapy, Exercise and US for Medial Epicondylalgia
Launched by ALABAMA PHYSICAL THERAPY & ACUPUNCTURE · Oct 26, 2020
Trial Information
Current as of July 05, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is investigating two different treatment methods for people suffering from medial epicondylalgia, a condition that causes pain on the inside of the elbow and forearm. The study will compare a combination of manual therapy, exercise, and ultrasound with the same treatment plus electric dry needling. The goal is to find out which of these approaches works better for relieving pain and improving function in patients.
To be eligible for the trial, participants must be adults aged 18 to 60 who can speak English and have been experiencing elbow and forearm pain for at least six weeks. They should not have received physical therapy or other related treatments in the past six months. Participants will undergo the treatments in a clinical setting and will be monitored for their progress. It's important to note that individuals with certain health conditions, previous elbow surgeries, or other specific issues may not qualify for the study. This research aims to help improve treatment options for those dealing with this painful condition.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • 1. Adult between18 and 60 years old that is able to speak English.
- • 2. Report of at least 6 weeks of elbow (i.e. medial epicondyle) and ventral forearm pain, consistent with medial epicondylalgia.
- • 3. Patient has not had physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment or injections for elbow pain in the last 6 months.
- • 4. Diagnosis of medial epicondylalgia, defined as the following:(Walz, 2010; Shin, 2019)
- • 1. Tenderness is elicited by palpation of the insertion of the flexor-pronator mass (5-10 mm distal and anterior to the middle aspect of the medial epicondyle)
- • 2. Pain is exacerbated by resisted wrist flexion and forearm pronation at an angle of 90°
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • 1. Report of red flags to manual physical therapy to include: severe hypertension, infection, uncontrolled diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, heart disease, stroke, chronic ischemia, edema, severe varicosities, tumor, metabolic disease, prolonged steroid use, fracture, RA, osteoporosis, severe vascular disease, malignancy, etc.
- • 2. Report of Previous surgery of the elbow, history of elbow dislocation, elbow fracture and/or tendon rupture.
- • 3. History of or presentation consistent with osteochondritis dissecans, osteoarthrosis, MCL injury (i.e. Pain with valgus stress or positive "milking test" - pulling on the thumb with the elbow in flexion and the forearm in supination), flexor-pronator strain, and ulnar neuropathy (i.e. Positive Tinel sign - distal pain and tingling during direct compression of the nerve at the elbow).
- • 4. Report of systemic neurological disorders and/or neurological deficits to include the following: a. Nerve root compression (muscle weakness involving a major muscle group of the upper extremity, diminished upper extremity deep tendon reflex, or diminished or absent sensation to pinprick in any upper extremity dermatome) b. Cervical or thoracic spinal stenosis (exhibited by bilateral upper extremity symptoms) c. Central nervous system involvement (hyperreflexia, sensory disturbances in the hand, intrinsic muscle wasting of the hands, unsteadiness during walking, nystagmus, loss of visual acuity, impaired sensation of the face, altered taste, the presence of pathological reflexes) d. History of whiplash or T-spine injury injury within the previous 6 weeks 5. History of surgery to the head/neck/T-spine or affected upper extremity.
- • 6. Psychiatric disorders or cognitively impaired 7. Pregnancy
About Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture
Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture is a leading clinical trial sponsor dedicated to advancing therapeutic approaches in physical rehabilitation and pain management. With a focus on evidence-based practices, the organization integrates traditional physical therapy techniques with innovative acupuncture methods to optimize patient outcomes. Committed to rigorous research standards, Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture collaborates with healthcare professionals and academic institutions to conduct clinical trials that explore the efficacy and safety of novel treatment modalities. Their mission is to enhance patient care through scientific inquiry and to contribute valuable insights to the evolving fields of physical therapy and integrative medicine.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
James Dunning, DPT PhD
Principal Investigator
American Academy of Manipulative Therapy
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported
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