Strength training exercise may help treat tennis elbow

People with pain in the elbow or forearm might be able to use a simple bar and strengthening exercise to ease it, say researchers.

Tennis elbow is a common condition effecting nearly three percent of the population, not just those who play tennis.

"Our study illustrated that a novel exercise, using an inexpensive rubber bar, may provide a practical and effective means of adding isolated wrist strengthening exercises to a treatment plan," said study co-author Timothy F. Tyler of the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, New York.

The study randomized 21 patients with tennis elbow into two groups. Both received the wrist extensor stretching, ultrasound, cross-friction massage, heat and ice for treatment.

Three sets of 15 repetitions were performed daily as part of a home program with intensity increased progressively during the treatment period.

A variety of pain and movement scales were utilized to determine progress. Patients using the rubber bar had vastly better results on all scales, especially related to strength.

"Compared to other treatments for tennis elbow such as cortisone injections or topical nitric oxide which require direct medical supervision and often side effects, this treatment is not only cost effective but dosage is not limited by the patient having to come to a clinic," said Tyler.

These findings were presented at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's Annual Meeting in Keystone, Colorado.

Last updated on Jul 13^th, 2009 at 11:30 am IST--IANS