EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS

Abstract

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy as applied in the present study was ineffective in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. The previously reported success of this therapy appears to be attributable to inappropriate study designs. Different application protocols might improve clinical outcome. We recommend that extracorporeal shock wave therapy be applied only in high-quality clinical trials until it is proved to be effective.