Efficacy of cyriax physiotherapy versus cyriax and low level laser therapy on pain and grip strength in lateral epicondylitis

Abstract

Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Cyriax physiotherapy versus Cyriax and Low Level Laser Therapy to compare these techniques in reducing pain and improving grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Methodology: The study population included 30 patients of lateral epicondylitis (signs and symptoms present for more than 6 weeks) diagnosed in outpatient and indoor facilities of MM Hospital, Mullana. The subjects were selected by means of simple random sampling. After fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the patients were randomly allocated in two groups: Group A and Group B. Group A received cyriax physiotherapy alone whereas Group B patients were subjected to combined Cyriax and low level Laser therapy. Baseline measurements of pain and grip strength were taken before treatment and then at 3 weeks respectively. Results: Our findings showed that there was significantly higher improvement in pain and grip strength in Group B (patients receiving combination of cyriax therapy with low dose laser therapy) as compared to Group A (p<0.05). Conclusion: Cyriax physiotherapy and low level laser therapy were effective in reducing pain and improving grip strength after the treatment sessions. But benefits of cyriax physiotherapy with low level laser therapy in lateral epicondylitis patients are significantly higher as compared to cyriax physiotherapy alone over a three week period. Hence, cyriax with low level laser therapy is proved to be a better treatment.