ABSTRACT

Objective:

The aim of this study is to determine and compare the effectiveness of ultrasound (US) and %10 naproxen sodium phonophoresis in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Methods:

Fifty-eight patients with lateral epicondylitis were enrolled in this study. They were randomized as phonophoresis (n=28 elbow) and US (n=30 elbow) groups by the closed envelope method. The US therapy 1.5 watt/cm2 dose for ten sections with aquasonic gel as conductive agent was applied to the first group. To the second group an 1.5 watt/cm2, 1 MHz dose for ten sections with %10 naproxen sodium gel phonophoresis was applied. Visual Analog Scala (VAS) was used to record pain levels at rest, activity and compression. A Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was used to determinegeneral health.

Results:

Statistically significant improvement in all variables was detected in US and phonophoresis treatment groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

US and phonophoresis treatments are beneficial treatments for lateral epicondylitis. However, there is no statistically significant difference between the two groups.