Lateral epicondylosis: a case study of conservative care utilizing ART and rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE To present the diagnostic features of lateral epicondylosis and response to treatment by Active Release Technique (ART), a promising treatment for lateral epicondylosis. CLINICAL FEATURES The most important feature is pain at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, most notably in actively extending or passively flexing the wrist. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME Treatment involves eliminating any inflammation, reducing muscular pain and hypertonicity, correcting biomechanical dysfunction, and restricting/modifying the offending activity. ART was successfully utilized in an attempt to remove adhesions and promote restoration of normal tissue texture. A sports specific rehabilitation protocol was employed to re-establish wrist extensor strength and interferential current and ice were used to control pain and residual inflammation. CONCLUSION A combination of soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation, and therapeutic modalities is a protocol that may be used by both allopathic and chiropractic practitioners alike, and allow for the athletic patient to return to play as quickly as possible.