Effect Of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Treatment of Patients With Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis: A Review Article

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review articles

Authors

1 Faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo university

2 Professor of Physical Therapy Department of Basic Sciences Faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University

3 Lecturer of Orthopedic Surgery and Endoscopy Faculty of Medicine in Kasr El-Aini Hospital Cairo university

4 Lecturer of Physical Therapy Department of Basic Sciences Faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University

Abstract

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is inflammation and degeneration that impacts the tendons of the extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus, and extensor digitorum communis.     The target area in extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is treated with high-pressure acoustic pulses. It stimulates tissue and cell proliferation that is inadequately vascularized.
 Purpose: This review aimed to assess Functional activity, hand grip strength, and pain intensity to evaluate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in treating patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis.
Objective: This narrative review summarises the current evidence on the effectiveness of ESWT in improving pain, grip strength, and functional outcomes in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis.
Materials and Methods We searched Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane for extracorporeal shockwave therapy and chronic lateral epicondylitis. The authors also reviewed references from pertinent literature; however, only the most recent or comprehensive studies from December 1981 to April 2025 were included. the studies in languages other than English were excluded due to a lack of translation-related sources. Papers such as unpublished manuscripts, oral presentations, conference abstracts, and dissertations not part of larger scientific studies were excluded.
Results:ESWT appears effective in reducing pain, enhancing grip strength, and improving elbow function, particularly in patients unresponsive to conventional therapies. Proposed mechanisms include neovascularisation, collagen remodelling, nociceptor desensitisation, and hyperstimulation analgesia. However, findings across studies remain inconsistent, and treatment parameters are not yet standardised.
Conclusion: A review of the current literature concluded that ESWT demonstrated favorable outcomes in the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis
 

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Egyptian Journal of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 February 2026

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