A Study to Compare the Effectiveness of Active Release Technique Versus Deep Friction Massage on Pain, Grip Strength and Functional Performance in Patients with Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Lateral epicondylitis is a very common overuse syndrome in the elbow. It is an injury which
involves the extensor muscles of the forearm. The most frequent location of the involvement is in the musculotendinous
junction of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. It leads to pain, reduced grip strength and functional impairments
affecting individual’s lifestyle. Active release technique and deep friction massage both are effective techniques in the
treatment of lateral epicondylitis. This study focuses on the comparative perspective of these soft tissue techniques along
with the conventional treatment in terms of relief to the patients suffering from lateral epicondylitis.
Study Design: Experimental design comparative in nature.
Method: This study was done on 30 subjects who were divided equally into two groups. Group A received active release
technique along with the conventional treatment for lateral epicondylitis and group B received deep friction massage
along with the conventional treatment. Each patient was assessed on 1st, 11th and 21st day using Numeric Pain Rating Scale
(NPRS), hand dynamometer and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire.
Result: Statistical analysis of the data revealed that both the therapies produced improvement in pain, grip strength and
functional activity status among patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis but according to independent t-test there was
highly significant difference between active release technique and deep friction massage groups. The study confirmed
that the effect of therapy in group B is more effective rather than group A by NPRS scores but on PRTEE and grip
strength effect of therapy in group A (ART) was more effective rather than group B (DFM). And by paired sample test there
was statistically significant difference between before and after program in group A and group B among chronic lateral
epicondylitis patients.
Conclusion: The study concluded that active release technique and deep friction massage both are effective treatments if
done along with the conventional treatment. Active release technique demonstrated better improvement than the deep
friction massage in the management of lateral epicondylitis.