Management strategies with no benefit and potential harm for epicondylar tendinopathy

Chen, 2021Ma, 2020Lian, 2019Lai, 2018Coombes, 2015Sayegh, 2015

There is insufficient or no evidence to support the use of a range of physical treatments (other than exercise) in the management of epicondylar tendinopathies. The following treatments are not recommended for the management of epicondylar tendinopathies:

  • application of ice or heat
  • use of an elbow brace, strap or taping
  • use of a wrist splint
  • manual therapy
  • laser therapy
  • acupuncture
  • ultrasound
  • extracorporeal shock-wave therapy.

A 2021 Cochrane review did not support the use of platelet-rich plasma or autologous whole blood injections for the treatment of lateral elbow pain1Karjalainen, 2021.

1 Karjalainen TV, Silagy M, O'Bryan E, Johnston RV, Cyril S, Buchbinder R. Autologous blood and platelet-rich plasma injection therapy for lateral elbow pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021;9(9):CD010951. [URL]Return