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Dry Needling vs. Standard Therapy for Tennis Elbow

N/A
Recruiting
Led By James Dunning, DPT PhD
Research Sponsored by Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Patient has not had physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment or injections for elbow pain in the last 6 months
Diagnosis of medial epicondylalgia, defined as tenderness elicited by palpation of the insertion of the flexor-pronator mass (5-10 mm distal and anterior to the middle aspect of the medial epicondyle) and pain exacerbated by resisted wrist flexion and forearm pronation at an angle of 90°
Must not have
History of or presentation consistent with osteochondritis dissecans, osteoarthrosis, MCL injury (i.e. pain with valgus stress or positive 'milking test' - pulling on the thumb with the elbow in flexion and the forearm in supination), flexor-pronator strain, and ulnar neuropathy (i.e. positive Tinel sign - distal pain and tingling during direct compression of the nerve at the elbow)
Report of previous surgery of the elbow, history of elbow dislocation, elbow fracture and/or tendon rupture
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline, 1-week, 4-weeks, 3-months
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial compares two methods for treating inner elbow pain: one using hands-on therapy, exercises, and ultrasound, and another adding electric dry needling. It aims to find out which method is more effective for patients with this condition. Dry needling is similar to acupuncture and frequently regarded as a form of acupuncture, with evidence supporting its use for localized musculoskeletal pain conditions.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 18-60 with medial epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) pain for at least 6 weeks, who haven't had related treatments in the past 6 months. Participants must speak English and have a specific diagnosis of medial epicondylalgia. Pregnant individuals or those with certain medical conditions like severe hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, previous elbow surgery or injuries are excluded.
What is being tested?
The study compares two treatment strategies for tennis elbow: one group receives manual therapy, exercise and ultrasound; another group gets these plus electric dry needling. The goal is to determine if adding electric dry needling improves outcomes.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects may include discomfort at the needle insertion site from dry needling, soreness from manual therapy and exercise, and skin irritation from ultrasound. Individual reactions can vary.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I haven't had treatments like physical therapy for elbow pain in the last 6 months.
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I have been diagnosed with pain on the inside of my elbow, worsened by certain wrist and forearm movements.
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I am between 18 and 60 years old and can speak English.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have had issues with my joints, ligaments, or nerves in my elbow.
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I have had elbow surgery, dislocation, fracture, or tendon rupture in the past.
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I have nerve or spinal issues, including recent severe neck or back injuries.
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I have had surgery on my head, neck, upper spine, or arm.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~baseline, 1-week, 4-weeks, 3-months
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline, 1-week, 4-weeks, 3-months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in elbow pain intensity (NPRS)
Secondary study objectives
Change in Global rating of change score
Change in Medication Intake (Frequency of Medication Intake in last week)
Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Experimental: Electric DN, Manual therapy, exercise and USExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Dry needling, manual therapy, exercise and ultrasound
Group II: Active comparator: Manual therapy, exercise and ultrasoundActive Control1 Intervention
Active comparator: Manual therapy, exercise and ultrasound

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.
Mechanism Of Action
Side Effect Profile
Prior Approvals
Other Research
Common treatments for Tennis Elbow, such as dry needling, glucocorticoid injections, and physical therapy, work through different mechanisms to alleviate pain and improve function. Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points, evoking anti-nociceptive effects by modulating segmental mechanisms, which can reduce pain and muscle tension. Glucocorticoid injections provide short-term pain relief by reducing inflammation, although they may have high recurrence rates and potential long-term drawbacks. Physical therapy, including eccentric exercises, helps strengthen the affected tendons and improve their resilience. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for Tennis Elbow patients as it helps them make informed decisions about their treatment options, balancing immediate pain relief with long-term recovery and function improvement.
Effectiveness of manual therapy in patients with tension-type headache. A systematic review and meta-analysis.Manual treatment for cervicogenic headache and active trigger point in the sternocleidomastoid muscle: a pilot randomized clinical trial.Dry needle stimulation of myofascial trigger points evokes segmental anti-nociceptive effects.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Alabama Physical Therapy & AcupunctureLead Sponsor
14 Previous Clinical Trials
2,069 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Tennis Elbow
143 Patients Enrolled for Tennis Elbow
Universidad Rey Juan CarlosOTHER
127 Previous Clinical Trials
9,876 Total Patients Enrolled
2 Trials studying Tennis Elbow
273 Patients Enrolled for Tennis Elbow
James Dunning, DPT PhD5.01 ReviewsPrincipal Investigator - American Academy of Manipulative Therapy
Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture
2 Previous Clinical Trials
252 Total Patients Enrolled
~8 spots leftby Mar 2025