EFFECTS OF PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY (PBMT) ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION (TENS) ON PAIN AND SENSITIVITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS: A CASE SERIES WITH 30-DAY FOLLOW-UP
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63330/aurumpub.061-069Keywords:
Lateral Epicondylitis, Pain, Photobiomodulation Therapy, Laser Therapy, Physical Therapy, TENSAbstract
Introduction: Lateral elbow epicondylitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain over the lateral elbow and upper-limb functional impairment. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are used for pain modulation, but the effects of their combined application remain insufficiently explored. Objective: To describe immediate, 7-day, and 30-day clinical responses after one combined session of PBMT and TENS in individuals with symptoms compatible with lateral elbow epicondylitis. Methods: Prospective uncontrolled case series. Five participants were assessed for pain using a 0–100 mm visual analogue scale and for handgrip strength before and immediately after the intervention. Function was assessed using the QuickDASH at baseline, 7 days, and 30 days. Results: Pain decreased from 52.26 ± 25.74 to 20.46 ± 22.92 mm immediately after the intervention, corresponding to a mean reduction of 60.8% (p=0.0625). Mean handgrip strength increased by 5.49 kg on the right and 3.26 kg on the left. Three participants completed follow-up. In these cases, mean pain was 13.33 ± 23.09 mm at 7 days and 2.33 ± 2.52 mm at 30 days. QuickDASH scores were 20.05 at baseline, 22.70 ± 12.61 at 7 days, and 10.50 ± 4.86 at 30 days. Conclusion: The combined protocol was associated with immediate pain reduction, an average increase in handgrip strength, and sustained pain improvement among follow-up completers. These preliminary findings do not support causal inference because of the small sample, lack of a control group, and loss to follow-up, however, the results should guide future studies involving more robust samples, standardized instruments, and appropriate analysis.
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