EXPLORING ELECTROPHYSICAL AGENT AND REHABILITATION EXERCISE UTILISATION PATTERNS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LATERAL EPICONDYLE TENDINOPATHY: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF A MALAYSIAN COHORT
Keywords:
Electrophysical agents, Lateral epicondylitis, Musculoskeletal disorder, Tennis elbow, Rehabilitation exercises, Gender-related differencesAbstract
Background: Lateral epicondyle tendinopathy (LET), commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition. Rehabilitation involving electrophysical agents (EPAs) and exercises is frequently employed, but the utilization patterns and gender-based preferences of these modalities are not well understood. This study examines the use of EPAs and rehabilitation exercises in managing LET among Malaysian patients, considering gender differences.
Method: In this retrospective study, data were collected from 105 patients with LET treated at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Malaysia, between January 2018 and January 2023. Sociodemographic details, clinical profiles, and information regarding the utilization of EPAs and rehabilitation exercises were collected using a structured research form. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, cross-tabulation, and correlation tests were performed.
Results: The results showed that LET was more prevalent in females (62.9%), particularly among Malay patients (54.3%), and most commonly affected the dominant arm (76.2%). Female office clerks, housewives, and health professionals were more affected than their male counterparts. There were no significant gender differences in symptom duration, but females underwent more rehabilitation sessions. Therapeutic ultrasound was the most used EPA (81.0%), followed by paraffin wax (72.4%). Strengthening and home exercise programs were prescribed to 97.1% of patients without significant gender-based differences in treatment preferences.
Conclusions: The findings suggest a gap in adherence to evidence-based guidelines for LET management, with the frequent use of modalities like ultrasound and paraffin wax despite limited evidence. This highlights the need for individualized treatment plans that align with the best available evidence and consider patient-specific needs.
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