M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Lateral elbow tendinopathy is the most frequent periarticular lesion which affects 1% to 3% of the general population and is a difficult condition to manage with a wide range of procedures and management protocols advocated (Abrahamson and Comfort, 2010). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of managing lateral elbow tendinopathy using therapeutic ultrasound (U/S), interferential current (IFC) or alternatively a combination of IFC and therapeutic U/S in addition to chiropractic manipulative therapy of the cervical spine and elbow. This study was a comparative study consisting of three groups of ten participants each with an equal gender ratio. Prior to becoming a participant in this study individuals were assessed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A received therapeutic U/S; Group B received IFC and Group C received combination therapy of IFC and therapeutic U/S. All three groups received chiropractic manipulative therapy to the cervical spine and joints of the elbow complex. Subjective data was obtained using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Objective data was obtained using the pressure algometer (pain pressure threshold) and the Jamar grip strength dynamometer (pain-free grip strength) on the affected side. The study was conducted over a course of three weeks for a total of seven visits per participant. Subjective and objective data was collected pre-intervention on the first and fourth visits and on the seventh evaluation only visit. Analysis of the data collected was performed by a statistician. All three groups showed statistically significant clinical improvements in all measures. The only group not exhibiting a statistical significance was the therapeutic U/S group in the initial pain pressure threshold results. In the objective measures of all intervals none of the groups showed statistical superiority over one another. However, the final NPRS results showed statistically significant improvement in therapeutic U/S and combination therapy groups over IFC alone. From the results it can be concluded that all groups were effective for lateral elbow tendinopathy in conjunction with chiropractic manipulative therapy. With respects to subjective pain therapeutic U/S and combination therapy appeared to have a greater efficacy than IFC, but no superior modality was identified with respects to objective measures.

A dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban Institute Of Technology, 2006. / Purpose Repetitive strain injuries, especially rotator cuff tendonitis, are increasing and reaching epidemic proportions in certain industries and in most industrialized countries (Yassi et al. 1996). Fatigue of the rotator cuff allows the humeral head to translate anteriorly, with resultant mechanical impingement of the supraspinatus tendon. At this point inflammatory changes become evident (Fu et al. 1995). According to Greenman (1996), muscle energy technique (MET) is a 'manual medicine treatment procedure that involves the voluntary contraction of a patients muscle in a precisely controlled direction, at varying levels of intensity, against a distinctively executed counterforce applied by the operator.' It has been hypothesized that MET can be used to lengthen and strengthen muscles, to increase fluid mechanics and decrease local edema, and to mobilize a restricted articulation (Greenman 1996). However, these statements have been made in the absence or appropriate research in order to support such statements, therefore. the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of Muscle Energy Technique in the treatment of rotator cuff tendonitis in terms of subjective and objective clinical findings. Methods Objective measures included: Diagnostic ultrasound which was used to evaluate changes in inflammation and thickness of the involved tendon, the algometer was used to assess point tenderness, whilst inclinometer readings were taken to evaluate the associated changes in range of motion that may have taken placei / M