The application of mechanical diagnosis and therapy in lateral epicondylalgia

MACCIO, Joseph R., FINK, Sarah, YARZNBOWICZ, Richard and MAY, Stephen (2016). The application of mechanical diagnosis and therapy in lateral epicondylalgia. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 24 (3), 158-165.

Preview

PDF May - Manuscript - Application of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy MDT on the Human Elbow.pdf - Accepted Version All rights reserved. Download (239kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: lateral epicondylalgia (LE) is a musculoskeletal diagnosis that causes pain and dysfunction in the lateral aspect of the elbow. Mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) is an orthopaedic classification and treatment system based on mechanical and symptomatic response to repeated and sustained end-range movement. There has been no investigation of the association between MDT and patients diagnosed with LE. Case description: this report presents three patients matching the currently accepted diagnostic criteria for LE, two with a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) from a medical doctor. These patients were classified and treated by a diplomat of MDT and two third-year doctoral students of physical therapy using MDT. Outcomes: short- and long-term (one year) outcomes were excellent, demonstrating rapid abolishment of symptoms and return to prior levels of function in 3–6 visits between 11–59 days. Patients demonstrated the ability to prevent and manage reoccurrence of symptoms independently without seeking further health care. Discussion: this case series raises questions about whether or not the pathologies traditionally associated with the aetiology of LE are actually at fault. Moreover, it raises questions about the utility of special tests typically utilized to identify those structures. The series provides preliminary evidence that MDT may be capable of providing effective short- and long-term outcomes in the management of LE. Level of Evidence: 4 Keywords: Mechanical diagnosis and therapy, Lateral epicondylalgia, Case series

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Centre for Health and Social Care Research
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2015.1110303
Page Range:	158-165
Depositing User:	Margaret Boot
Date Deposited:	08 Sep 2016 15:53
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 00:26
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/13356

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads

Publication Metrics