Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer Therapy for Lateral Epicondylitis

This prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (TECAR) therapy in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a TECAR plus exercise group or a sham TECAR plus exercise group. Both groups will receive a standardized home exercise program including elbow and wrist range-of-motion, stretching, eccentric strengthening, and handgrip strengthening exercises. The TECAR group will additionally receive active TECAR therapy, while the control group will receive sham TECAR treatment using the same device and treatment protocol without therapeutic energy delivery. Outcome assessments will be performed by a blinded evaluator at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 1- and 2-month follow-up visits. The study aims to determine whether TECAR therapy provides additional benefits in pain relief, functional improvement, and clinical outcomes when combined with exercise therapy in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients with lateral epicondylitis who have experienced elbow pain for at least 6 weeks and have at least two positive provocative tests (Cozen's, Mill's, or Maudsley's test). Age between 18 and 65 years. Unilateral pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle lasting longer than 6 weeks. Clinically diagnosed lateral epicondylitis. No cognitive impairment. Willingness to participate and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: History of interventional injection to the affected elbow within the previous 3 months. Receipt of physical therapy for the affected elbow within the previous 3 months. Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within the previous 2 weeks. History of fracture or surgery involving the affected elbow. Presence of a chronic inflammatory disease. History of malignancy. Active infection. Pregnancy. Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or other electronic implant. Coagulation disorders. Cervical radiculopathy, entrapment neuropathy, or peripheral nerve injury. Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m². \-