Trigger Point Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis

This randomized controlled study evaluates the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy applied to the extensor carpi radialis brevis trigger point in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Participants receive active extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the lateral epicondyle region. In addition, one group receives active extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the extensor carpi radialis brevis trigger point, while the other group receives sham extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the trigger point. Pain, grip strength, hand function, and common extensor tendon thickness are assessed before treatment and at week 4.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 50 years * Clinical diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis * Tenderness over the lateral epicondyle * Presence of trigger point in the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle * Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Peripheral nerve disease involving the ulnar, median, or radial nerve * Other elbow pathologies such as instability, arthritis, or dermatologic lesions * Radicular pain * Previous elbow surgery * Platelet-rich plasma injection, stem cell injection, corticosteroid injection, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the affected elbow within the previous month * Presence of a pacemaker * Pregnancy