Comparison of the Effects of Kinesio Tape and High-intensity Laser Therapy on Pain, Grip Strength and Functional Level in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis: a Randomized Controlled Study.

Lateral epicondylitis is a common upper extremity disease that occurs with tenderness in the lateral epicondyle, the common attachment point of the wrist extensor muscles, and pain during resisted wrist extension. It is usually a non-inflammatory tendinopathy of the extensor carpi radialis and extensor digitorum comminis. Calcific tendinitis and/or partial tears in the wrist extensor muscles may accompany this condition. It is most common between the ages of 30-60 and its prevalence has been reported as 1-1.7% Although the underlying cause is mostly unknown, activities that involve excessive use of wrist extensors and supinators are thought to be the most important cause of lateral epicondylitis .The main purpose of treating lateral epicondylitis is to reduce pain and increase functionality, but there is no accepted standard treatment method. Non-surgical treatment approaches such as patient education physiotherapy applications, manual therapy, laser therapy, splinting, taping, exercises, massage and local injection, as well as oral or topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are frequently applied. Kinesio tape, which is frequently used in musculoskeletal system injuries, is flexible, mimics skin and has a water-resistant structure. Kinesio tape creates a pumping system by pulling the skin up in the area where it is applied, thus increasing the skin space, increasing blood and lymph circulation, and creating analgesia and proprioceptive sensory input by reducing the pressure on pain receptors . There are scientific studies showing that kinesio tape application reduces pain and increases functionality and grip strength in patients with lateral apicondylitis. It is stated that high-intensity laser treatment can quickly create photochemical and photothermic effects in deep tissue. For this reason, collagen production in tendons is stimulated and can increase blood flow, vascular permeability and cell metabolism. As a result of all these events, tissue healing begins and painful stimuli disappear. It has been shown that high-intensity laser reduces pain and increases functionality and grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis. In the literature review, no randomized controlled studies were found comparing high-intensity laser and kinesio tape applications in patients with lateral epicondylitis