The use of elastic therapeutic tape for treatment of lateral elbow tendinosis
thesis
posted on 2017-02-22, 03:51 authored by Raewyn Lin WegenerThe development of
this thesis arose from my clinical experience as a hand therapist in a private
practice setting. As is shown in the literature, lateral elbow tendinosis is a
common, yet complex, upper limb condition that is associated with long term
morbidity. Due to its degenerative aetiology, research has supported a shift
away from surgery and the use of passive interventions, such as immobilisation
with splinting, ultrasound, massage and the use of thermal modalities. Despite
this evidence, it was my observation that these treatment modalities were still
commonly used amongst therapists, including myself, who were attempting to
manage the complexities of this patient population. In particular, elastic
therapeutic tape was used extensively for tendinosis within the practice I
worked, despite a lack of supporting evidence into its use. When further
examining this condition, I was led to question my own clinical practice to
ensure I was implementing interventions that were in line with the literature.
As a health professional, I felt strongly about working within an
evidence-based practice model.
These concepts listed above have been explored within this thesis, based on the frameworks of the Biomechanical Model (which is prevalent in Hand Therapy), the Occupational Adaptation Model (OAM) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). A variety of methodologies have been utilised to address the above clinical questions, including a scoping review, cross-sectional study, case series, qualitative methodology and a randomised controlled trial. This forms the basis of the five publications that comprise Chapters 3 to 7. All studies supported existing research that passive interventions, including elastic therapeutic tape, have little impact on this condition. Overall, findings also revealed that:
1. Elastic therapeutic tape for lateral elbow tendinosis is no more effective than sham taping or eccentric exercises at six-months post randomisation. Evidence supports activity modification and exercises as successful interventions for this condition.
2. Lateral elbow tendinosis is complex and treatment should be carefully considered based on a clear diagnosis, duration of symptoms, awareness of patient experiences and use of evidence-based interventions.
3. Further examination into elastic therapeutic tape for upper limb conditions is warranted, especially in relation to comparisons between acute and chronic conditions.
These concepts listed above have been explored within this thesis, based on the frameworks of the Biomechanical Model (which is prevalent in Hand Therapy), the Occupational Adaptation Model (OAM) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). A variety of methodologies have been utilised to address the above clinical questions, including a scoping review, cross-sectional study, case series, qualitative methodology and a randomised controlled trial. This forms the basis of the five publications that comprise Chapters 3 to 7. All studies supported existing research that passive interventions, including elastic therapeutic tape, have little impact on this condition. Overall, findings also revealed that:
1. Elastic therapeutic tape for lateral elbow tendinosis is no more effective than sham taping or eccentric exercises at six-months post randomisation. Evidence supports activity modification and exercises as successful interventions for this condition.
2. Lateral elbow tendinosis is complex and treatment should be carefully considered based on a clear diagnosis, duration of symptoms, awareness of patient experiences and use of evidence-based interventions.
3. Further examination into elastic therapeutic tape for upper limb conditions is warranted, especially in relation to comparisons between acute and chronic conditions.
