Fifty patients diagnosed with chronic unilateral lateral epicondylitis with a symptom duration of at least 12 weeks. The study group received a true inhibitor Kinesio taping while the control group received sham taping for the first four weeks. In both groups, progressive stretching and strengthening exercises were given as a home program for 6 weeks. Patients were assessed with the numerical rating scale (NRS), Cyriax resistive muscle test evaluation, maximal grip strength, PRTEE (Patient- Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation), and SF-36 (Short Form-36) by the first assessor who was blinded to taping types.
Lateral epicondylitis is a degenerative tendinosis of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and is the most common work/sports-related chronic musculoskeletal problem affecting the elbow. This randomized, double-blinded, controlled study aimed to evaluate the short term and residual effectiveness of the Kinesio taping method on pain, grip force, quality of life, and functionality.