An Investigation Comparing the effects of Muscle Energy Techniques and Myofascial Release on Discomfort and Functional Ability in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis - A Pilot Study

In patients with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), this study compares the benefits of muscle energy techniques (MET) and myofascial release (MFR) on pain and functional performance. A common overuse ailment that affects the forearm's extensor tendons and causes severe discomfort and functional restrictions is called lateral epicondylitis. Fifty volunteers, aged between twenty and forty, were split equally into two groups for the study: Group B received MFR and Group A received MET. There was a 4-week intervention for both groups. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) were employed to measure pain and functional performance, respectively. The outcomes showed that both groups' post-intervention functional performance had significantly improved and there had been a considerable decrease in discomfort. Group A had an improvement in PRTEE from 65.33±4.72 to 33.17±4.46, and a mean decrease in NPRS pain from 6.67±0.97 to 3.87±0.83. Group B had an improvement in PRTEE from 66.83±3.66 to 31.20±4.57 and a mean reduction in NPRS pain from 6.20±0.94 to 3.17±0.85.MFR was found to be more effective than MET through comparative study, with Group B demonstrating noticeably higher results in terms of pain reduction and functional performance. In summary, patients with lateral epicondylitis can effectively manage their pain and improve their function with both MFR and MET, but MFR shows higher efficacy in these areas. To validate these results, other studies with bigger sample sizes and longer follow-up times are advised.