Comparison of effects of phonophoresis and iontophoresis of naproxen in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis

• Published in: Clinical rehabilitation Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 96 - 100
• Main Authors: Baskurt, Ferdi, Özcan, Ayse, Algun, Candan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thousand Oaks, CA SAGE Publications 01.02.2003; Turpin; Arnold; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - administration & dosage; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - pharmacology; Biological and medical sciences; Diseases of the osteoarticular system. Orthopedic treatment; Female; Humans; Iontophoresis; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Naproxen - administration & dosage; Naproxen - pharmacology; Pain - drug therapy; Pain - etiology; Pain Measurement; Phonophoresis; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); Tennis Elbow - drug therapy; Treatment Outcome; Juxtaarticular disease; Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Route of administration; Iontophoresis; Naproxen; Kinesitherapy; Arylpropionic acid derivatives; Upper limb; Elbow; Human; Enzyme; Treatment efficiency; Lateral; Enzyme inhibitor; Instrumentation therapy; Non steroidal antiinflammatory agent; Chemotherapy; Analgesic; Treatment; Electrotherapy; Antipyretic; Oxidoreductases; Comparative study; Topical administration; Epicondylitis
• ISSN: 0269-2155; 1477-0873
• DOI: 10.1191/0269215503cr588oa

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of naproxen (10%) applied by topical iontophoresis or by phonophoresis in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Dokuz Eylül University School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Subjects: This study was carried out with 61 patients who had lateral epicondylitis. They were randomized into two groups. Interventions: Naproxen was applied to the first group using phonophoresis (29 patients – 33 extremities) and to the second group using iontophoresis (32 patients – 34 extremities). Patients in both groups were treated by other physiotherapy methods (cold pack, progressive strengthening and stretching exercises). Outcomes: Pain scores (at rest, during motion, with pressure, weight lifting), grip strength and Nirschl–Petterone Grading System were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: Pain scores decreased, grip strength and Nirsch–Petterone Grading System statistically significantly increased in both groups after treatment (p < 0.05), but there were no statistical differences between groups before or after treatment (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that iontophoresis and phonophoresis of naproxen are equally effective electrotherapy methods in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.