| Objective: Based on the theory of myofascial lines, to study the treatment of external humeral epicondylitis in the view of anatomy and function by shockwave method. Methods: Eighty patients with external humeral epicondylitis were randomly divided into control group and treatment group (n=40 each group). Patients in the control group were treated with traditional shock wave therapy at the lateral epicondylar region of the humerus, and those in the treatment group were given shock wave along the superficial line of the arm based on myofascial meridian theory. Patients were treated once every 3 days, 5 times totally. The visual analogue scale (VAS), disability of arm shoulder and hand (DASH) and pain threshold (PPT) were measured before and at 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month and 6th month after treatment. Results: After the treatment for one week, one month, three months and six months, the VAS and DASH scores in both groups were significantly reduced after treatment (all P<0.05). The VAS and DASH scores in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group at every time point after treatment (all P<0.05). There was no significant change in two groups before and at 1st week after treatment. PPT in two groups was significantly improved in the first month, third month and sixth month after treatment (P<0.05), especially in treatment group. VAS, DASH scores, and PPT rebounded slightly in the sixth month after treatment in control group, while they were relatively stable in treatment group. Conclusions: It is better to treat with shock wave along the superficial line of the arm than that at the lateral epicondylar region of the humerus based on myofascial lines theory. |
