Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Interventions on Patients With Non-structural Medial Elbow Pain Using a Regional Interdependence Model

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to explore the effectiveness of a regional interdependence rehabilitation model in improving neural mobility. The secondary aims were to explore the effectiveness of the intervention on pain-free active cervical extension, lower trapezius strength, and patient-reported functional outcomes. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with medial elbow pain underwent baseline assessment of active cervical extension, nerve mobility at the elbow during upper-limb tension testing, lower trapezius strength, and self-reported function using the Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes Upper Extremity scale. Measurements were repeated every fifth visit until discharge. An individualized regional interdependence rehabilitation program was prescribed. All available data for each patient were used to perform a linear mixed-model analysis due to varying discharge times. A Bonferroni post hoc analysis was used to determine significant differences from baseline. All significant differences were set at ( P≤.05). RESULTS: There was significant improvement for all outcome measures across time ( P<.003). Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed improvement in all outcome measures by visit 5 ( P<.001). CONCLUSION: A regional interdependence approach facilitated improvement in common impairments in patients with medial elbow pain with nerve involvement. Focusing on proximal impairments initially facilitated early improvements to restore function. JOSPT Open 2025;3(4):462-472. Epub 21 May 2025. doi:10.2519/josptopen.2025.0113