NON-SURGICAL APPROACH IN LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS, INJECTIONS VERSUS PHYSICAL THERAPY LITERATURE OVERVIEW

Introduction: Lateral Epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a common tendinopathy characterized by pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It leads to functional limitations and decreased quality of life. There are numerous available treatment options, including physical therapy, oral pharmacotherapy, injections and surgical interventions. Aim of the study: The aim of this article was to analyze recent research on non-surgical methods of lateral epicondylitis treatment. Methods and Materials: Extensive research was conducted using Scopus, PubMed and ProQuest databases, focusing on publications from the past five years, primarily on randomised control trials and meta-analyses. The databases were searched using the following keywords: “lateral epicondylitis”, “Platelet-rich plasma”, “Physical therapy” and “tennis elbow”. Conclusion: Current evidence remains insufficient to establish clear therapeutic recommendations. However, extracorporeal shockwave shows promising results in pain reduction, while PRP may offer longer-lasting benefits compared to corticosteroids. Available data shows that corticosteroid injections provide only temporary benefits and are commonly associated with symptom recurrence. Further studies are required to assess the efficacy of the injection-based therapies.