May 6, 2005 – A synthesis of studies1 indicates that there is now sufficient scientific data to conclude that acupuncture is effective in short-term relief of pain in the lateral epicondyle, a small bony protrusion on the outer side of the elbow. This pain is most often caused by epicondylitis, a tendonitis better known as tennis elbow.
In their review of studies, researchers at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, reviewed six clinical trials chosen for their good quality. The participants in these trials had received acupuncture, placebo acupuncture, or a control treatment (such as ultrasound) as treatment. None were using pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs. The degree of pain was rated by each subject on a qualitative scale.
All six studies concluded that acupuncture actually relieves pain associated with the lateral epicondyle. In addition, in five trials it was found to be superior to a control treatment and in four trials to be superior to the placebo treatment. The authors therefore conclude that acupuncture is effective.
This conclusion differs from that obtained in the framework of a meta-analysis published in 2002.2. The authors then said that they lacked scientific data to rule on the effectiveness of acupuncture to treat this type of pain. The authors of the new study summary explain that other clinical trials have been published since 2002 and that their method of compiling the data was more appropriate than the previous one. They used a qualitative method to compensate for the heterogeneity of the data from studies in which elements such as the type of acupuncture, the frequency of treatments or their duration may vary.
Usually epicondyle pain occurs as a result of unusual exertion or repetitive use of the forearm, as is the case with tennis players, musicians, carpenters, etc.
Marie-Michèle Mantha – PasseportSanté.net
1. Trinh KV, Phillips SD, Ho E, Damsma K. Acupuncture for the alleviation of lateral epicondyle pain: a systematic review. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2004 Sep; 43 (9): 1085-90. Epub 2004 Jun 22. Review.
2. Green S, Buchbinder R, Barnsley L, Hall S, White M, Smidt N, Assendelft W. Acupuncture for lateral elbow pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002; (1): CD003527. Review.
