SUSTAINED FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT FOLLOWING TRANSITION FROM LOCAL CUPPING TO REGIONAL MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (TARGETING FASCIAL LINES) IN A CHRONIC LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS PATIENT: A CASE STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/c40c3873Keywords:
Lateral Epicondylitis, Dynamic Cupping, Myofascial Release, Superficial Back Arm Line, Sustained Functional ImprovementAbstract
Tennis Elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis is a debilitating upper limb disorder, often maintained by regional biomechanical issues. This case study investigates the clinical efficacy of a phased manual therapy approach, sequentially moving from local pain modulation to regional fascial mobilization, in a patient with chronic, functional limitations.
Case Description: A 45-year-old female housewife presented with a 9-month history of dominant arm Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis, poorly responsive to initial conservative treatments. Assessment revealed severe pain, low functional capacity, and palpable restrictions along the Superficial Back Arm Line (SBAL), particularly in the triceps and posterior shoulder fascia.
Intervention: The 12-week rehabilitation was sequenced into two phases: Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Local Dynamic Cupping over the forearm extensors to modulate pain. Phase 2 (Weeks 5-12): Progression to Regional Myofascial Release (MFR), targeting the SBAL to address regional mechanical restrictions. Both phases incorporated a progressive eccentric home exercise program.
Outcomes: The patient demonstrated significant and sustained functional improvement. The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score improved from 85/100 at baseline to 12/100 (Week 12) and remained 7/100 at the 6-month follow-up. Pain-Free Grip Strength (PFGS) increased from 3 kg to 21 kg.
Conclusion: A phased manual therapy strategy, using local pain modulation (Cupping) to enable exercise and subsequent regional mobilization (MFR) to address the underlying fascial driver, proved highly effective for achieving sustained functional recovery in this case of chronic, activity-limited Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis.
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