Effect of Manual Mobilization with Movement on Pain and Strength in Adults with Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is a painful musculoskeletal condition that often limits strength and function. Manual therapy, specifically mobilization with movement (MWM), is a treatment intervention to help decrease pain and improve strength of those with lateral epicondylitis. This clinical scenario places the thera-pist in an outpatient, orthopedic clinic where a 35-year-old male tennis player presents with lateral epicondylitis of 7 weeks ’ duration. His lateral elbow pain has become unbearable and significantly limits his participation in tennis and other functional, gripping activities. He has been referred to physical therapy by his primary-care physician and has an immediate goal of decreasing his lateral elbow pain and increasing his strength. He hopes to play in a tennis tournament in 3 weeks. Focused Clinical Question For adults with chronic lateral epicondylitis, does MWM decrease pain and increase strength?