Chiropractic Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Case Report Utilizing Active Release Techniques

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to describe the chiropractic management of a case of lateral epicondylitis with active release techniques (ART). CLINICAL FEATURES: A 48-year-old white man presented to a chiropractic clinic with a complaint of left lateral elbow pain that began 2 years previous with insidious onset. The patient reported an inability to play 18 consecutive holes of golf due to the pain. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Treatment consisted of 5 sessions of ART (a soft tissue technique that is applied to muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves) applied to the left elbow soft tissue over a duration of 3 weeks. The patient reported an absence of pain and ability to consistently play 18 consecutive holes of golf up to 3 times per week at 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment. CONCLUSION: This patient with lateral epicondylitis responded favorably to chiropractic treatment using the application of ART, as demonstrated by reduced pain and increased functional outcomes.