Effects Compressive Tissue Flossing on Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy in US Service Members

The purpose of this research study will be to assess the effects of a compressive tissue flossing (CTF) program on the symptoms of lateral elbow tendinopathy in United States service members. I hypothesize that tissue flossing with a band for a 2-minute session daily will decrease patient's report of pain on the Defense and Veteran's Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS), decrease their Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score, increase their maximal grip strength in the affected upper extremity (UE). Measurements will be taken at baseline, immediately after the first CTF intervention, and at the 1-week follow-up, for a total of 3 measurements. If this method is shown to acutely decrease the symptoms of LET, it would give occupational therapists a potential home exercise program that is easy to initiate and only takes 2 minutes per day for patients to perform. This could prove to be an effective and low-cost method for service members to treat elbow pain symptoms. This technique could be used in austere environments where traditional musculoskeletal rehabilitation may not be available.

Specific Aim 1: Assess the acute effects of compressive tissue flossing on the symptoms of lateral elbow tendinopathy in United States service members.

I will accomplish this by recording the patient's report of pain on the Defense and Veteran's Pain Rating Scale, their Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation outcome measure score, and their maximal grip strength in the affected UE before CTF, immediately after CTF, and at the 1-week follow-up after completing tissue flossing daily for 2 minutes. I will compare the outcomes from each measurement to evaluate the effects of CTF on lateral elbow pain symptoms.

Inclusion criteria

• United States military service members stationed at JBSA between the ages of 18 to 65
• Report of lateral elbow pain
• Can perform either a modified push-up or push-up for 1 minute.

Exclusion criteria

• Under 18 years old or over 65 years old
• Recent surgical treatment of the involved upper extremity
• Current fracture of the involved upper extremity
• Open wounds at the treatment area
• History of skin diseases
• Tumors at the treatment area
• History of a peripheral vascular condition
• History of chronic inflammatory processes
• Latex allergy
• History of varicose veins
• History of vein inflammation
• History of thrombosis
• Diagnosed with diabetes
• Diagnosed with cardiac insufficiency Stage C or D
• Diagnosed with lymphedema
• Currently taking blood thinners
• Currently receiving high-dose corticosteroids
• Currently receiving other therapy for the elbow pain
• Presently diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy