Adhesive elastic therapeutic tape for treatment of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.

INTERVENTION: Kinesiotape, a form of elastic therapeutic tape, was developed by Dr. Kenso Kase in the 1970’s and is a relatively new elastic therapeutic tape used for treating a variety of injuries in clinical practice. The principle behind kinesiotape is the theory that it supports injured muscles and joints and helps to relieve pain by lifting the skin and allowing improved blood and lymph flow. Despite its popularity and widespread clinical use, there is relatively little high quality evidence available to support the effectiveness of kinesiotape for injuries, let alone specific upper limb overuse injuries, such as lateral elbow tendinosis. It is anticipated that the results of this research study will enhance evidence for the use of kinesiotape at a broader level. Participants in this study will be invited to undergo eight 30 minute hand therapy sessions for a period of 12 weeks. This will involve 4 weekly sessions followed by 4 fortnightly sessions. A free follow up will also be completed at 6 months which should take 30 minutes. These sessions will be administered on an individual basis by a hand therapist. All participants in the three groups will receive the same standard treatment for tennis elbow, which includes heat, massage, education of activity modification techniques and prescription of a progressive exercise program. With regards to the treatment and placebo/sham tape group, participants will be shown how to apply the tape on the first visit and will be provided with a roll of tape for use at home. The tape can last between 4‐7 days and the participant will be educated on monitoring for signs of irritation. If so, the tape should be removed immediately. The kinesiotape is applied with along the forearm and crosses over the lateral epicondyle. Two additional small strips of tape will then be applied over the lateral epicondyle in a 'star' pattern. The tension and application procedure will follow the Kinesiotape application manual. For the placebo/sham tape group, the tape will be applied in exactly the same; however, with no tension. It is anticipated that participants will use this tape for a minimum of 4 weeks full time; however, this time frame may be shorter if side effects are noted. CONDITION: Lateral elbow tendinosis (also commonly known as lateral epicondylitis) PRIMARY OUTCOME: Reduction in pain: this will be measured using the standardised Visual Analogue Scale. Return to function and work: this will be assessed through the Patient Rated Elbow Evaluation, the Short Form 36 and The Roles Checklist which will be completed by participants at the initial assessment, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months post treatment. These assessments look at function and work status. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Ease of application and comfort with use of the elastic therapeutic tape: this will be assessed at 6 months post treatment with a questionnaire developed by the researcher. This will be completed only by the intervention group. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Adults with a diagnosis of lateral elbow tendinosis. 2. Participants are able to understand English so that consent can be adequately given.