A randomized comparative therapeutic trial was conducted to test the hypothesis that physical support (forearm strap) and/or a topical anti-inflammatory agent will improve therapeutic response in tennis elbow treated by manipulation. Thirty-three adult patients received various combinations of these modalities, and results were assessed by recording grip-strength, and also pain score for a chosen function. The results do not show any therapeutic advantage from the use of these adjuncts, when assessed over three weeks, though the majority of patients in all groups were significantly improved. There was a wide inter-subject variation in response to treatment and it is suggested that future clinical trials in tennis elbow should attempt to test therapeutic intervention in homogenous, as opposed to unselected, groups of patients.

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