BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of conducting a larger, multi-centre trial to compare acupuncture and ultrasound treatments in the management of lateral epicondylitis. The study was conducted in a community-based, primary care, outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: Sixteen subjects completed the study (10 female and 6 male, mean age 47.5 years). Random assignment resulted in: (4 female, 4 male, mean age 49.3 years) ultrasound group; (6 female, 2 male, mean age 45.8 years) acupuncture group. METHODS: Both groups were treated 2 to 3 times/week for a total of 8 treatments. Group 1 received pulsed ultrasound, 4:1 (20% duty cycle), 1 MHz, 1 W/cm2 (SATP1), BNR 1:6, for 10 minutes. Group 2 received manual acupuncture to LI4, TW5, LI10, LI11, LI12 for 20 minutes. Outcome measures of pain level, pain-free grip strength, and DASH disability questionnaire scores were used. RESULTS: Significant improvement in all outcome measures over time (8 treatments) was identified for both groups (p < 0.05). Acupuncture was significantly more effective in reducing pain than ultrasound when the pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups when data for all 8 treatments were analyzed. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: Results suggest both ultrasound and acupuncture are effective in treating lateral epicondylitis.

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