In the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, an article concluded that joint mobilization and manipulation may help manage tendon problems like rotator cuff problems, tennis elbow problems, Achilles tendon problems and de Quervain’s disease. I think its always a good idea to add exercise programs to these problems in order to empower the patient with tendon issues. ~ Dr. Broussard
The analgesic effect of joint mobilization and manipulation in tendinopathy: a narrative review
Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy
Published online: 26 Mar 2021
Christos Savva
ABSTRACT
Objective: To summarize the available literature with regards to the potential analgesic effect and mechanism of joint mobilization and manipulation in tendinopathy.
Results: The effect of these techniques in rotator cuff tendinopathy and lateral elbow tendinopathy, applied alone, compared to a placebo intervention or along with other interventions has been reported in some randomized controlled trials which have been scrutinized in systematic reviews. Due to the small randomized controlled trials and other methodological limitations of the evidence base, including short-term follow-ups, small sample size and lack of homogenous samples further studies are needed. Literature in other tendinopathies such as medial elbow tendinopathy, de Quervain’s disease and Achilles tendinopathy is limited since the analgesic effect of these techniques has been identified in few case series and reports. Therefore, the low methodological quality renders caution in the generalization of findings in clinical practice. Studies on the analgesic mechanism of these techniques highlight the activation of the descending inhibitory pain mechanism and sympathoexcitation although this area needs further investigation.
Conclusion: Study suggests that joint mobilization and manipulation may be a potential contributor in the management of tendinopathy as a pre-conditioning process prior to formal exercise loading rehabilitation or other proven effective treatment approaches.