Abstract
A 68-year-old male patient with suspected lateral epicondylalgia was seen for student physical therapy treatment for 12 visits over 6 weeks at an outpatient physical therapy clinic under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with manual muscle testing; grip strength with a hand-held dynamometer; the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Outcome Measure; and Patient Reported Tennis Elbow Evaluation. A plan of care was established to address impaired upper extremity strength and difficulty completing household chores, yardwork, and inability to work on his home remodel. The main goals for the patient were to increase upper extremity strength, improve his ability to complete activities of daily living including household chores, and to return to remodeling his house and yardwork. The main interventions were functional strength training, general upper extremity strengthening, manual therapy, and patient education. The patient responded well to physical therapy and achieved the following goals: improved upper extremity strength, ability to complete household chores without limitations, and a return to yardwork and painting his living room with the use of a counterforce brace. The patient was discharged to home with a comprehensive home exercise program.