Regional interdependence in treatment of the elbow

Regional Interdependence

• Treatment directed at one area of the body to elicit changes in another.
• In addition to treatment directed at the elbow, patients with elbow pain may benefit from treatment directed at the cervical or thoracic spines, and/or wrist.

Examination 

• Differential diagnosis for Lateral Epicondylalgia can be done through Elbow Examination
• Prior to performing interventions directed at the spine, appropriate examination and safety screens should be performed.

• Cervical Examination and screen for Red Flags
• Vertebral Artery Test
• Transverse Ligament Stress Test
• Tests for Cervical Instability
• Thoracic Examination 

Read more here for intervention methods and techniques.

Clinical Bottom Line 

Incorporating manual therapy directed at the cervical spine, thoracic spine, cervico-thoracic junction, wrist, and carpals appear to provide benefits for patients with lateral epicondylalgia, cubital tunnel syndrome, and nerve entrapment. Clinicians may consider these interventions in addition to treatment directed only at the elbow. More specific information can be found in the references below.