TINLL (nerve-length) approach versus traditional stretching and strengthening for lateral elbow pain
Official title: Comparing the Effectiveness of the 'Think in Nerve Length and Layers' (TINLL) Approach to Traditional Treatment for Patients With Lateral Elbow Pain.
Run by University of Vermont · NCT07385677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will see if a nerve-focused TINLL technique helps adults with tennis elbow more than standard stretching and strengthening.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Vermont Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (South Burlington, Vermont) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 26, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 26, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 26, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07385677 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (age 18+) referred for lateral-sided elbow pain or lateral epicondylitis who speak English and have clinical signs (tender lateral epicondyle, pain with wrist extensor stretch, or pain with resisted wrist/middle finger extension) are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other nerve entrapments (carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel), recent surgery or planned surgery, prior Platelet-Rich Plasma or percutaneous needle tenotomy, or those unable to follow directions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults referred for lateral elbow tendinopathy are assigned to either a TINLL (radial nerve tension) treatment group or a traditional stretching-and-strengthening group based on their prior treatments. Participants receive clinic-based therapy over about 4–6 weeks and complete grip and pinch strength tests, a pain rating (NRS), and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and at the end of treatment. Consent is obtained in clinic after a scripted phone introduction and an informational video, and therapists deliver the assigned interventions per protocol. The trial compares pain and function outcomes to determine whether a nerve-focused rehabilitation approach provides different practical benefits than standard muscle-focused care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TINLL could reduce pain and improve grip strength and arm function faster or more effectively than standard stretching and strengthening.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior trials of nerve mobilization and manual therapy for lateral elbow pain have shown modest benefits, but the TINLL protocol is a newer, less-tested, more targeted nerve-tension approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * understanding of English language; adults 18 years of age or older * referral for lateral sided elbow pain or lateral epicondylitis * subjects positive on one of the following (tenderness over lateral epicondyle with palpation * pain with stretch of long wrist extensors * pain with resisted wrist or middle finger extension) Exclusion Criteria: * subjects unable to cognitively follow directions * have a legally-mandated reporter * subjects scheduled for surgery, or post-up surgical patients * subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome/medial elbow pain, * subjects who received Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or percutaneous needle tenotomy (PNT)
Where it's running
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Orthopedica and Rehabilitation Center - Occupational Therapy/Hand Therapy, University of Vermont Medical Center
South Burlington, Vermont, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Victoria Priganc, PhD
- Email: victoria.priganc@med.uvm.edu
- Phone: 802-777-1477
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Comparing clinical provocation tests and ultrasound for diagnosing tennis elbow
This study tests whether common physical provocation tests and ultrasound can accurately diagnose tennis elbow in adults with one-sided elbow pain.
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Ultrasound check of tendon attachment sites in people with tennis elbow
This project will try to see if people with tennis elbow have more ultrasound signs of enthesitis at other tendon attachment sites than healthy volunteers.
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Pressure-pain sensitivity and natural pain-blocking after a cold hand immersion in people with and without tennis elbow
This will test whether people with tennis elbow feel pressure pain differently and whether their body's natural pain‑blocking response changes before, during, and after a cold hand immersion compared with people without elbow pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.