Polk's Test for Elbow Pain

This test came from a paper in 2002 by Dr. Bradley Pokinghorn (Polkinghorn, B. S. (2002). A novel method for assessing elbow pain resulting from epicondylitis. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 1(3), 117-121.), a chiropractor in California. He wanted to have a simple way to differentiate between elbow pain that is from lateral epicondylitis versus medial epicondylitis. The point of this test from the paper is to be used in the diagnosis of the cause of elbow pain (either as a stand alone or a part of a cluster) and also in recommendations in lifting technique as the patient is in rehab.
How to perform it
-You will need something that weighs about 5 pounds (2.5 kilograms)
-First have the person pick up the weight with the palm down (pronated) from a surface and flex the elbow (arm curl)
-If this produces pain, then it may be lateral epicondylitis
-The second part is the person performs the same maneuver (picking up the weight from a lower surface) but this time their palm is up (supinated)
-If this produces pain then it could be medial epicondylitis.
The author based this test off of known tests for medial and lateral epicondylitis. Cozen’s test for lateral epicondylitis stresses the wrist extensors while the golfer’s elbow test stresses the flexors of the wrist. The Polk Test is taking the aspect of straining those same areas with holding a weight.
There are some issues. There are no other studies to confirm the validity or reliability of this test. No further articles comparing it to other tests or even things like radiographic findings. It’s hard to say if it’s a better test if someone is in a more irritable state versus a more stable state. There does need to be further research done on this test.
What do you think? Have you heard of this test? Do you use it? Do you think it’s worth it? Let me know in the comments below
Connect with me!!
Instagram: / matt_pt_dip_mdt
TikTok: / matt_thept
Find some deals here: linktr.ee/matt...

[@ChadGOrthoOT]

Pretty cool! I will start adding that in with my other testing just for grins and giggles. Plus adds another positive or negative for the insurance creepers 😂. Great video Matt ! Keep them coming!!