Leech Therapy for Lateral Epicondylitis — RCT

Randomized controlled trial evaluating leech therapy versus topical diclofenac for chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Demonstrated significant pain reduction and improved grip strength in the leech therapy group, extending the clinical evidence for hirudotherapy beyond osteoarthritis to tendinopathies.

Explore how this research connects to clinical practice

More peer-reviewed studies in Clinical Trials.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Institutional Outcomes in Leech-Assisted Microsurgery — 87 Patients — Cornejo A et al. (2017)
• Leech Therapy for Knee OA — Confirmatory RCT — Andereya S et al. (2008)
• Leech Therapy for OA — Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis — Lauche R et al. (2014)
• Leech Therapy for Thumb Osteoarthritis — RCT — Michalsen A et al. (2008)
• BRIGHT-4 Trial — Bivalirudin vs Heparin by BMI — BRIGHT-4 Investigators (2025)
• Aeromonas hydrophila Infections Following Leech Use in Flap Surgery — Lineaweaver WC et al. (1992)
• Leech Therapy in Flap Salvage — Timing and Practical Recommendations — Herlin C et al. (2017)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)