The efficacy of physical therapy interventions in carpal tunnel syndrome: A narrative review

Abstract

Background : The medical condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve at the wrist joint is being compressed and is the most frequent form of nerve entrapment-related peripheral neuropathy. The purpose of the present review was to examine the evidence that was available on the clinical benefits of various treatments for CTS. Method : Electronic research was conducted in Google Scholar, Pub Med, and Springer Link, in English and Greek language. Randomized controlled studies in either English or Greek language were included in the review, and there was no limitation to the publication date. The trials were required to focus on CTS and include the use of physical therapy, electrotherapy, or rehabilitation as key interventions. Results : 10 studies each comparing a different treatment modality with either a control or alternative treatment, conducted by various authors, and published in different journals were included. The studies evaluated the performance of radial shock wave therapy, pulsed radiofrequency, interferential current therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, high-intensity Laser, low-level laser therapy, manual therapy, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The primary outcomes assessed in the studies were pain, electrophysiological parameters, and functional improvement. Conclusions : The implementation of a physiotherapy program appears to be advantageous to the rehabilitation of CTS patients. Ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency, radial shock wave therapy, interferential current therapy, and Laser therapy were associated with greater improvement in symptoms than TENS. Manual Therapy techniques have a greater impact on pain reduction and patients’ functional capacity when compared to all the above electrotherapy approaches.