Effects of classical acupuncture in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A clinical study

Objective

The purpose of this clinical study is to demonstrate the effect of classical acupuncture on the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and the relationships that integrate the view of classical acupuncture treatment with current anatomical-physiological knowledge.

Design

A clinical study was carried out with patients with CTS.

Setting

The treatments were conducted in a private healthcare practice by a licensed acupuncturist.

Participants

The five participants presented symptomatology for a period of no less than 6 months, had been diagnosed through electromyography, and additionally showed a positive test for Phalen's maneuver test. All the patients had surgical indications.

Interventions

Classical Chinese acupuncture was applied during a cycle of treatments.

Main measurements

The Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the level of discomfort regarding daytime paresthesia, nighttime paresthesia, pain, decrease in strength, and a proposed converted value of pressure pain threshold.

Results

All the parameters showed significant improvement. The mean difference was negative for pain (− 7,4 points), daytime paresthesia (− 5,2 points), nighttime paresthesia (− 6,2 points), and loss of strength (− 4,6 points), whereas the estimation for the pressure pain threshold was positive (+ 0,683 kgf/cm²).

Conclusions

In the analysis of the results obtained through the classical acupuncture therapy, all parameters showed an improvement, which suggests and supports evidence of clinical efficacy on the CTS.