Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Conditions
Keywords
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, High-Intensity Laser Therapy, Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy, Pain
Brief summary
This retrospective study aims to compare the clinical effectiveness of conventional physical therapy, high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), and pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMFT) in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The study evaluates changes in pain, symptom severity, functional status, hand grip strength, and electrophysiological findings following treatment. Researchers will compare the outcomes of the three treatment approaches to determine whether HILT or PMFT provides additional clinical benefits beyond conventional therapy. The findings may help clinicians select the most appropriate conservative treatment strategy for patients with CTS.
Detailed description
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy and is characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and functional limitations resulting from compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Conservative treatment is recommended for patients with mild-to-moderate CTS and commonly includes physical therapy modalities. Although conventional physiotherapy remains a standard treatment approach, newer modalities such as high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMFT) have gained increasing attention because of their potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-healing effects. This retrospective observational study evaluates and compares the clinical outcomes of patients with CTS who received one of three conservative treatment approaches: conventional physical therapy alone, conventional physical therapy combined with HILT, or conventional physical therapy combined with PMFT. Clinical records will be reviewed to assess treatment-related changes in pain intensity, symptom severity, functional status, hand grip strength, and electrophysiological parameters before and after treatment. The primary objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of these treatment approaches in improving clinical outcomes in patients with CTS. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the relative effectiveness of HILT and PMFT as adjunctive treatment options to conventional physical therapy and to support clinical decision-making in the conservative management of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Interventions
OTHERConventional Physical Therapy
A standardized conservative treatment program including therapeutic ultrasound, TENS, nerve and tendon gliding exercises, and neutral wrist splinting.
High-intensity laser therapy was applied according to the standard treatment protocol as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy.
OTHERPulsed Magnetic Field Therapy (PMFT)
Pulsed magnetic field therapy was applied according to the standard treatment protocol as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy.
Sponsors
KTO Karatay University
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) * Mild-to-moderate CTS not requiring surgical intervention * Positive Tinel's sign * Received treatment at the participating center(s) within the past five years * Complete pre-treatment and post-treatment clinical assessment records * Completion of the prescribed treatment protocol
Exclusion criteria
* Previous carpal tunnel surgery or indication for surgical intervention Incomplete medical records * Failure to complete the treatment protocol * Presence of concomitant upper extremity disorders that could affect study outcomes * Presence of neurological, orthopedic, or systemic conditions that could influence the clinical assessments
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity | Baseline and immediately after completion of treatment (4 weeks) | Pain intensity was assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), with higher scores indicating greater pain severity. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Grip Strength | Baseline and immediately after completion of treatment (4 weeks) | Hand grip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer according to standardized testing procedures. Higher values indicate greater grip strength. |
| Symptom Severity and Functional Status | Baseline and immediately after completion of treatment (4 weeks) | Symptom severity and functional status were evaluated using the Symptom Severity Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed