The Efficacy of Various Carpel Tunnel Management Techniques in Alleviating Experimental Pain: A Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

This study set out to directly compare the efficacy of ultrasound therapy and low level laser therapy in the management of mild to moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The primary aim was to evaluate and quantify the effects of these two physiotherapy interventions on pain relief, electromyographic measurements, and hand strength. The study enrolled 50 consecutive patients with confirmed CTS, totaling 90 hands, which were randomly assigned to either the ultrasound therapy group or the low level laser therapy group. Over the course of three weeks, both treatment groups underwent 15 daily sessions of their respective therapies. Assessments were conducted at three key time points: before treatment initiation, immediately post-treatment, and during a follow-up examination four weeks after the completion of therapy. The measurements encompassed various parameters, including pain assessment using a visual analogue scale, electromyographic parameters such as motor latency and action potential amplitude, and hand strength through pinch and grip strength assessments. Upon analysis, the results revealed significant differences between the two treatment modalities. The ultrasound therapy group demonstrated marked improvements across multiple outcome measures compared to the low level laser therapy group. Specifically, individuals receiving ultrasound therapy exhibited greater reductions in motor latency and increases in motor action potential amplitude. Moreover, they experienced more substantial enhancements in finger pinch strength and reported greater levels of pain relief on the visual analogue scale. Importantly, these positive outcomes were not only observed immediately after the completion of therapy but also persisted during the four-week follow-up period. This sustained efficacy underscores the potential of ultrasound therapy as a long-term treatment strategy for individuals with mild to moderate idiopathic CTS. The findings of this study suggest that ultrasound therapy may offer superior benefits compared to low level laser therapy in the management of CTS. Its ability to provide comprehensive symptom relief, improve electromyographic parameters, and enhance hand strength positions ultrasound therapy as a promising treatment option for this common condition. Nonetheless, further research is warranted to explore potential combination therapy effects and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed therapeutic benefits. Additionally, larger-scale studies are needed to validate the long-term effectiveness and safety of ultrasound therapy in the management of CTS.