Comparing Rest Splints and High-Intensity Laser Therapy to Improve Pain and Function in Adults with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Carpal tunnel syndrome CTS is a common nerve compression condition causing numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and hand atrophy. This research aims to compare the effects of rest splints and high-intensity laser therapy HILT combined with physical therapy programs on pain, function, nerve conduction, and grip strength for patients with CTS. The study is designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial to better understand these treatments impacts on CTS symptoms and nerve function. Participants are divided into three groups. The first group receives a physical therapy program including wrist range of motion, strengthening, stretching, desensitization, tendon and nerve gliding exercises, and use of a resting splint for 6 weeks, five days a week 30 sessions total. The second group receives the same physical therapy plus high-intensity laser therapy over the carpal tunnel region daily for 6 weeks. The third group also follows the physical therapy program but receives a sham laser treatment mimicking the HILT without active laser emission to serve as a control. During the study, participants undergo assessments at baseline, after 6 weeks of treatment, and again at 12 weeks to measure pain using a Visual Analog Scale and other outcomes like function, sleep quality, neuropathic pain, nerve conduction studies, and grip strength. These evaluations include questionnaires, nerve tests, and strength measurements. The trial monitors participants progress and treatment effects over time to determine the comparative benefits of rest splints and HILT when combined with physical therapy.

Comparison of Rest Splints vs High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome