Extracorporeal shock wave therapy and ultrasound therapy improve pain and function in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound (US) therapy improves symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) uses acoustic energy to determine its clinical effects, as US-therapy does.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the short-term efficacy of US and ESWT on mild and moderate CTS.

STUDY

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

University outpatient service.

POPULATION: Twenty-five patients with mild to moderate CTS, for a total of 42 wrists.

METHODS

patients were randomized to receive US, cryo-US or ESWT, and were evaluated for pain and function before treatment started, at the end of treatment, and four and 12 weeks after the end of the treatment.

RESULTS

Significant improvement was noted in all groups for pain (P<0.05) and functionality (P<0.05). Patients in ESWT group show greater pain improvement at 12-weeks follow-up when compared with both US and cryo-US groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients affected by CTS might benefit from the application of US, cryo-US or ESWT. Benefits persist 3 months after the end of treatment.

CLINICAL REHABIL IMPACT: Clinicians might consider the possibility of a short-term non-surgical management for mild-to-moderate CTS.