Analysis of physical therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome

Aim: This disorder af f ects 1-5% of the population and is more common in women than in men.The aetiology usually consists in chronic segmental nerve compression and ischaemia under the fl exor retinaculum. This results in impaired blood circulation in the vessels, leading to sensory and motor abnormalities in the region innervated by the median nerve. Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the ef f ects of physical therapy in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and to fi nd out whether the physical therapy procedures used in study patients inf l uenced their condition. The study involved 19 individuals, including 12 women and 7 men, and the mean age was 51 years. Study patients underwent the following procedures for a period of 2 weeks: ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy, kinesiotherapy. Conclusion: After physical therapy, the pain resolved or decreased and the condition of study patients improved; paraesthesia, numbness, and tingling were eliminated and better hand function was observed. Treatment of this patient population is based on physical therapy.