Cupping’s Impact on Protective Sensation in Conservative Carpal Tunnel Treatment: A Brief Report

The study aimed to compare the impact of cupping therapy and conservative occupational therapy on protective sensation in individuals diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The study found that cupping therapy, when used alongside conservative therapy, significantly improved protective sensation in the hand and wrist, thereby enhancing the functionality and participation in meaningful occupations of the participants. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Methods: A total of 46 participants met the inclusion criteria by attending a minimum of four 45-minute sessions with a licensed and registered occupational therapist (OT), receiving either conservative treatment with cupping or conservative treatment without cupping. The researchers assessed the efficacy of cupping in CTS treatment using the Semmes-Weinstein (SW) monofilament test as a measure of detecting protective sensation. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to examine the mean change in SW scores of the index finger from pre-test to post-test within the cupping group, as well as the mean change in SW scores between the cupping group and the reference group. Results: The researchers found a significant difference between the cupping group’s evaluation SW score and their discharge score (t= 7.66, p < 0.001). The mean change of those who received cupping therapy in addition to conservative treatment was significantly higher than that of subjects who received conservative therapy alone (z=3.82; p < 0.003). This difference indicates that participants who received cupping therapy for their CTS experienced a statistically significant improvement in protective sensation. Conclusion: Cupping may be a valuable adjunct to occupational therapy (OT) treatment, enhancing hand and wrist functionality and potentially increasing participation in meaningful daily activities. These results point to the need for further exploration and integration of the cupping modality into occupational therapy practice.