This retrospective study aims to compare the clinical effectiveness of conventional physical therapy, high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), and pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMFT) in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The study evaluates changes in pain, symptom severity, functional status, hand grip strength, and electrophysiological findings following treatment. Researchers will compare the outcomes of the three treatment approaches to determine whether HILT or PMFT provides additional clinical benefits beyond conventional therapy. The findings may help clinicians select the most appropriate conservative treatment strategy for patients with CTS.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy and is characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and functional limitations resulting from compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Conservative treatment is recommended for patients with mild-to-moderate CTS and commonly includes physical therapy modalities. Although conventional physiotherapy remains a standard treatment approach, newer modalities such as high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMFT) have gained increasing attention because of their potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-healing effects. This retrospective observational study evaluates and compares the clinical outcomes of patients with CTS who received one of three conservative treatment approaches: conventional physical therapy alone, conventional physical therapy combined with HILT, or conventional physical therapy combined with PMFT. Clinical records will be reviewed to assess treatment-related changes in pain intensity, symptom severity, functional status, hand grip strength, and electrophysiological parameters before and after treatment. The primary objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of these treatment approaches in improving clinical outcomes in patients with CTS. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the relative effectiveness of HILT and PMFT as adjunctive treatment options to conventional physical therapy and to support clinical decision-making in the conservative management of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
48
A standardized conservative treatment program including therapeutic ultrasound, TENS, nerve and tendon gliding exercises, and neutral wrist splinting.
High-intensity laser therapy was applied according to the standard treatment protocol as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy.
Pulsed magnetic field therapy was applied according to the standard treatment protocol as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy.
Kto Karatay University
Konya, Karatay, Turkey (Türkiye)
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity was assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), with higher scores indicating greater pain severity.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of treatment (4 weeks)
Hand Grip Strength
Hand grip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer according to standardized testing procedures. Higher values indicate greater grip strength.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of treatment (4 weeks)
Symptom Severity and Functional Status
Symptom severity and functional status were evaluated using the Symptom Severity Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of treatment (4 weeks)
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