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


Author: Paoloni M1, Tavernese E, Cacchio A, D'orazi V, Ioppolo F, Fini M, Santilli V, Mangone M

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy - marco.paoloni@uniroma1.it.
Conference/Journal: Eur J Phys Rehabil Med.
Date published: 2015 Oct
Other:
 Volume ID: 51   ,  Issue ID: 5   ,  Pages: 521-8   ,  Word Count: 183  
    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.



PMID: 25697763