The Effect of Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Effect of Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-A 3-arm, Randomized Sham Laser Acupuncture Controlled Study

Acupuncture and laser acupuncture treatments have been proven to be effective and safe treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS). However, there is still a lack of direct comparative studies of acupuncture and laser acupuncture in the treatment of CTS. A 3-arm, randomized controlled study in acupuncture, laser acupuncture study and sham laser acupuncture therapy was designed for patient with carpal tunnel syndrome. The Glabal symptom score (GSS), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), neurophysiological study, morphological examination under ultrasonography will be evaluated before and after treatment. Comparison of therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture, laser acupuncture and sham laser acupuncture in the treatment of CTS will be explored.

The primary outcome will analyze the change of the Glabal symptom score (GSS) during intervention peroid. The secondary outcome will evaluate the neurophysiological study, morphological examination under ultrasonography before and after treatment. Comparison of therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture, laser acupuncture and sham laser acupuncture in the treatment of CTS will be explored.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed by neurophysiological examination
• symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome such as pain and numbness
• those who are willing to sign informed consent form for subjects

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) Those who have not signed the informed consent
• (2) Patients diagnosed with severe carpal tunnel syndrome
• (3) Those who have had a history of surgery on their hands and palms
• (4) Space-occupying lesions such as tumors, bone spurs, synovial membrane tissue hypertrophy, etc.
• (5) People with a history of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism (HbA1c>6.5, RF positive, Free T4, TSH in abnormal range)
• (6) Patients with end-stage renal disease
• (7) Pregnant and alcoholic patients
• (8) Polyneuropathy patients
• (9) Clinical symptoms with C6~8 cervical radiculopathy
• (10) Those who are obviously infected
• (11) Those with a serious illness requiring hospitalization