Effectiveness of Carpal Ligament Self-myofascial Stretching in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Effectiveness of Carpal Ligament Self-myofascial Stretching Over Conventional Physical Therapy on Reducing Pain and Improving Function in Patients With Stage i and ii Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - a Comparative Study

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), also known as median mononeuropathy, occurs when the median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. It is common in the age group of 40-60 years. The main aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of carpal ligament self-myofascial stretching over conventional physical therapy on reducing pain and improving function in patients with stage I and II CTS-thirty-six subjects with stage I and II (mild) CTS were recruited. Thirty-six subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to the experimental group and control group, with 18 patients in each group. The experimental group received carpal ligament self-myofascial stretching along with conventional physical therapy, while the control group received traditional physical therapy alone. The duration of the treatment was six weeks. The outcome measures used were the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with CTS between age group 30 - 60 years.
• Patients with stage I and II (mild) CTS, confirmed by nerve conduction study (EMG diagnosed by a medical professional).
• Patients who are able to read and understand English.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of polyneuropathy.
• Consistent use of adaptive equipment, such as wheel chair or cane.
• Patients presenting with shoulder pathologies.
• Patients with other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions including Cervical radiculopathy, History of wrist and hand fractures, Upper extremity joint dislocations, Brachial plexus injuries, Cubital tunnel syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, De quervain's tenosynovitis, Cut injuries of hand.
• Patients who have underwent recent carpal tunnel release (within 1 year).