Investigation of the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Kinesiotaping Applied as an Addition to Conservative Treatment in Individuals With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Investigation of the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Kinesiotaping Applied as an Addition to Conservative Treatment in Individuals With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of different treatment combinations in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Participants were divided into three groups: The control group received only night splinting and exercise programme, while the second group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in addition. The third group received kinesiobanding in addition to night splinting, exercise and ESWT. The study evaluates the effect of multimodal conservative treatment approaches on CTS symptoms and aims to demonstrate the additional benefits of ESWT and kinesiobanding in particular. The findings provide important clues for clinical practice.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy resulting from compression of the median nerve at the wrist level, with symptoms such as paresthesia, pain and loss of muscle strength. This study comparatively evaluated the effects of different conservative treatment combinations on symptoms and functional status in individuals with CTS. Participants were divided into three groups. The control group received the standard conservative approach of night splinting and exercise programme. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) group received ESWT, which is known to increase tissue regeneration and blood flow, in addition to night splinting and exercise. In the ESWT+Taping group, in addition to night splinting, exercise and ESWT, kinesiobanding, which aims to provide proprioceptive support and reduce oedema, was applied. Pain intensity, symptom severity, functionality, hand grip strength and electrophysiological parameters were evaluated before and after treatment. This study draws attention to the importance of multidisciplinary and holistic approaches in the treatment of CTS and offers important contributions to clinical practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who applied to Ahi Evran University Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic and were diagnosed with moderate or mild carpal tunnel syndrome by clinical, physical examination and EMG
• Patients who understand and can apply the patient information form
• Patients who gave consent and participated in the study according to the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cervical radiculopathy
• Polyneuropathy
• Brachial plexopathy
• History of trauma or fracture of the wrist and forearm
• Systemic corticosteroid use, history of malignancy
• History of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery
• Pregnant and lactating women
• Severe carpal tunnel syndrome, tenar atrophy on physical examination 9.
• Patient reluctance to participate in treatment