Pain Neuroscience Education Versus Kinesio Tape on Functional Outcomes in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common compressive neuropathies of the upper limb, characterized by pain, numbness, and functional impairment due to median nerve compression at the wrist. Its prevalence is estimated at approximately 4.9%, with higher incidence in populations exposed to repetitive hand movements. The resulting sensory disturbances, grip weakness, and functional limitations significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.

Conservative management remains the first line of treatment for mild to moderate CTS, with therapeutic approaches traditionally including splinting, exercise therapy, nerve mobilization, and patient education. Recent interest has grown around Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE)-an educational strategy that reframes patients' understanding of pain by emphasizing the role of the central nervous system, cognitive factors, and neurophysiological processes. Studies have shown that PNE, particularly when combined with exercise or standard rehabilitation, can reduce symptom severity, improve functional outcomes, and help patients better manage chronic pain by reducing fear and catastrophizing. However, the existing literature notes that research on PNE for CTS is still limited, with some trials suggesting positive outcomes but calling for more high-quality evidence.

In parallel, Kinesio Taping (KT) has gained popularity as a noninvasive intervention believed to enhance circulation, provide proprioceptive input, and support soft tissue mobility. Evidence from randomized controlled trials shows that KT can improve grip strength, reduce pain intensity, enhance sensory conduction velocity, and improve functional status as measured by validated clinical tools such as the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. These findings suggest that KT may serve as an effective supplementary therapy in the conservative management of CTS

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare between pain neuroscience education and Kinesio tape on functional outcomes in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome Methods: This study involved 60 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, consisting of 30 females and 20 males, ranging in age from 20 to 50 years. All participants were allocated into two groups: Group (A) patients with pain neuroscience education, Group (B) patients Kinesio tape

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 18 to 60 years.
• Clinically diagnosed unilateral or bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome based on standard diagnostic criteria (e.g., pain, numbness, or tingling in the median nerve distribution), with or without confirmation by nerve conduction studies.
• Patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, defined by clinical assessment and electrodiagnostic findings.
• Symptoms present for at least 3 months.
• Reported wrist or hand pain with functional limitations affecting daily activities.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe CTS characterised by significant thenar muscle atrophy or severe nerve conduction impairment.
• Previous Surgery or Injection:
• History of carpal tunnel release surgery or corticosteroid injection to the wrist within the past 6 months.
• Presence of other conditions affecting the upper limb, such as cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, tendon rupture, or fractures.
• Known neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis) or systemic diseases affecting nerve function (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes mellitus).
• Skin disease, open wounds, or known allergy to adhesive materials that contraindicate kinesio taping.
• Pregnant women, due to possible changes in fluid retention and nerve compression.
• Participation in other physical therapy or pain education programmes targeting the upper limbs during the study period.
• Conditions that limit comprehension of pain neuroscience education material or ability to provide reliable responses to questionnaires.