The effect of laser and therapeutic ultrasound on the treatment of symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome: A narrative review

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a peripheral neuropathy characterized by pain, numbness, and paresthesia. These symptoms usually occur on the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. The syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it crosses the wrist through the carpal tunnel. Physiotherapy is able to help patients with CTS in many cases. In recent years, the use of laser and therapeutic ultrasound has become increasingly popular in the treatment of CTS. The aim of this study is to review the latest research data and evaluate the effect of laser and therapeutic ultrasound, but also to compare the treatment methods with each other to find which of the two is more useful. Literature search was performed on the PubMed, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) and Google Scholar databases. The keywords used are: carpal tunnel syndrome, laser, Ultrasound. Furthermore, appropriate criteria were applied in the search, such as language and time restriction. This review included 10 clinical studies. The literature review led to the conclusion that the application of laser and therapeutic ultrasound helps to treat the symptoms of the syndrome to a great extent. With proper application the results they offer can remain for many weeks after the end of treatment. Between the two, therapeutic ultrasound seems to be the best method of treatment, however, more studies are needed to draw a safe conclusion.