Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common peripheral mononeuropathy characterized by sensory and motor disorders caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Recently, it has been highlighted that CTS is a complex painful syndrome that may involve aspects of central sensitization. Patients with CTS experience pain, paresthesia, and weakness in the hand and wrist, negatively impacting their daily activities.
Treatment of CTS includes surgical and conservative approaches. Guidelines recommend conservative treatments for patients with mild to moderate CTS, including education, splints, steroid injections, electrotherapy, manual therapy, and exercises. Recently, manual therapy has received increasing attention for its role in reducing symptoms and improving functionality in CTS.
Evidence has emerged supporting the effectiveness of manual therapy in the conservative treatment of CTS, with positive outcomes in reducing pain and improving functionality.
Neurodynamic techniques have been studied as part of the conservative treatment of CTS, with promising results in improving nerve conduction, pain severity, and functionality. Neurodynamic techniques appear to be more effective when administered by a therapist compared to patient self-treatment.
In summary, studies suggest that conservative treatment, particularly manual therapy and neurodynamic techniques, is an effective option for managing CTS. Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of these approaches and to enhance conservative management of CTS.