carpal tunnel syndrome physical therapy

A volar Barton fracture is a compression injury that usually results from a fall onto an outstretched, pronated wrist. It is characterized by an intraarticular marginal volar shearing fracture of the distal radius. Despite the prevalence of distal radius fractures, consensus regarding optimal treatment remains challenging. To achieve adequate alignment, a variety of treatment techniques are available, including open reduction with plate and screw fixation, external fixation, and closed reduction with pinning...

The shift from film to PACS in reading rooms, coupled with escalating case volumes, exposes radiologists to the issues of the modern computer workstation including computer work posture and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). Common WMSDs affecting the neck and upper extremities include cervical myofascial pain, shoulder tendonitis, lateral epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and cubital tunnel syndrome. This review examines each pathology along with its pathogenesis, clinical features, physical exam findings, and potential risk factors...

INTRODUCTION: Innovative instruments have been designed to assess forearm rotation, an anatomically challenging motion to measure. This study assessed the concurrent validity, interrater reliability and responsiveness of a novel goniometer watch (GoWatch) to measure pure forearm rotation. The modified finger goniometer (MFG) was the criterion reference. METHODS: Forty participants with restricted forearm rotation were recruited. Two raters measured supination and pronation using the GoWatch and MFG before and after a hand therapy session...

INTRODUCTION: Scar massage is a commonly used treatment in hand therapy. The current empirical evidence that supports it is disparate and of variable quality, with no established effective dosage and method proposed. This study aimed to identify the current practice among Australian hand therapists using massage as an intervention for scarring following surgery to the hand and upper limb. METHODS: A purposely designed self-report online survey was emailed to current members of the Australian Hand Therapy Association ( n = 958)...

INTRODUCTION: Non-traumatic wrist disorders (NTWD) are commonly encountered yet sparse resources exist to aid management. This study aimed to produce a literature map regarding diagnosis, management, pathways of care and outcome measures for NTWDs in the United Kingdom. METHODS: An interdisciplinary team of clinicians and academic researchers used Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRISMA ScR checklist in this scoping review. A mixed stakeholder group of patients and healthcare professionals identified 16 questions of importance to which the literature was mapped...

INTRODUCTION: Widespread pain may be related to psychosocial aspects in several musculoskeletal conditions, but the literature on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between pain extent and psychological factors (catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, anxiety symptoms, and depression) in people with CTS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The independent variables were: pain intensity, disability (QuickDASH), duration of symptoms, anxiety and depressive symptoms, catastrophizing, and kinesiophobia...

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common mononeuropathy in the upper limb. It remains uncertain whether adding extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to conventional treatment benefits CTS patients. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of ESWT and LLLT in conjunction with conventional treatments (including carpal mobilization, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and ultrasound) on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve and pain in mild-to-moderate CTS patients...

BACKGROUND: Neurodynamic approach employs neural mobilization and mechanical nerve interface techniques. While published studies investigated the efficacy of neural mobilization, it is currently unknown whether manual treatment of the nerve mechanical interface is effective in the treatment of people with entrapment neuropathies. OBJECTIVES: Assess the effectiveness of mechanical interface treatment, including joint and soft tissue techniques, on pain and function in people with peripheral entrapment neuropathies...

OBJECTIVE: To provide a strong foundation for the use of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS,) we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the outcomes of short- and long-term follow-up studies. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Sample sizes of included studies ranged from 16 to 98 patients (total N = 308). Overall, a significant difference between the treatment and control groups were found across majority of the measures...

BACKGROUND: The upper limb neurodynamic test 1 is used in the diagnosis of median nerve neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome but its diagnostic validity remains limited. Neurodynamic sequencing has been suggested to increase the specificity of the neurodynamic tests, however, to date, information on the diagnostic accuracy of this variation in neurodynamic testing is required. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic validity of the local sequence of ULNT1 (LS-ULNT1) (i...

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to synthesise the experiences of people living with hand osteoarthritis (HOA) and the perceptions of clinicians and carers relating to the quality of life and treatment services. METHODS: We undertook a systematic search on MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL electronic databases for qualitative studies in HOA. We used the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist to assess methodological quality and thematically-synthesise the findings...

BACKGROUND: Qualitative studies following Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) suggest that return to employment has a major influence on life satisfaction and psychological well-being. However, few studies have focused on return to work following BPI. The physical strain and intensity of an occupation may influence the ability of an individual to return to employment. This study aimed to provide information about the impact of workload intensity on employment status following BPI. METHODS: This is an observational, retrospective study of 74 participants who responded to a postal questionnaire, sharing information regarding their employment status pre- and post-BPI...

INTRODUCTION: Upper extremity injuries are common, and often treated by occupational therapists. The need to evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions to guide practice is pertinent. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigate the effectiveness of occupational therapy-led computer-aided interventions among adults with conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm. METHODS: A systematic literature search of five databases was undertaken for randomized studies examining occupational therapy-led computer-aided interventions for the treatment of hand, wrist, and forearm conditions...

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate ENMG results of female patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) with a preliminary diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and to examine whether there are differences in ENMG results compared to control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ethical approval was obtained for this study on 30.12.2022 with number E. Kurul-2022-20/32 and recorded retrospectively between January 2021 and January 2023. 201 female patients who were diagnosed with FMS in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation polyclinic and who were requested to have ENMG testing with a preliminary diagnosis of CTS were included in study as patient group...

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an electroacupuncture-like magnetic therapy (ELMT) and conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A prospective randomized controlled trial in single-centre was conducted. Thirty-four CTS patients confirmed by electrodiagnostic study were randomized into TENS or ELMT group and completed a six-week treatment program. TENS or ELMT treatment was applied on acupuncture point PC-6 (Neiguan) and one selected hand acupoint...

BACKGROUND: The validity of the ULTT is unclear, due to heterogeneity of test procedures and variability in the definition of a positive test OBJECTIVE: To evaluate test procedures and positive diagnostic criteria for the upper limb tension test (ULTT) in diagnostic test accuracy studies. METHODS: A systematic review of diagnostic accuracy studies was performed. We conducted a search of the DiTA (Diagnostic Test Accuracy) database and selected primary studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the ULTT...

UNLABELLED: Extracorporeal shock waves are high-intensity mechanical waves (500-1000 bar) of a microsecond duration with a morphology characterized by a rapid positive phase followed by a negative phase. BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock waves have been used for pain treatment for various sub-acute and chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) problems since 2000. The aim of this article is to update information on the role of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of various pathologies that cause MSK pain...

INTRODUCTION: Youth with brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBI) have an increased risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and diminished self-confidence. Despite this evidence, current standards of care focus on physical interventions. Evaluation of psychological and emotional concerns is rarely prioritized in clinical settings. Therefore, mental health needs are unmet and poorly understood. METHODS: An interpretivist qualitative approach was used to understand the perspectives of youth with BPBI and their caregivers on the barriers and facilitators of addressing mental health concerns, to inform practice guidelines, and promote meaningful participation within this population...

INTRODUCTION: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a rapid uptake of virtual consultations (VCs) to minimise disease transmission and for this reason, research into telerehabilitation has been expanding. This review aimed to map and synthesize evidence on the use of VCs in upper limb musculoskeletal rehabilitation, describe key characteristics, and identify gaps in the research. METHODS: This scoping review investigated synchronous rehabilitation consultations performed over VC...

INTRODUCTION: Multiple psychological factors influence the functioning of patients with hand disorders. Pain self-efficacy is a positive psychological factor, which concerns an individual's confidence to function despite experiencing pain. This study aimed to analyse the association between pain self-efficacy and a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for hand and wrist disorders. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from patient records were collected prior to hand therapy to analyse the correlation between pain self-efficacy and a PROM for hand and wrist disorders...