PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: carpal tunnel syndrome, is an entrapment of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist, which produces compression of the carpal tunnel. The cause is unknown, although there are associated risk fac-tors. The main objective of this work is to disclose the latest physiotherapeutic advances in terms of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome as well as to examine the effectiveness of these new approaches in the rehabilitation of those who suffer from it. Material and method: a bibliographic search was made in the databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Plus Library, PEDRO, Scopus, Dialnet, REHABDATA and LILACS with publics between 2012 and 2017. Selected studies should include physiotherapy treatments for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Results: 15 articles were included, which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In addition, duplicate, unrelated articles were excluded and whose methodology did not exceed the Oxford scale. The type of study, the total and partial sample, the intervention or techniques used, and the final results obtained in each one were identified for the analysis of the studies. Conclusions: the combination of different treatment techniques such as manual therapy, myofascial therapy, carpal bone mobilization or general wrist and specific lumbrical exercises provide a valid non-electrophysical solution. Within the electrophysical modalities, shock wave therapy is a feasible option, also pulsed radiofrequency offers a new possibility of treatment.