title: Massage therapy as an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
abstract: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common peripheral entrapment that causes neuralgia in the median nerve distribution of the hand. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of massage therapy as a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Within this process, the locations of trigger-points that refer neuropathy to the hand were identified. The creation of massage pressure tables provides a means of treatment reproducibility. Twenty-one participants received 30 min of massage, twice a week, for six weeks. Carpal tunnel questionnaires, the Phalen, Tinel, and two-point discrimination tests provided outcome assessment. The results demonstrated significant (p < 0.001) change in symptom severity and functional status from two weeks. Based on this study, the combination of massage and trigger-point therapy is a viable treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome and offers a new treatment approach.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Healthy Activities Sport and Exercise, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC 4558, Australia.
authors.forename: Rex
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Brendan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Burkett
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D012016:Reference Values; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D061028:Trigger Points