Effect of Scalene and Pectoralis Minor Stretching Exercises in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Series

Introduction- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy, which manifests as unpleasant symptoms, such as burning, tingling, or numbness in the palm that extends to the fingers. As the disease progresses, individuals also report decreased grip strength accompanied by hand weakness and atrophy of thenar muscles and hence affects the activities of daily living of the patients. There are both surgical and conservative treatments available for relieving strain on the median nerve. Purpose- To find out the effect of scalene and pectoralis minor muscles stretching exercises on pain intensity, symptoms severity and functional status in patients with CTS Methodology- In this case series 5 diagnosed cases of CTS had undergone scalene and pectoralis minor muscles stretching exercises along with conventional treatment which included median nerve mobilization, flexor tendon gliding exercises. Treatment was given 3 times in a week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures were pain intensity, symptoms severity and functional status of hand. Result & conclusion- There was significant reduction in pain, symptoms severity and also significant improvement in functional status of the hand in all 5 patients.