Effects of two different physical therapy modalities in carpal tunnel syndrome

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a frequently encountered neuropathic disorder in which the median nerve becomes compressed within the carpal tunnel. Objective The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two physiotherapeutic interventions on the median nerve flattening ratio (MNFR) and the pain severity in the CTS. Methods This study included 58 patients with stage I–III CTS, divided into two groups. The ESWT group received five sessions of extracorporeal shock wave therapy over a three-week period, whereas the paraffin group underwent ten paraffin therapy sessions delivered five days per week for two weeks. MNFR was measured using ultrasonography, and pain intensity was evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS). All assessments were conducted both at baseline and after completion of the treatment protocols. Results Upon analysis of the findings, a modest increase in MNFR values was detected in both the ESWT and paraffin groups in the within-group comparisons (p ESWT = 0.013; p paraffin = 0.004). A difference was also observed between the two treatment groups (p = 0.039). Although both groups showed significant improvements in VAS scores (p < 0.001 for all), no difference was observed between the groups (p = 0.642). Conclusions Both ESWT and paraffin therapy appear to be viable options for alleviating CTS-related symptoms. Nevertheless, considering its greater accessibility, independence from the clinician's level of expertise, and its relatively less invasive nature, paraffin therapy may be favored over ESWT in practical clinical use.