Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common of all entrapment syndromes. Open carpal tunnel release (CTR) is associated with considerable morbidity, including prolonged tenderness of the scar and weakness of hand grip. The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare between the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) versus median nerve mobilization in treatment of patients after CTR. Forty five patients with unilateral carpal tunnel release participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 25 - 55 years. They were equally divided and randomly assigned into three groups, each group consisted of 15 patients, Patients in group (A) received a program of Infra - Red (IR) gallium Arsenide LLLT (wavelength 904nm, and average power 20 mw, laser probe 7 mm diameter). Patients in group (B) received a program of median nerve mobilization while patients in group (C) was the control group. Data obtained from the three groups pre operative and 6 weeks post operative regarding pain, hand grip, pinch grip, distal motor Latency (DML) and distal sensory latency (DSL) of median nerve were statistically analyzed and compared. The results showed a statistical significant improvement in the median values of pain level in numeric pain intensity scale (p = 0.001) in both group A and B when compared with that of group C, and a statistical significant improvement in the median values of DML in group A when compared with group B and group C p = 0.013 and 0.028 respectively

Issued also as CD