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International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications Manual Therapy


Interventions For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Review

Article · June 2019

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International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications
ISSN: 2456-9992

Manual Therapy Interventions For Carpal Tunnel


Syndrome: A Review
N.D.P.U. Nakandala
University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
nakandalap@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a debilitating condition which affects majority of the middle aged people in the
community. This condition is predominant in females than the males. The condition may be affecting the patient‘s single hand (unilateral)
or both hands (bilateral). The functional outcomes are very poor and patient may be deteriorating psychologically as well. Signs and
symptoms of the CTS can be varied from mild to moderate to severe. This includes numbness or paresthesia along the distribution of the
median nerve of hand, pain, atrophy of muscles, reduced hand grip strength etc. The people who are experiencing mild or moderate
symptoms usually seek for conservative therapies including elctro therapeuatic modalities and manual therapy techniques. When the
condition becomes chronic, the concern is more towards the surgical approaches that involves the carpal tunnel release and thereby
releasing the median nerve compression. But majority of the patients with CTS are reluctant to follow the surgical interventions. This is
mainly due to economic problems and secondary complications of the surgery. Therefore the evaluation of the effectiveness of the
conservative therapies should be a major concern which are cost effective and lack of secondary complications. Many research have been
conducted to see the efficacy of various conservative therapies. This includes electrotherapeutic modalities, manual therapy interventions,
oral supplements and medications, wrist immobilizations such as with splints so on. Among all the aforementioned therapies, manual
therapy interventions alone are known to be more effective in treating CTS. There are various manual techniques with primary focus on
reducing the compression on median nerve and thereby inducing the optimum gliding of the nerve in the carpal tunnel. This is done by
stretching the adhesions developed between the median nerve and the surrounding structures, removing the myofascial restrictions,
improving the pliability and flexibility of the flexor tendons by eliminating the inflammation of the tendon sheaths. In summary this review
focus on research which are conducted to evaluate the efficacy of manual therapy interventions in treating the CTS. Since a combination of
various techniques is more advantageous than a single treatment alone, emphasis should be given to develop a protocol including manual
therapy techniques with other conservative modalities in rehabilitating the patients with CTS.

Key words: Hand Grip Strength, median nerve, conservative treatments, numbness

1. INTRODUCTION 2. ANATOMY
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be defined as a
compression neuropathy where the median nerve is 2.1. Carpal tunnel
entrapped at the carpal tunnel. Prevalence of the median Carpal tunnel is an outlet made of flexor retinaculum and
nerve injury is much higher than the other compression the carpal bones. Base of the tunnel is bounded medially
neuropathies [1] where it accounts for 90% of all by the pisiform bone and the hook of the hamate, and
neuropathies [2]. Four to five percent (4- 5%) of the laterally by the scaphoid and trapezium bones. The roof of
population who are aged between 40 and 60 years are the tunnel is formed by the transverse carpal ligament
affected by this [3]. Females are more predisposed to this which is a fibrous connective tissue ligament connecting
neuropathy than the male counterparts [2], [3]. Certain the medial and lateral sides of the base of the tunnel [9].
etiological factors are identified in literature including Nine flexor tendons including four tendons of flexor
medical and occupational factors [4]. Medical factors digitorum profundus and four tendons of flexor digitorum
further can be classified into intrinsic and extrinsic factors superficialis and the tendon of flexor pollicis longus travel
[5]. Chammas, (2014) [3] had classified them as through this tunnel along with the median nerve. Other
idiopathic where the exact cause is unknown, and than this, carpal tunnel contains two tenosynovium of
secondary CTS in which the abnormalities are associated flexor tendons, two synovial bursae and subsynovial
with the contents. Idiopathic CTS is more common in connective tissue, which lies between the flexor tendons
females (65-80%) [6] and it has been shown that the age, and the visceral synovium of the ulnar tenosynovial bursa
gender, genetic factors and the anthropometric factors are [10].
the most influencing factors towards it [7]. Secondary
CTS can be due to the abnormalities of carpal bones, 3. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
distal radius or any pathologies of the wrist joint [3]. Median nerve enters the tunnel in the mid line or
Abnormalities of fluid distribution such as in pregnancy somewhat radial to it. It is vulnerable to compression
[8] also can be taken under this. Dynamic CTS is inside the tunnel 2- 2.5cm distal to the origination of the
identified as one of the most common occupational canal where that area is more tapered [11]. Median nerve
pathologies which affects the workers who are involved is located more anteriorly to the tendons within the canal
with repetitive manual work and are exposed to vibration [9]. Thenar motor branch of the median nerve branches
repeatedly [2]. off distal to the transverse carpal ligament (TCL), which is
the intermediate part of the flexor retinaculum. Sensory
branch of the median nerve supplies the three radial digits
and the radial half of the fourth digit. As palmar sensory
cutaneous branch which supplies the cutaneous skin of the

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ISSN: 2456-9992

palm originates proximally to the TCL, it is not affected in improvements including a decrease in sensory and motor
CTS [11]. However the diagnosis is based on the latency and an increase in response amplitudes. This in
clinical symptoms such as numbness, tingling sensation in turn indicates the improvement of nerve conduction
the area of median nerve distribution of the hand etc. [12]. velocities and decrease of conduction blocks by improving
It is being concluded that this compression neuropathies the nerve axons functions. Another study was done by
are consequences of repetitive activity of the hands where Sucher et al., (2005) [24] using 20 cadaver limbs (ten
it causes increased thickening of the synovial sheath of the males and ten females). The method was performed with
tendons and thereby exerting more pressure on the nerves four study protocols introducing static loading (weights)
[12]. During the surgical release of the carpal tunnel, it is and osteopathic manipulation (OM) and reversing of the
reported that the nerve is adhered to the flexor retinaculum sequence of procedures in order to see the effect on the
by loose fibrous tissue [13]. This can be occurred also as a transverse carpal ligament by measuring the width of the
result of increased fluid pressure (eight to ten times) than transverse carpal arch. Greater responses were noted for
the normal pressure thus causing compression of the nerve all the interventions specifically for the female group.
[14]. Furthermore, application of OM prior to the weights was
founded to be more effective in lengthening of the TCL
4. MANUAL THERAPY INTERVENTIONS than the reverse method. This OM had included distal and
Interventions or treatment methods can be mainly surgical proximal transverse carpal extensions which applied a
or non-surgical though there is no any consensus transverse distraction force across the carpal canal in order
regarding the effectiveness of the treatment approach [14]. to lengthen the TCL. Secondly, Guy-wire maneuver which
Conservative methods or non-surgical methods include involved maximum abduction along with the extension to
the use of electro physical modalities such as magnetic the thumb and the little finger adding a greater stretch to
field therapy [15], ultrasound [16], extracorporeal shock flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus
wave therapy [17], and low intensity laser therapy [18]. tendon of the little finger pulling TCA further apart.
Development of multidisciplinary guidelines is essential Thirdly opponens roll maneuver which was described
in improving the quality of life of the patients with CTS earlier [23]. Out of all the maneuvers, combined distal
[19]. Therefore, adequate evidences that support the transverse extension with Guy-wire maneuver had shown
effective treatment methods are needed to develop these the greatest response as the manual technique.
guidelines [14]. Most of the people tend to use
conservative therapies despite of less evidences of their 4.1.2 Carpal mobilization
efficacy [20] and avoid the surgical approaches [21]. For Carpal bone mobilization is a technique used in physical
this reason this review primarily focuses on the scientific therapy which focuses on increase wrist extension or
literature, which provide the evidences for the flexion either by gliding proximal carpal row dorsally or
effectiveness of various manual therapy interventions to palmarly respectively. However the efficacy of this
treat the CTS. technique in reducing the symptoms has been evaluated in
several studies [25]-[27). A study had done by Gunay, and
4.1 Osteopathic manipulation Alp, (2015) [25], using 40 patients diagnosed with CTS
Osteopathic structural examination and osteopathic clinically as well as electro physiologically. Carpal
manipulative treatment approaches are very essential in mobilization including 3 techniques; dorsal-palmar glide
diagnosing and treating the CTS [22]. This treatment at radio carpal joint and distraction at the mid-carpal and
approach is known to be effective in relieving the radio-carpal joints was used in combination with neutral
compression over the median nerve and thereby volar wrist splint.
decreasing the pain and numbness of the patients with
CTS [23]. (a) Dorsal-palmar glide
Patient‘s hand was rested on a table extending off the
4.1.1 Opponens roll manuever surface. Distal radio-ulnar joint was stabilized. Dorsal or
Opponens roll maneuver along with the self-stretching palmar glides had been provided at the radio carpal joint
exercises have been introduced to a group of patients who by holding the proximal carpal row in order to improve
were diagnosed with CTS with palpatory assessment the extension or flexion respectively.
methods and nerve conduction tests [23]. In this procedure
patient‘s thumb was abducted, slightly extended and was (b) Mid carpal distraction
brought into lateral rotation along the axis of the first Styloid processes were stabilized and the distraction was
metacarpal bone. This brings the thumb into a position given at the distal carpal row.
opposite to the opposition which is known as retro
position. In this case, maximum rotation occurs at the first (c) Radio-carpal distraction
carpo metacarpal joint as it is a saddle joint which imparts Styloid processes were stabilized and the distraction was
a wide range of mobility to the thumb. Subsequently given at the proximal carpal row.
vigorous lateral rotation of the thumb had been introduced
which had resulted in traction force on the opponens The results have shown significant improvements in
pollicis as well as the abductor pollicis muscles. functional activities, pinch grip strength, symptom
Furthermore, the TCL was elevated up off the median severity, distal sensory latency and sensory nerve action
nerve relieving the direct pressure on the nerve itself. The potentials of the median nerve. It is also demonstrated that
results have shown an increased range of motion of the the application of mid carpal distraction along with the
wrist joint with a reduction of the palpatory restrictions. median nerve neuro-mobilization than the neuro-
Also it has been shown that several electro diagnostic test mobilization alone [28]. Another study has evaluated the

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International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications
ISSN: 2456-9992

scaphoid and hamate bone mobilizations along with which works on deep muscular fascia [37]. In this
splinting in CTS [26]. Forty participants with CTS were technique, the body is divided into 14 segments; head,
given the treatment three times a week for eight weeks. neck, thorax, lumbar, pelvis, scapula, shoulder, elbow,
Ventral surface of the forearm was placed on a table and forearm, hand, hip, knee, ankle and feet [33]. Pratelli et
the hand was placed out of the table surface. al., (2016) [36] had compared the effectiveness of facial
manipulation (FM) Versus Low Level Laser Therapy
(d) Scaphoid mobilization (LLLT) in the treatment of CTS. One set of patients who
Distal radius was stabilized and the volar or dorsal glide were diagnosed with CTS according to the clinical and
was provided on the scaphoid bone electro physiological diagnosis were given FM for 45
minutes once a week in three sessions and was continued
(e) Hamate mobilization for three weeks. Deep friction was given over definite
Proximal carpal bone was stabilized and the hamate bone points which were identified as Centers of Coordination
had been glided volarly or dorsally on the triquetrum. (CC) and Centers of Fusion (CF) confirmed by palpation
for facial density, patient‘s response and FM guidelines.
Pain and severity symptoms and functional status had CCs are located in deep fascia at the points where the
been significantly improved though there was no any vectoral forces of muscles in a particular movement are
significant difference in sensory and motor latencies converged. CFs are confined in intermuscular septa and
between the intervention group and the splinting alone retinacula [30]. Deep friction was provided by elbow and
group. knuckles and it was maintained for 2-4 minutes. The
patients had shown significant (p<0.001) improvements in
4.2 Active release technique Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and Visual
A pilot study had been carried out to see the efficacy of Analogue Scale (VAS) and FM technique was effective
active release technique on CTS in five patients (four than LLLT. Myofascial continuation develops between
females, one male) who were diagnosed with CTS [29]. flexor carpi retinaculum, palmar aponeurosis antebrachial
Treatment protocol was performed by taking the tissue and brachial fascia as a thickening along the fascia [38].
into a shorten position. And then while maintaining a This emphasizes how a treatment over a more proximal
manual contact with the tissue being treated, active CC or CF points on brachial fascia can be resulted in
lengthening of the tissue was performed. Treatment was improvements over the rest of the continuous fascia [36].
applied to the median nerve at the sites of thenar muscles,
carpal tunnel, flexor digitorum superficialis, pronator teres 4.3.2 Massage therapy
and ligament of struthers. Symptom severity (SS) and Massage therapy is known to reduce the sympathetic
functional status (FS) both had been improved according activity and increase the vagal activity. Also it increases
to the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). But serotonin levels which result in reduction of pain [39]. It is
nerve conduction studies had shown no improvement. found that patients anxiety and depression levels
This also may be due to an application of a single associated with diseases also can be decreased with
treatment session. Quality of the study and the validity of massage therapy [40]. Significant improvement in pain,
the results have to be improved by increasing the number hand grip strength, median nerve peak latency scores had
of patients and can be generalized to all the patients with also been noted [41]. To evaluate the efficacy of the
CTS. massage therapy on the CTS, a new hand massage
technique had been introduced by [42]. It had included
4.3 Soft tissue manipulation 30s-effleurage, 60s-friction, 30s-petrissage, 30s-shaking
and was ended by another set of 30s-effelurage for total of
4.3.1 Fascial manipulation three minutes. Throughout the procedure, the patient‘s
It is concluded that various manual techniques have an neck and shoulder remained neutral, elbow in 90 degree
effect on reinstating the normal physiological state of the flexion and supination. The patient was asked to hold the
fascia, though there is less scientific evidence [30]. In each position for 5s and to repeat each 10 times at least
literature it has been shown that lengthening and thereby three times a day. Results have shown significant
restoring the myofascial tissue can release the pressure on improvements in pain scores, hand grip strength scores
nerves [31], blood vessels [32] and also restore the and as well as in electrophysiological parameters. The
mobility of joints [33]. Poorly coordinated muscle fiber effectiveness of each of these techniques have been
can be resulted in developing inflammation in the tendons. identified [43]. Accordingly, effleurage is known to have
Therefore small areas of transformed fascia should be a muscle relaxing and sedation effect on the nerves.
identified and isolated. However this transformation of Friction massage induces the lymphatic and venous
connective tissue is not an isolated process but also can be drainage and consequently relieving the edema. This also
occurred in muscle chains or myofascial sequences [30]. has an effect on scar tissue and adhesions as well.
This myofascial sequences are made by joining the Petrissage results in prevention of atrophy of the muscles
biarticular muscles with the unidirectional myofacial units by removing metabolic products which are collected in the
[34], [35]. A myofascial unit is consisted of monoarticular muscles. Shaking has an analgesic and strengthening
and biarticular muscle fibers and surrounding fascia. effect.
Fascia is made up of collagen and elastic fibers which are
arranged in separate layers and in different directions 4.4 Exercises
within the each layer. Fascia is considered as a three Median nerve is connected with the peritendinious
dimensional structure in fascial manipulation technique subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) [44] which lies
[36]. Fascial manipulation (FM) is a manipulation process, inside the carpal tunnel as previously described. It is

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International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications
ISSN: 2456-9992

found that this tissue is thickened in CTS which may 5-10% [55]. Moreover, the strain on the nerve can even
cause limitation of the median nerve gliding in both affects the axonal transport [56] and nerve conduction
transverse and longitudinal planes [45], [46]. Application [57] as well. It is documented that a minimum of 3%
of gliding exercises are known to stretch the adhesions stretch could be adequate for a nerve with local neural
and increase the gap between the TCL and the median inflammation to be fired optimally with limb movements
nerve, facilitating the venous return from the nerve bundle [58]. Coppieters, and Alshami, (2007) [59], have
and reducing the carpal tunnel pressure [47]-[49]. evaluated the longitudinal exertion and strain on the
Therefore, this tendon and nerve gliding exercises are median nerve during collective movements of wrist and
used as a conservative method in rehabilitation programs. elbow joints using cadavers. In this study, neural sliding
techniques had been assessed, in which one particular
4.4.1 Tendon gliding exercises movement that increases the strain on the median nerve is
A study was conducted by Akalin et al., (2002) [47] using counteracted by another movement done concurrently
total of 28 patients (26 females, two males) with clinical which causes decrease strain on the nerve. In tension
and electrophysiological evidence of CTS. In tendon techniques, similar movements performed simultaneously
gliding exercises, patients were demonstrated five separate in adjacent joints had been evaluated. Six techniques were
finger positions including straight, hook, fist, table top and evaluated in embalmed cadavers (five males, one female),
straight fist positions. During this procedure, shoulder and with no prior trauma to the spine or extremities. In first
neck were held in neutral, elbow was supinated and 90 technique, elbow extension (loading) with wrist flexion
degree flexed. Each position was maintained for five (unloading) was followed by elbow flexion (unloading)
seconds. Each exercise was performed five sessions daily with wrist extension (loading). Loading and unloading of
and ten times per each session. Efficacy of the the nerve were performed at two particular joints with
interventions had been evaluated according to patient simultaneous movements which resulted in increased and
satisfaction questionnaire, symptom severity scale and decreased strain on the median nerve respectively. In the
functional status scale. Small number of patients and lack second technique, elbow extension with wrist extension
of electrophysiological evidences are considered as which caused loading of the nerve was followed by elbow
limitations of the study. Significant changes have been flexion with wrist flexion which caused unloading of the
found in the cross sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve. In third, wrist flexion and extension were
nerve during the movement from straight to hook position performed with elbow flexion. Fourth technique involved
and from hook to fist position in tendon gliding exercises. wrist flexion and extension while the elbow was fixed in
CSA was increased in straight finger position, where the extension. In fifth technique, elbow was moved with wrist
fingers were extended fully. CSA was decreased in in neutral where the sixth involved elbow movements with
subsequent hook and fist positions, where the fingers were wrist in extension. All the techniques were performed five
flexed, inducing maximum tendon gliding [44]. Although times, where the strain was calculated in final three
it is found that the hook, fist and straight fist positions repetitions and the range of motion remained same for all
increase the maximum gliding of both the flexor the techniques. Results have shown that optimum gliding
digitorum superficialis and profundus tendons [50], can be occurred by concurrent motions of nearby joints
making a strong fist could even increase the compression while loading was counteracted by unloading. It was
of the median nerve. This position encourages the revealed that the increased strain on the median nerve was
lumbricals to be moved into the carpal tunnel [44]. achieved distally by wrist extension at wrist with
According to Yoshii et al., (2009) [51], when the fingers simultaneous elbow flexion, where the nerve strain was
are involved in making a fist, the median nerve moves reduced proximally. In contrast, decreased strain on the
away from the flexor tendons and moves either ulnar or median nerve was achieved distally by wrist flexion at
radial direction. Then it is compressed against the flexor wrist with simultaneous elbow extension, where the nerve
retinaculum by flexor tendons which were displayed strain was increased proximally. However, it was found
palmarly. Since strong fist can exacerbate the condition, it that simultaneous extension in the two adjacent joints can
is avoided during the exercises [44]. This tendon be resulted in limited nerve stretching or strain either
movements are associated with synovial and extrasynovial proximally or distally such as with tension technique.
structures located inside the carpal tunnel, and thereby Anyway, the emphasis should be given to the nerve
stretching the subsynovial connective tissue. Also these gliding exercises which are not aggravating the patients‘
tendon movements increase synovial fluid lubrication in clinical symptoms in the rehabilitation set up [60].
the carpal tunnel bursae. Moreover, the gliding exercises Therefore, it is concluded that the sliding techniques have
provide adequate movement between the tendons and the largest longitudinal excursion and the optimum gliding
hence reduce the adhesions [52]. without having any deteriorating effect on the nerve [59].
The results were confirmed by Coppieters, and Butler,
4.4.2 Neural gliding exercises (2008) [61], indicating that the greatest excursion of the
Certain upper extremity joint movements are capable of median nerve occurs with sliding than the tensioning
increasing or decreasing the strain on the median nerve technique (12.6mm and 6.1mm respectively) and
[53]. It was demonstrated that the shoulder abduction, relatively a greater strain on the nerve was achieved in
elbow extension, wrist and finger extension are the vise versa (6.8% , 0.8% for tensioning and sliding
movements that induce the strain on the median nerve respectively). A study done by Akalin et al., (2002) [47],
[53], [54], exerting the maximum strain of 3.5% during have also evaluated the efficacy of median nerve gliding
the elbow extension [53]. Nerve stretching of more than exercises other than the tendon gliding exercises. In the
15.7% can cause complete occlusion of blood flow to the median nerve gliding session, 6 different hand positions
nerve, where the blood flow is impaired when the strain is had been introduced. They were; 1. Wrist in neutral;

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ISSN: 2456-9992

fingers and thumb in flexion, 2. Wrist in neutral; thumb techniques were known to have a positive outcome
and fingers in extension, 3. Wrist and fingers in extension; towards the pain scores, symptom severity scales,
thumb in neutral, 4. Wrist, fingers and thumb in extension, functional status scales and hand grip strength. Some
5. Forearm in supination, opposite hand applies a stretch studies have shown the improvements in eletro
on the thumb. During this procedure also, shoulder and physiological parameters including sensory and motor
neck were held in neutral, elbow was supinated and 90 latancies of the median nerve. Maintenance or follow up
degree flexed. Each position was maintained for five of these techniques for a period of time even as a home
seconds. Each exercise was performed five sessions daily based exercise program is very crucial. Furthermore it is
and ten times per each session. Significant improvements evident that, among all the conservative therapies, manual
were noted in patient satisfaction questionnaire, symptom therapy interventions are more beneficial. Thus, the
severity scale and functional status scales. Studies also employment of different manual therapy techniques along
have been implemented to see the position of wrist with with the other conservative therapies would be more
lowest carpal tunnel pressure. It is found that carpal tunnel promising in treating CTS.
pressure was increased with flexion and extension of the
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Author Profile
Ms N.D.P.U. Nakandala received the
B.Sc. (Hons) in Physiotherapy, from
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences,
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in
2018. From January, 2018 to December,
2018, she worked as a Demonstrator in
the Department of Basic Sciences,
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences,
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Currently she is
working as a Demonstrator in the Department of
Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences,
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

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