Abstract
The carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition, localized at the hand and knuckle level, caused by a compression of the median nerve as it travels the rigid structures of the carpal tunnel. This phenomenon is, essentially, a compressive neuropathy.
Aim: The purpose of our research is to comparatively analyze the treatment methods of the carpal tunnel syndrome: treatment by acupuncture, fascial manipulation, low-level laser therapy, cupping treatment, kinesiotaping, surgical treatment, orthosis method, nerve and tendon gliding exercises, and ultrasound therapy, based on the review of specialized articles relevant for the last 10 years.
Methods: The research method consisted of 3 steps. First, we analyzed and selected 160 specialized articles, based on titles and key words; in the second step, we analyzed the summaries of the articles, thus, reducing the number to 50 articles. The third step consisted of selecting 7 relevant articles based on an article content review.
Results: The results of treatment comparisons have proved that non-invasive therapies are superior to surgical treatments, taking into consideration symptom improvement, the maximum period up to noticeable results, relapse situations, patients’ preferences, etc.
Conclusions: The results of manual, traditional and non-invasive therapies are similar to those of surgical treatments, and even better in a very large number of cases.