Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain and Hand Function Following Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the short-term effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on hand pain and function in patients with low or moderate levels of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients with confirmed mild to moderate CTS were recruited for this study. The eligible patients were randomly divided into two groups: LLLT and TENS. Patients in the LLLT group were exposed to GaAlAs diode laser, 808 nm with 6.5 J/cm2 for two points perpendicularly over the carpal area. Patients in the TENS group were treated daily by conventional TENS with 80 µs duration for a period of 30 minutes per day. All patients were treated daily, five days per week for a period of two weeks. The researchers performed clinical assessment using visual analogue scale and McGill Pain questionnaire for pain rating and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire for functional scales. For statistical analysis, paired t-test was used in each group, and analysis of variance was used for comparison between groups. Results: All outcome measures in the LLLT group were substantially improved while the TENS group provided better pain sensation. Conclusion: This study documented that LLLT might be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with mild to moderate CTS. Electrical stimulation might have been effective (short term) in controlling pain in these patients.Keywords: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Function; Low-level Lasers; Pain; TEN