Effect of Rehabilitation Interventions on Sensation, Function, and Pain of the Patients With Carpal Tunnel Release

Objectives: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is now the most common type of nerve compression neuropathies constituting about (90%) of the neuropathic disorders. To attain the optimal recovery following the operation, a rehabilitation intervention is urgent. This study aims at investigating the efficacy of short and long term rehabilitation interventions following Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) on motor functions, sensory, and pain. Methods: Thirty patients were randomly assigned to two groups after CTR. The intervention group received rehabilitation exercises within a week after the operation, and the control group received a progressive home exercise program. The patients were assessed in terms of pain, sensation, function (measured by Boston Questionnaire), pinch, and grip (measured by dynamometer) in three periods of time, before operation, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after operation by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Semmes Weinstein Test of Monofilaments, Boston questionnaire test, and dynamometer. Results:  No significant differences in function were seen between the two groups (P=0.28). The average score of pain decreased. In spite of the increase in sensory score in the intervention group, no significant difference was found (P=0.19). A considerable difference was found in pain, grip, and pinch between the two groups during the first 6 weeks after the operation. Discussion: The rehabilitation interventions, even in short term, affect the pain and power (pinch and grip). Also, they facilitate returning to work. In the long term, however, there were no considerable diversities. In other words, improvements gained in two groups are the same in the long-term.