Hands-On Manual Therapy Works As Well As Surgery for Carpal Tunnel

Hands on treatment may be as effective as carpal tunnel surgery

While many patients with carpal tunnel problems jump straight to surgery for relief, a recent study demonstrated that manual therapy (hands-on treatment) can be just as effective for relief and improved function.

Researchers compared manual therapy and surgery for carpal tunnel in a group of 100 women that had experienced pain and numbness in the hands or wrists for at least one year. The surgery group had a decompression performed to release pressure from the carpal tunnel where it can cause nerve problems. The manual therapy group received hands-on treatment performed to the hands, wrists, arms, and neck, and were instructed to perform cervical range of motion stretches at home.

After 1 month, the manual therapy group showed more improvement than the surgery group. At 6 months and 1 year both groups showed similar improvement in symptoms and function.

The researchers noted these results indicate manual therapy may be a better option to return patients to work more quickly due to the better response after only one month. Otherwise, the hands-on treatment was just as effective as surgery for carpal tunnel.

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