THE EFFECT OF NEURODYNAMIC TECHNIQUES ON PAIN AND WRIST FUNCTION WITH A CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as the most common peripheral neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel needs effective treatment. A 57-year-old woman, whose work includes many repetitive wrist movements already had left wrist surgery due to CTS. She underwent corticosteroid injection to the wrist canal by an orthopaedic surgeon to improve her right wrist function, which was also affected by CTS. But after 6 months she felt unbearable pain again. Her right wrist functions (the range of motion and muscle strength) were impaired. In such condition, median nerve neurodynamic techniques (active nerve flossing) was performed to improve the natural physiology of the peripheral nervous system and surrounding tissues.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of neurodynamic techniques for pain and hand function for a person with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods: Scientific literature analysis, testing, analysis of statistical data.

Results: After 2 weeks of upper limb neurodynamic techniques (active median nerve flossing) applied for a patient with CTS pain reduced from unbearable to mild. The wrist muscle strength improved from 27 kg to 32 kg. The wrist strength was tested with a hydraulic hand dynamometer. Minor changes were found during active wrist motions: flexion improved from 55º to 64º, extension improved from 37º to 43º.

Conclusion(s): The study showed that the upper limb neurodynamic technique improved hand function and decreased the pain symptoms of CTS.

Presenter e-mail: jul.simkute@kvkedu.lt