Effects of Radial Pressure Wave Therapy Modulation in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.
This study aims to evaluate the clinical effects of radial pressure wave therapy in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive radial pressure wave therapy using either a modulated or a constant parameter dosing protocol. The intervention consists of three weekly sessions, and outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months after the first session. The primary outcome is pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale, while secondary outcomes include functional status evaluated with the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, grip strength, and electrodiagnostic parameters of the median nerve. The study is conducted in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the Antiguo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Fray Antonio Alcalde, and has been approved by the hospital's Ethics Committee.
• Adults aged 18 to 75 years.
• Clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome based on symptoms such as nocturnal paresthesia, numbness in the median nerve distribution, and/or thenar weakness.
• At least one positive provocative test (e.g., Tinel's, Phalen's, or Durkan's test).
• Symptoms present for at least 1 month.
• NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) score ≥ 4 at baseline.
• Able and willing to attend all intervention sessions and follow-up assessments.
• Able to provide informed consent.