Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Symptom Severity and Functional Status in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Meyer, Patricia M, Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Symptom Severity and Functional Status in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Master of Science (Clinical Research and Education), May, 2005, 55pp., 7 tables, 54 figures, bibliography 44. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is symptoms like paresthesias and weakness caused by compression of the median nerve. It affects up to 10% of the adult population in the U.S. with medical costs exceeding $2 billion annually. The goal of this study is to evaluate the benefits of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) on the symptom severity and daily functioning of subjects with CTS. The OMT group was compared to a ultrasound placebo group. Outcome measures include symptom severity, functional status scores, and strength measures. Subjects receive six treatments with measures taken at three points in the study. Thirty-two subjects were used in the study analysis. The OMT group had significantly improved symptom severity and functional status scores over time. These scores were not significantly different from the changes in the ultrasound group. While outcome measures show trends toward improvement with OMT, they are not significantly different from placebo.