Cooling therapy for pain relief after carpal tunnel surgery

Effect of Cooling Therapy for Post-Operative Pain in Open Carpal Tunnel Release

NA · University of Chicago · NCT05783245

This study is testing if a new cooling therapy can help people feel less pain after carpal tunnel surgery compared to regular ice packs.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Chicago (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05783245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of continuous cooling therapy using the PolarCare machine compared to traditional ice therapy for managing post-operative pain following open carpal tunnel release surgery. With over 400,000 carpal tunnel release surgeries performed annually in the U.S., effective pain management is crucial for recovery. The study aims to determine if continuous cooling therapy provides any clinical advantage over standard icing methods, addressing a gap in current post-operative care practices. Participants will be monitored and asked to complete online questionnaires to assess their pain levels and recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for open carpal tunnel release surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who have had prior carpal tunnel surgery on the same hand or are currently using opioid pain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients recovering from carpal tunnel surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on continuous cooling therapy have shown mixed results, indicating that this approach is still being explored for effectiveness in post-operative pain management.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 or older
2. Indicated for open carpal tunnel release
3. Able and willing to complete online questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior carpal tunnel surgery for ipsilateral extremity
2. Additional procedures to be performed on ipsilateral or contralateral extremity
3. Current opioid or narcotic pain medication usage

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Perioperative/Postoperative Complications

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.