Low-level laser therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome
The Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
This study tests whether low-level laser therapy can help people with carpal tunnel syndrome feel less pain and discomfort while they wait for surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Graz Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Graz, Styria) |
| Trial ID | NCT06248541 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of low-level laser therapy on patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition characterized by median nerve compression. The study aims to assess whether this non-invasive treatment can alleviate symptoms such as pain and paresthesia in patients awaiting surgery. Participants will receive either low-level laser therapy or treatment with conventional light diodes over a period of three weeks. The trial is randomized and single-blind, ensuring that the results are scientifically valid and reliable.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with isolated surgery-indicated carpal tunnel syndrome experiencing moderate pain or paresthesia for at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients with traumatic median nerve injuries, previous surgeries in the affected area, or those with severe nerve diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a non-invasive option for patients to manage their CTS symptoms effectively before surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with low-level laser therapy for various conditions, suggesting potential efficacy for CTS, although this specific application is less commonly tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Existing written consent of the participating person after informed consent. * The patient is capable of giving consent. * Isolated surgery-induced CTS * CTS patients with pain (NRS between 2 and 6) and/or paresthesia and/or nocturnal pain that has been present for at least 3 months (pain reported using the "Numerical Rating Scale for Pain" (NRS) between 0 and 10). * Compliance with 3 weeks of cold light therapy. Exclusion Criteria: * Absence of informed consent * Patients under 18 years or over 80 years * Patients from protected groups as well as people who are not able to personally give consent * Participation in other clinical trials within the last 4 weeks before the start of the study * traumatic and atraumatic median nerve lesions/damage/narrowing * Previous operations in the area innervated by the median nerve or in the area of the affected upper extremity/hand * CTS recurrence of the affected hand * Thenar atrophy of the affected hand * Nerve diseases that affect the upper extremity including the hand (e.g. polyneuropathy) * Cervical radiculopathy C6/C * Osteoarthritis of the affected hand (e.g. rhizarthrosis) * Arthritis of the affected hand * Metabolic diseases that have an influence on the sensory or function of the hand * Vascular diseases affecting the upper extremity or hand (e.g. Raynaud's syndrome) * other compressions or injuries of the median nerve (e.g. thoracic outlet syndrome, scalene syndrome, pronator teres syndrome)
Where this trial is running
Graz, Styria
- Medical University Graz — Graz, Styria, Austria (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrzej Hecker, MSc. Dr. — Medical University of Graz
- Study coordinator: Lars-Peter Kamolz, Univ.Prof. MSc.
- Email: lars.kamolz@medunigraz.at
- Phone: +43 316 385
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.