Carpal Tunnel SyndromeChiropractic

Comparing chiropractic options for carpal tunnel syndrome

Researchers at the New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls compared Graston instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (GISTM) vs soft tissue mobilization (STM) by hand.

First, the details.

  • Volunteers with characteristics, and physical and electrodiagnostic findings consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomly allocated to receive either GISTM or STM.
  • The abstract does not state the number of volunteers studied.
  • Treatment to the affected area was given twice a week for 4 weeks and once a week for 2 additional weeks.

And, the results.

  • Patients in both groups had improved nerve conduction latencies, wrist strength, and wrist motion.
  • Signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome improved and patients reported satisfaction with the treatment outcomes.
  • Improvements were maintained at 3 months for both treatments.
  • The hand not treated showed no change, although no initial evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome was presented.

The bottom line?
Either approach to treatment appears to be a good option considering the alternatives.

12/22/07 15:02 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.