Exercise Training and Effects of Ergonomic Arrangements in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral mononeuropathy caused by compression of the wrist median nerve in the carpal tunnel. The diagnosis of CTS is made by anamnesis and physical examination and confirmed by electrodiagnostic test, which is a method that objectively evaluates the median nerve dysfunction in the wrist. If not treated properly, it may cause permanent damage to hand functions. A 43-year-old male, office worker, who diagnosed right CTS on physical examination and electroneuromyographic examinations in our clinic, was included in the treatment program. In the treatment program, paraffin, US, isometric strengthening exercises for hand-wrist muscles and tendon shifting exercises, static hand-wrist resting splint, ergonomic hand use-activity reduction and protective methods were taught in daily living activities. The treatment program was applied for 3 weeks, 5 days a week, 3 weeks (total 15 sessions). Evaluations of the patient were made at the beginning of the treatment program and at the end of the treatment program by using the Boston CTS questionnaire, symptom severity scale, dynamometer and the visual pain scale. At the end of the treatment program, we found a decrease in the patient's complaints. Our aim in this study was to see the treatment results of a patient with CTS, whose treatment plan was added joint protection techniques training, isometric exercise training to hand-wrist muscle groups and ergonomic adjustments.