The effect of neural tissue mobilization techniques on pain, functioning and health in patients with median nerve entrapment in mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A narrative review

Abstract

In Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), compression and ischemia of the median nerve are caused leading to pain and paraesthesia as it courses through the hand. Neural tissue mobilization techniques help reduce pain and improve the functioning of the patient. The aim of this literature review is through recent studies to outline the effect of neural tissue mobilization techniques on pain and functioning in patients with median nerve entrapment in mild to moderate CTS. Google Scholar and PubMed were searched in English with the following keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome, median nerve, manual therapy, neurodynamic techniques, mobilization, Efficacy. The review included randomized clinical trials, comparative studies, and case studies. 17 sources were included in this review of which 13 were randomized clinical trials, three comparative studies and one case study. Discussion-Conclusions: The results of this review show that neural tissue mobilization techniques have a significant positive effect on reducing pain, severity of symptoms and increasing functioning in patients with nerve entrapment in mild to moderate CTS. On average, interventions are needed three times a week for a period of 2-24 weeks. More studies will be needed to further investigate the effects of these techniques.