Effectiveness of Therapeutic Ultrasound for Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Women: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand due to compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the wrist. This condition often results in pain during wrist movements and significantly restricts the range of motion, hindering daily activities. CTS disproportionately affects adult women, with increasing prevalence and severity with age. Given its substantial impact on daily functioning and quality of life, effective treatment strategies are essential. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound in alleviating symptoms and improving functionality in adult women with CTS. Following PRISMA guidelines, literature searches were conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar for full-text English-language research articles published between 2014 and 2024. Out of 189 articles, nine met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the PEDro tool, and data on study demographics, intervention protocols, outcome measures, and results were extracted. The results indicated that therapeutic ultrasound is effective in reducing pain and enhancing daily activities for CTS. This review identified optimal treatment parameters, contributing to improved patient care for adult women with CTS. However, more research is needed to distinguish the specific benefits of therapeutic ultrasound compared to other treatments and placebos.