Laser Therapy

Several high quality studies (Chang 2008, Evcik 2007, Fusakul 2014) evaluated the use of laser therapy in treating carpal tunnel syndrome.  In a randomized, controlled trial, Chang 2008 evaluated the efficacy of a laser (830nm diode with 10Hz, 50% duty cycle, 60 mW, 9.7J/cm) versus placebo laser on the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.  The treatment was rendered for 10 minutes daily for 5 days a week for two weeks.  After 4 weeks, the laser treatment provided significantly improved grip strengths, digital prehension, and lateral prehension (p<0.05).  In a randomized controlled trial, Evcik 2007 evaluated the efficacy of laser (7J/2min) versus placebo laser.  The treatment was rendered five times per week for two weeks.  After four weeks, significant improvement in grip strength and pinch strength was noted (p<0.001); there was also significant improvement in sensory nerve velocity, sensory distal latency, and motor distal latency (p<0.001).  In a randomized double-blinded controlled trial, Fusakul 2014 evaluated the efficacy of laser (gallium-aluminum-arsenide at a dose of 18J/session) versus placebo laser.  Grip strength and pinch strength was significantly improved.  At 12 weeks follow up, distal motor latency was significantly improved (p<0.05).