RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07302282

The Effectiveness of Pain Neuroscience Education for Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Effectiveness of Pain Neuroscience Education for Patients With Mild to Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Sponsor

Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University

Enrollment

48 participants

Start Date

Dec 29, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of Pain Neuroscience Education applied in the treatment of mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The main question it aims to answer is: Does PNE have a therapeutic effect on carpal tunnel syndrome in clinical and ultrasonographic terms? Researchers will compare whether PNE creates a synergistic effect alongside home based exercise programs and splint application in mild to moderate CTS, and will objectively demonstrate potential benefits such as relief from pain and numbness.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

Being 18 years of age or older
Having a diagnosis of mild or moderate CTS confirmed by ENMG
Having complaints of pain and numbness in the first three fingers of the hand for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria11

Presence of severe CTS findings on electrophysiological examination
Presence of metabolic diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes and hypothyroidism
Presence of inflammatory rheumatic disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
Presence of other neuromuscular diseases affecting the hand and wrist (Polyneuropathy, Cervical radiculopathy, peripheral nerve damage, Brachial plexus damage, other entrapment neuropathies, etc.)
History of hand and wrist trauma
History of neck and wrist surgery
History of steroid injection into the carpal tunnel within the last 3 months
History of physical therapy application to wrist within the last 3 months
Deformity preventing the use of a splint on the wrist
Previous participation in a program for the psychological management of chronic pain
Cognitive dysfunction preventing cooperation with tests

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Interventions

OTHERExercise

Stretching the transverse carpal ligament helps correct imbalance and provides more space for the median nerve, supporting nerve mobility. Stretching also balances flexor and extensor muscles, reduces tension, and supports overall hand health. Nerve gliding exercises, similar to stretching, aim to restore nerve mobility and reduce symptoms.

BEHAVIORALPain neuroscience education

PNE is an educational intervention aiming to alter a patient's beliefs and cognitions regarding their pain experience. The main contents addressed in the educational session were: neurophysiological aspects of pain, biopsychosocial aspects of pain, concept of peripheral and central sensitization, using audio-visual support, examples and metaphors for a better understanding by the patient, as reported in previous studies.