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NCT Number: NCT07014774

Efficacy of Laser Acupuncture on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Following Hand Flexor Tendon Repair

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of laser acupuncture in alleviating CTS symptoms following flexor tendon repair in the hand.

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Key information

Conditions

Laser Acupuncture Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Cumulative Trauma Disorders Flexor Tendon Repair Hand Surgery Median Neuropathy Mononeuropathies Nerve Compression Syndromes Nervous System Diseases Neuromuscular Diseases Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Sprains and Strains Wounds and Injuries

Age range

20 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Learning Hospitals Al Kaser Al Ayni Hospitals

Cairo, Egypt

Location contact

Mahmoud Adel Abdel-Hakim Amin, Physical Therapist

CONTACT

[email protected]

+201002737990

About this study

This study holds significant importance for clinical practice, patient care, and research.

  • Clinical Practice: It provides a potential framework for physical therapists to design targeted and effective interventions for laser acupuncture on CTS following flexor tendon repair in the hand.
  • Patient Care: Improved rehabilitation outcomes can enhance patients' physical functionality, independence, and overall quality of life, addressing a critical gap in post-operative complications.
  • Research Advancement: By contributing to the limited body of literature on laser acupuncture in this context, the study can stimulate further research and innovation in carpal tunnel syndrome following hand flexor tendon repair.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 20-40 years who have undergone flexor tendon repair surgery.
  • Patients who have undergone primary or secondary repair of flexor tendons in the hand at zone 4 (zone of carpal tunnel as it often be complicated by postoperative adhesions due to close quarters and synovial sheath of the carpal tunnel) (Fulchignoni C et al., 2020).
  • Surgery occurred within a specific timeframe, often within 6-12 weeks prior to inclusion (Peters SE, Jha B, Ross M., 2021).
  • Patient have clinical and electro diagnostic evidence of CTS.
  • All patients enrolled to the study will have their informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Pre-existing neurological disorders.
  • Systemic illnesses affecting nerve function (e.g., diabetes).
  • Contraindications to laser therapy.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Active infections or open wounds in the hand or wrist.
  • Previous history of carpal tunnel release surgery or received an injection of steroid for CTS.
  • Previous history of brachial plexus injury or median nerve injury.
  • Other severe neurological or musculoskeletal conditions.
  • Epilepsy or any psychological disorders.
  • Cancer.
  • Spots over the treated points.
  • Pacemaker or implanted devices.

Treatment and study plan

Laser acupuncture

Device

Laser acupuncture is a modern, non-invasive approach to acupuncture that uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) instead of traditional needles to stimulate acupuncture points. This technique combines the principles of traditional Chinese medicine with modern technology to provide pain relief and promote healing (Chon et al., 2019).

  • Device: UNIPHY PHYACTION 740, made in EEC device.
  • Laser type: Gallium aluminum arsenide laser.
  • Wavelength: 808 nm.
  • Power Output: 200 mW.
  • Dose/energy density: 4J/point.
  • Frequency of treatment: Three times weekly for 8 weeks.
  • Duration: 12 min.
  • Cumulative dose: 48J/point.
  • Target Acupuncture Points: Key points for CTS: PC4 (Ximen), PC6 (Neiguan), PC7 (Daling), PC8 (Laogong), LI4 (Hegu), LI10 (Shousanli), LI11 (Quchi), HT-2 (Qingling), HT7 (Shenmen), HT-8 (Shaofu), LU9 (Taiyuan) and LU10 (Yuji)

traditional therapy

Other
  • Splinting/Bracing: Patients in the two groups will advised to wear a static wrist splint locked at 0_ wrist flexion for at least 8 h at night throughout the entire length of the study as the primary management which reduce pressure on the median nerve.
  • Physical Therapy: Engaging in specific exercises, such as nerve glide exercises and wrist stretches, can improve mobility and reduce symptoms. These exercises aim to restore normal movement of the median nerve and alleviate compression

Primary outcomes

  1. Symptom Relief:

    Time frame: At baseline and after 8 weeks

    Measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, numbness, and tingling.

Secondary outcomes

  1. - Grip Strength:

    Time frame: Measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention (8 weeks).

    Measured with a hand dynamometer to assess the strength of hand muscles.

  2. - Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV):

    Time frame: baseline and 8 weeks.

    Measured to assess median nerve conduction before and after the intervention

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Mahmoud Adel Abde-Hakim Amin, Physical Therapist

CONTACT

[email protected]

+201002737990

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Acronym: LASER

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jun 11, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 11, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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