Magnetotherapy in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Study

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel at the wrist, resulting in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, and functional impairment in the hand and fingers. According to the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), the diagnosis is supported electrophysiologically by delayed distal motor or sensory conduction, conduction block, or prolonged response latency of the median nerve. Clinically, CTS presents with paresthesia, pain, numbness, and functional limitations. The condition is more prevalent among middle-aged individuals, particularly office workers, homemakers, and those engaged in repetitive wrist movements. If left untreated, CTS may lead to muscle weakness and a significant decline in quality of life.

Conservative treatment options include nighttime wrist splinting, nerve mobilization exercises, pharmacological therapy, and physical therapy modalities. However, these approaches are generally symptom-oriented and may have limited long-term effectiveness.

Magnetotherapy has emerged as a non-invasive physical therapy modality with minimal side effects. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has been reported to reduce pain and improve objective nerve function in refractory CTS cases in both short- and long-term follow-up. Nevertheless, scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of magnetotherapy in CTS remains limited, and many existing studies lack robust methodological designs such as placebo control, randomization, and blinding. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the current literature and strengthen clinical decision-making by providing high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of magnetotherapy in CTS.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged between 18 and 65 years.

Clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) based on physical examination findings, including positive Tinel and/or Phalen tests and hypoesthesia in the 3rd to 5th digits.

Electrophysiologically confirmed mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome based on electromyography (EMG) findings.

Exclusion criteria

• Severe carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed electrophysiologically by electromyography (EMG).

History of previous surgical intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Presence of other peripheral nerve entrapments (e.g., ulnar nerve entrapment, radial nerve entrapment).

Electrophysiologically confirmed polyneuropathy or cervical radiculopathy/cervical discopathy.

Rheumatologic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus).

Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2).

Pregnancy.

Presence of electronic implants such as cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant, or implantable defibrillator.

Active acute infection.

History of malignancy.

Receipt of physical therapy or rehabilitation for the wrist or surrounding area within the past 6 months.

Corticosteroid injection to the wrist within the past 6 months.

Hyperthyroidism or adrenal gland hyperfunction.

Open growth plates (epiphyseal plates not closed).

Paroxysmal neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy).

Myasthenia gravis.

Regular use of pain medications such as pregabalin, duloxetine, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).