Abstract
M.Tech.
This unblinded, controlled pilot study was undertaken to determine if wrist manipulations
and mobilisations are valuable in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel syndrome in comparison
to ultrasound therapy and transverse friction.
Patients were treated at the Technikon Witwatersrand day clinic as well as at the
Meyersdal Chiropractic Clinic, both situated in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Thirty patients suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome were selected for this study.
Subjects were recruited using advertisements put up at the Technikon Witwatersrand
campus as well as advertising in the local newspapers and a church newsletter. The
patients were divided into two groups of fifteen. Group A received wrist manipulations
and mobilisations and group B received ultrasound therapy and transverse friction.
Patients were treated nine times over a three week period.
Objective data was recorded using a Jamar grip strength dynamometer to test grip
strength and two-point discrimination was measured using a vernier caliper. Subjective
data was recorded using the Carpal Tunnel function disability form. Subjective and
objective data was recorded on the first, sixth and ninth treatment.
The results revealed that both group A and group B benefited from the treatment.
However, group A had better results overall than group B. Both groups showed
statistical significant differences in either the subjective or objective measurements.
In conclusion it can be noted that chiropractic manipulations and mobilisations are
effective in the management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Ultrasound therapy together
with transverse friction was also effective in the management of this condition but not to
the same degree as the chiropractic care.