Pulsed US Versus SWD in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two physical therapy treatments in people with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. The main question this study aims to answer is: Does pulsed ultrasound or pulsed shortwave diathermy lead to greater improvement in symptoms and nerve swelling when added to standard treatment? All participants will receive standard conservative treatment, including a wrist splint and nerve and tendon gliding exercises for three weeks. In addition, participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: Pulsed therapeutic ultrasound (US) Pulsed shortwave diathermy (SWD) Researchers will measure changes in hand symptoms, pain levels, grip strength, and the size of the median nerve using ultrasound imaging. Assessments will be performed before treatment, and at 1 month and 3 months after treatment. The primary outcome of the study is the change in median nerve cross-sectional area at 3 months.

NCT Number	NCT07545161
Lead Sponsor	Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University
Conditions	Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Physical Therapy Modalities, Ultrasound Therapy
Enrollment	40 participants
Start Date	2025-03-11
Primary Completion	2025-08-15 (estimated)
Study Completion	2025-09-15 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-04