Low-level laser therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome – systematic review

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is defined as a peripheral mononeuropathy, caused by mechanisms of compression of the median nerve. Among the modalities of treatment, the laser is distinguished by its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and healing action. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of clinical trials on the effects of low-level laser therapy on carpal tunnel syndrome. The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA methodology, and the scientific articles, published in the last decade, were searched in the SciELO and PubMED databases. Two articles were included, women prevailing and right-side involvement. In the two studies, placebo groups were used, ten sessions were performed, five consecutive and with a two-day interval, and used Gallium and Aluminum Arsenide laser, the evaluations were the tinel test, palmar pain, nocturnal pain, paresthesias, daily and/ or working activities, and electromyography. There is a lack of clinical trials evaluating the effect of laser on carpal tunnel syndrome, and of those evaluated, although there are beneficial effects, there are methodological problems that compromise the results, making it necessary to carry out new studies to consolidate the effects of the use of this therapy in clinical practice.