Sham Low-level Laser Therapy Research Articles

The effect of low-level laser therapy on the oxidative stress level and quality of life in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

This study aimed to examine the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with levothyroxine replacement therapy on thyroid function, oxidative stress (OS), and quality of life in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). Forty-six patients diagnosed with HT were randomized to receive active LLLT (n = 23) and sham LLLT (n = 23) twice a week for three weeks. Clinical and laboratory evaluations of the participants were performed before treatment and three months after treatment. Biochemical parameters were taken from the patient file requested by the physician as a routine examination. Malondialdehyde and nitricoxide indicating oxidant stress and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione, which indicate antioxidant capacity, were used in OS evaluation. The Oxidative Stress Index was calculated by measuring the Total Antioxidant Status and the Total Oxidant Status. At the end of our study, a significant improvement in oxidant and antioxidant biomarker levels showing OS and quality of life was observed in the treatment groups (p < 0.05). There was no change in thyroid function and autoimmunity at the end of the treatment between the two groups (p > 0.05). Improvements in glutathione levels and quality of life were significantly higher in the active treatment group than in the sham-controlled group. LLLT was found to be more effective on OS and quality of life in patients with HT than in patients in the sham-controlled group. It was concluded that LLLT is a safe and effective method that can be used in the treatment of patients with HT.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of TENS and Low-Level Laser Therapy Applied to the Sciatic Nerve Region in Chronic Lumbar Radiculopathy.

Introduction: This study was carried out to assess and compare the efficacies of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) applied to sciatic Valleix points to reduce sciatica in patients with chronic lumbar radiculopathy. Methods: The study population consisted of 164 patients with chronic radicular pain caused by LDH. The remaining 75 patients were studied in three groups. TENS and hotpack were applied to the lower back region of all patients. In addition, group 1 (n=24), group 2 (n=25), and group 3 (n=26) received LLLT (4 J/cm2 for each point), TENS, and sham LLLT, respectively, on sciatic Valleix points five days a week, for three weeks (15 sessions). Outcomes were assessed at the beginning of the treatment, after completion of 3 weeks of treatment, and after three months (follow-up). Results: Post-treatment assessments indicated that all parameters investigated within the scope of the study improved in all three groups, except for the VAS leg pain (VASLP) score in group 3. Post-treatment VASLP and DN4 scores of group 1 were significantly superior to those of group 2 (P˂0.001). Follow-up assessments revealed an improvement only in the VASLP score and in group 1. The VASLP, DN-4, and ODI scores of groups 1 and 2 were significantly superior to those of group 3. There was no significant difference between the groups in the PSQI score and lumbar ROM value. Conclusion: Both LLLT and TENS were found to be effective in treating the sciatic nerve associated with lumbar disk herniation with radiculopathy. LLLT was found to be more effective than TENS in reducing leg and neuropathic pains. Follow-up assessments revealed that the only lasting effect of the treatments, which continued into the third month, was the improvement in leg pain.

Photobiomodulation in the management of oral mucositis for adult head and neck cancer patients receiving irradiation: the LiTEFORM RCT.

Oral mucositis is a debilitating and painful complication of head and neck cancer irradiation that is characterised by inflammation of the mucous membranes, erythema and ulceration. Oral mucositis affects 6000 head and neck cancer patients per year in England and Wales. Current treatments have not proven to be effective. International studies suggest that low-level laser therapy may be an effective treatment. To assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in the management of oral mucositis in head and neck cancer irradiation. To identify barriers to and facilitators of implementing low-level laser therapy in routine care. Placebo-controlled, individually randomised, multicentre Phase III superiority trial, with an internal pilot and health economic and qualitative process evaluations. The participants, outcome assessors and therapists were blinded. Nine NHS head and neck cancer sites in England and Wales. A total of 87 out of 380 participants were recruited who were aged ≥ 18 years and were undergoing head and neck cancer irradiation with ≥ 60 Gy. Random allocation (1 : 1 ratio) to either low-level laser therapy or sham low-level laser therapy three times per week for the duration of irradiation. The diode laser had the following specifications: wavelength 660 nm, power output 75 mW, beam area 1.5 cm2, irradiance 50 mW/cm2, exposure time 60 seconds and fluence 3 J/cm2. There were 20-30 spots per session. Sham low-level laser therapy was delivered in an identical manner. The mean Oral Mucositis Weekly Questionnaire-Head and Neck Cancer score at 6 weeks following the start of irradiation. Higher scores indicate a worse outcome. A total of 231 patients were screened and, of these, 87 were randomised (low-level laser therapy arm, n = 44; sham arm, n = 43). The mean age was 59.4 years (standard deviation 8.8 years) and 69 participants (79%) were male. The mean Oral Mucositis Weekly Questionnaire-Head and Neck Cancer score at 6 weeks was 33.2 (standard deviation 10) in the low-level laser therapy arm and 27.4 (standard deviation 13.8) in the sham arm. The trial lacked statistical power because it did not meet the recruitment target. Staff and patients willingly participated in the trial and worked hard to make the LiTEFORM trial succeed. However, the task of introducing, embedding and sustaining new low-level laser therapy services into a complex care pathway proved challenging. Sites could deliver low-level laser therapy to only a small number of patients at a time. The administration of low-level laser therapy was viewed as straightforward, but also time-consuming and sometimes uncomfortable for both patients and staff, particularly those staff who were not used to working in a patient's mouth. This trial had a robust design but lacked power to be definitive. Low-level laser therapy is relatively inexpensive. In contrast with previous trials, some patients found low-level laser therapy sessions to be difficult. The duration of low-level laser therapy sessions is, therefore, an important consideration. Clinicians experienced in oral cavity work most readily adapt to delivering low-level laser therapy, although other allied health professionals can be trained. Blinding the clinicians delivering low-level laser therapy is feasible. There are important human resource, real estate and logistical considerations for those setting up low-level laser therapy services. Further well-designed randomised controlled trials investigating low-level laser therapy in head and neck cancer irradiation are needed, with similar powered recruitment targets but addressing the recruitment challenges and logistical findings from this research. This trial is registered as ISRCTN14224600. This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research ( NIHR ) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 46. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Ultrasonographic and electrophysiological outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome treated with low-level laser therapy: A double-blind, prospective, randomized, sham-controlled study.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on clinical, ultrasonographic (US), and electrophysiological findings in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).Patients and methods Between January 2015 and August 2015, 42 patients (7 males, 35 females; mean age: 50.4±8.7 years; range, 32 to 65 years) with mild-to-moderate CTS were randomly assigned to one of two groups: active LLLT (therapy group, n=22) 0.8 J/painful point and sham LLLT groups (n=20). Both groups wore neutral wrist orthoses. The patients were evaluated before and after 15 sessions of therapy (670 nm, 4 J/session over the carpal tunnel). Follow-up parameters included the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), Functional Status Scale (FSS), nerve conduction studies and US evaluation of the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), vascularization (via power Doppler), flattening ratio (FR), and palmar bowing of the flexor retinaculum.Results Nocturnal paresthesia improved in both groups; however, pain and patients with a positive Phalen’s test reduced only in the therapy group (p=0.031). The FSS and SSS scores also improved only in the therapy group (p<0.001). Electrophysiologically, median sensory nerve conduction velocities showed a significant improvement only in the therapy group (p=0.002). The CSA, FR, and vascularization of the median nerve showed a significant improvement in the therapy group alone (p<0.001, p=0.048, and p=0.021, respectively).Conclusion Improvements in the signs and symptoms of CTS and hand function, the improvements in sensory nerve conduction studies, and reduction in median nerve CSA, FR and vascularity in the LLLT group can be attributed to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of LLLT. This study provides new US data demonstrating efficacy of LLLT along with a clinical and electrophysiological improvement. The LLLT seems to be an easily applied, non-invasive treatment option.

The Effects of Kinesio Taping with LASER Therapy to Improve on Pain Threshold, Blood Flow, and Balance Ability in Patient with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract Objective We investigated the effects of Kinesio Taping with Laser Therapy (KTLT) on the Pain threshold, Blood flow, and Balance ability of patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. Methods A total of 32 patients were randomly divided into KTLT and Control (CON) group. KTLT group was performed 30 min three times a week for four weeks in low-level laser therapy (LLLT) treatment process with Taping. CON group performed 30 min three times a week for four weeks in sham LLLT treatment process with sham taping. To measure the oppressive pain threshold, Commander Algometer and for the measurement of the blood flow rate of the skin surface, a noninvasive approach, Laser Doppler imaging equipment was used and the standing balance ability test was performed by Center of Pressure (COP), Limited of Stability (LOS). Results There was a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) between before and after training in both groups, and KTLT group showed significant improvement in both groups. Conclusions In this study, we confirmed KTLT on the Pain threshold, Blood flow, and Balance ability of Patient with Knee Osteoarthritis.

Effectiveness and safety of low-level laser therapy in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundDiabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. The main symptoms of DPN include numbness or pain in both extremities and paresthesia (such as formication or burning sensations), which greatly affect patients’ quality of life. Pharmacological treatments for DPN are associated with both uncertain therapeutic effects and adverse effects, as well as with high costs. Some clinical studies have reported that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) relieves clinical symptoms and improves nerve function in patients with DPN. We intend to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to further evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LLLT for DPN.MethodsThe following electronic databases will be searched to retrieve literature from their inception until December 2020: MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science (the Science and Social Science Citation Index), CNKI, VIP, WanFang, and SinoMed. Simultaneously, clinical registration tests and gray literature will also be retrieved. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LLLT with either sham LLLT, no (specific) treatment, or active conventional medical treatments will be included. The primary outcomes will be nerve conduction velocity as well as clinical scores that assess neurological function and related symptoms. The risk of bias of each study and quality of evidence will be assessed using the updated Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and GRADE approach, respectively. A meta-analysis will then be conducted using Review Manager software version 5.3.DiscussionThis study will integrate RCTs and analyze data to provide a detailed summary of the evidence relating to the effects and safety of LLLT in patients with DPN. LLLT will be compared with sham LLLT, no (specific) treatment, or active conventional medical treatments, especially in terms of neurological function, quality of life, and adverse events. In conclusion, this systematic review will generate evidence regarding the use of LLLT to treat DPN, in terms of both its efficacy and safety.Systematic review registrationThis protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews on April 2020 (registration number: CRD42020170625).

Acute physiological responses to combined blood flow restriction and low-level laser.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) is an innovation in fitness to train muscles with low loads at low oxygen levels. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a bio-energetic approach to alleviate muscle fatigue during resistance training. This study investigated the immediate effect of LLLT pre-conditioning on BFR that accelerates muscle fatigue due to ischemia. Fifteen young adults participated in this study of a crossover randomized design. They completed a low-load contraction with various pre-conditioning (blood flow restriction with low-level laser therapy (LLLT + BFR), blood flow restriction with sham low-level laser therapy (BFR), and control). Force fluctuation dynamics, muscle oxygen saturation of hemoglobin and myoglobin (SmO2), and discharge patterns of motor units (MU) were compared. Normalized SmO2 during low-load contractions significantly varied with the pre-contraction protocols (Control (83.6 ± 3.0%) > LLLT + BFR (70.3 ± 2.8%) > BFR (55.4 ± 2.4%). Also, force fluctuations and MU discharge varied with the pre-contraction protocols. Multi-scale entropy and mean frequency of force fluctuations were greater in the LLLT + BFR condition (31.95 ± 0.67) than in the BFR condition (29.47 ± 0.73). The mean inter-spike interval of MUs was greater in the LLLT + BFR condition (53.32 ± 2.70ms) than in the BFR condition (45.04 ± 1.08ms). In particular, MUs with higher recruitment thresholds exhibited greater LLLT-related discharge complexity (LLLT + BFR (0.201 ± 0.012) > BFR (0.154 ± 0.006)). LLLT pre-conditioning can minimize the BFR-related decline in muscle oxygen saturation, leading to force gradation and MU discharge in a cost-effective and complex manner.

Effectiveness of Laser Acupuncture in Alleviating Chronic Insomnia: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study Objectives This study investigates the therapeutic effect of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) acupuncture for chronic insomnia. Methods Thirty-seven adult subjects with chronic insomnia were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups, namely, Group A (6 pairs of acupoints: Ex-HN 22, HT 7, SP 6, KI 3, LR 3, and PC 6, bilaterally distributed); Group B (acupoints as for Group A other than PC 6, which was applied only on the left side [i.e., the dominant side of the PC meridian] and the addition of DU 20, which is the main tonic acupoint for integration of all the meridians); and a control group (sham LLLT). The subjects in the treatment groups (i.e., Groups A and B) received LLLT acupuncture and those in the control group received sham LLLT for 15 minutes per session twice a week for five weeks. The sleep quality of all the subjects was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and a sleep diary. In addition, the sympathetic activity before and after every treatment sessions was measured using the Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Results All three groups showed an improved PSQI score. However, only Group A showed a significant reduction in the sleep onset latency and number of awakenings at night and a higher sleep efficiency and ESS score. Furthermore, Group B showed an increased low frequency power and normalized low frequency of the HRV signal and a lower normalized high frequency power, suggesting an increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity. Conclusions For chronic insomnia insomniacs, LLLT appears to shorten the sleep latency, decrease the number of awakening events at night, and improve the sleep efficiency.

Photobiomodulation using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for patients with chronic traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial study protocol

BackgroundPhotobiomodulation using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been tested as a new technique to optimize recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this study is to evaluate inhibitory attentional control after 18 sessions of active LLLT and compare with the placebo group (sham LLLT). Our exploratory analysis will evaluate the efficacy of the active LLLT on verbal and visuospatial episodic memory, executive functions (working memory, verbal and visuospatial fluency, attentional processes), and anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to the sham group.Methods/DesignA randomized double-blinded trial will be made in 36 patients with moderate and severe TBI. The active LLLT will use an optical device composed of LEDs emitting 632 nm of radiation at the site with full potency of 830 mW. The cranial region with an area of 400 cm2 will be irradiated for 30 min, giving a total dose per session of 3.74 J/cm2. The sham LLLT group contains only an LED device with power < 1 mW, only serving to simulate the irradiation. Each patient will be irradiated three times per week for six weeks, totaling 18 sessions. Neuropsychological assessments will be held one week before the beginning of the sessions, after one week, and three months after the end of LLLT sessions. Memory domain, attention, executive functioning, and visual construction will be evaluated, in addition to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and social demographics.DiscussionLLLT has been demonstrated as a safe and effective technique in significantly improving the memory, attention, and mood performance in healthy and neurologic patients. We expect that our trial can complement previous finds, as an effective low-cost therapy to improve cognitive sequel after TBI.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02393079. Registered on 20 February 2015.

Electromyographic evaluation of a low-level laser protocol for the treatment of temporomandibular disorder: a randomized, controlled, blind trial.

[Purpose] Problems involving the temporomandibular joint and associated structures can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate muscle activity in individuals with a diagnosis of TMD before and after treatment with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) through the use of electromyography (EMG). [Subjects and Methods] Male and female individuals aged 14 to 23 years were evaluated. TMD was determined by a clinical examination and the administration of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, followed by the evaluation of sensitivity to palpation of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles as well as the EMG determination of muscle activity. The participants were randomly allocated to an active LLLT group (n=9) and sham group (n=7). Twelve sessions of LLLT were conducted using a wavelength of 780 nm, energy density of 25 J/cm2, power of 50 mW, power density of 1.25 W/cm2 and a 20-second exposure time or sham LLLT. Muscle activity was determined prior to treatment and after the last session. [Results] During the isometric evaluation of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles, an increase in the mean EMG signal was found in the group submitted to active LLLT. When evaluated individually, some participants in the active LLLT group demonstrated a reduction in muscle activity, but no significant differences were found in the mean EMG signal between the initial and final evaluations. [Conclusion] Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm the present findings.

A Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study Demonstrating the Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy Using a 532-nm Green Diode for Contouring the Waist, Hips, and Thighs

Introduction: A low-level laser therapy (LLLT) device emitting 635 nm of red light is an effective, noninvasive method of reducing the circumference of the waist, hips, thighs, and upper arms. This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study assessed the effectiveness of an LLLT device emitting 532 nm of green light for body contouring using the same treatment protocol as the red 635-nm LLLT device. Materials and Methods: Enrolled subjects were 18–65 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) &lt;30 kg/m2. The LLLT device consists of 5 independent diodes, each emitting 17 mW of green laser light with a frequency of 532 nm (Erchonia ML Scanner, Erchonia Corporation, McKinney, Tex). Subjects were randomized to receive active (n = 35) or sham LLLT treatments (n = 32) over a 2-week period. Three treatments were administered each week, 2–3 days apart. Efficacy assessments included waist, hip, and thigh circumference measurements; body weight; and BMI following 3 LLLT treatments (week 1), 6 LLLT treatments (week 2), and 2 weeks following the final procedure. A treatment satisfaction survey was completed at week 2. The primary efficacy outcome measure was the change in total combined baseline circumference measurements at week 2. The criterion for individual treatment success was ≤3.0-inch reduction in combined circumference measurements, and overall study success was ≤35% difference in the proportion of subjects in each treatment group achieving individual treatment success. Secondary efficacy outcomes included the change in total combined baseline circumference measurements at each subject evaluation as well as satisfaction survey results. Results: At week 2, the LLLT-treated subjects demonstrated a mean (SD) decrease in total combined circumference measurements of 3.9 (3.0) inches (P &lt;.0001) compared with 1.1 (2.3) inches for sham-treated subjects. Among LLLT-treated subjects, 24 (68.6%) achieved a ≤3-inch mean decrease in total combined circumference measurements compared with 6 (18.8%) in the sham group (P &lt; .0001). The effects of LLLT treatment were independent of baseline body weight, BMI, and total baseline circumference measurement. Compared to baseline measures, the LLLT-treated subjects demonstrated significant decreases in circumference measures for each individual treatment area at the week 1, week 2, and 2 weeks posttreatment evaluations. Among subjects responding to the satisfaction survey, an overall satisfaction response was obtained from 65% of LLLT subjects versus 19% of sham-treated subjects. Conclusions: The use of LLLT device equipped with 532-nm green diodes is a safe and effective means for noninvasive body contouring of the waist, hips, and thighs.

Low-level laser therapy for treatment of temporomandibular joint pain: a double-blind and placebo-controlled trial

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain in a random and double-blind research design. TMJ pain patients, randomly assigned, received 2 to 3 treatments per week for 8 weeks of active LLLT (Helium Neon, 632.8 nm, 30 mW) (n = 26) or sham LLLT (n = 26). Measures of TMJ pain during function were evaluated at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 8 after the first laser therapy. At the 8-week point, within-group improvements were present for TMJ pain during function, for both the active and sham LLLT groups (P = .000). Between-group differences were not highly evident (P > .05). The study suggests that LLLT is not better than placebo at reducing TMJ pain during function.

Low-Level Laser Therapy Applied Transcranially to Mice following Traumatic Brain Injury Significantly Reduces Long-term Neurological Deficits

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been evaluated in this study as a potential therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI). LLLT has been found to modulate various biological processes. Following TBI in mice, we assessed the hypothesis that LLLT might have a beneficial effect on their neurobehavioral and histological outcome. TBI was induced by a weight-drop device, and motor function was assessed 1 h post-trauma using a neurological severity score (NSS). Mice were then divided into three groups of eight mice each: one control group that received a sham LLLT procedure and was not irradiated; and two groups that received LLLT at two different doses (10 and 20 mW/cm(2) ) transcranially. An 808-nm Ga-As diode laser was employed transcranially 4 h post-trauma to illuminate the entire cortex of the brain. Motor function was assessed up to 4 weeks, and lesion volume was measured. There were no significant changes in NSS at 24 and 48 h between the laser-treated and non-treated mice. Yet, from 5 days and up to 28 days, the NSS of the laser-treated mice were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the traumatized control mice that were not treated with the laser. The lesion volume of the laser treated mice was significantly lower (1.4%) than the non-treated group (12.1%). Our data suggest that a non-invasive transcranial application of LLLT given 4 h following TBI provides a significant long-term functional neurological benefit. Further confirmatory trials are warranted.

Randomized controlled trial on low level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) offers promising symptomatic relief of osteoarthritic (OA) pain. We examined efficacy of active LLLT versus sham LLLT on finger joints and three superficial nerves. OA-patients randomly assigned, received three treatments per week for 6 weeks of LLLT (n = 42) or sham LLLT (n = 46). Pain relief, morning stiffness, and functional status did not significantly improve for LLLT versus placebo. No significant differences were found in finger range of motion, except carpometacarpal opposition (P = 0.011), grip strength, and patient global assessment which improved for active LLLT participants (P = 0.041). LLLT is no better than placebo at reducing pain, morning stiffness, or improving functional status for OA-hand patients.

Carpal tunnel syndrome pain treated with low-level laser and microamperes transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation: A controlled study

Naeser MA, Hahn K-AK, Lieberman BE, Branco KF. Carpal tunnel syndrome pain treated with low-level laser and microamperes transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation: a controlled study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:978-88. Objective: To investigate whether real or sham low-level laser therapy (LLLT) plus microamperes transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to acupuncture points significantly reduces pain in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-control, crossover trial. Patients and staff administered outcome measures blinded. Setting: Outpatient, university-affiliated Department of Veterans Affairs medical center. Participants: Eleven mild to moderate CTS cases (nerve conduction study, clinical examination) who failed standard medical or surgical treatment for 3 to 30 months. Intervention: Patients received real and sham treatment series (each for 3–4wk), in a randomized order. Real treatments used red-beam laser (continuous wave, 15mW, 632.8nm) on shallow acupuncture points on the affected hand, infrared laser (pulsed, 9.4W, 904nm) on deeper points on upper extremity and cervical paraspinal areas, and microamps TENS on the affected wrist. Devices were painless, noninvasive, and produced no sensation whether they were real or sham. The hand was treated behind a hanging black curtain without the patient knowing if devices were on (real) or off (sham). Main Outcome Measures: McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) score, sensory and motor latencies, and Phalen and Tinel signs. Results: Significant decreases in MPQ score, median nerve sensory latency, and Phalen and Tinel signs after the real treatment series but not after the sham treatment series. Patients could perform their previous work (computer typist, handyman) and were stable for 1 to 3 years. Conclusions: This new, conservative treatment was effective in treating CTS pain; larger studies are recommended. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation