Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome using Neurodynamics: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the preeminent types of peripheral neuropathies of the upper limb, where the median nerve is injured in the carpal tunnel, leading to a cascade of symptoms. CTS can cause pain, substantial motor function and sensory impairment, and a weakened ability to perform skilled work. Utilising the Neurodynamic Technique (NDT), a hands-on manual therapy approach can effectively address CTS. This technique focuses on manipulating neural tissues and the adjacent non-neural structures related to the nervous system, to alter pain physiology. The current narrative review aimed to ascertain the effectiveness of NDT in the management of CTS so that it can guide the practitioners in effectively managing and understanding CTS and also help in adding the literature to the existing evidence. The review evaluated outcome measures such as pain intensity, motor issues, physical function, and nerve conduction investigations. The review was done to demonstrate that NDT can offer significant therapeutic advantages and can serve as a practical approach to managing CTS.

Keywords

• flexor tendon gliding
• manual therapy
• sensation
• sliding
• tensioning