Efficacy of local heat therapy in alleviating symptoms of mild to moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to assess the efficacy of local heat therapy (Kaiy) in alleviating symptoms of mild to moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: A single-blind clinical trial was conducted involving patients with mild and moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Both groups utilized a medical wristband during nighttime. The intervention group received pen moxa as a local heat therapy tool (Kaiy) applied to the wrist region. The Boston questionnaire was employed for assessment. Results: Heat therapy using Kaiy (pen moxa) significantly improved symptom severity (P≤0.0001), functional status (P≤0.0001), and pain scores (P≤0.0001) in patients with mild to moderate CTS compared to those in the control group without heat therapy. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the positive impact of heat therapy (Kaiy) as a non-surgical approach for reducing pain, symptom severity, and functional impairment in CTS patients. Integrating complementary and alternative medicine with conventional treatment modalities could enhance symptom management with minimal side effects.

Keywords

• carpal tunnel syndrome
• traditional persian medicine
• complementary medicine
• kaiy
• heat therapy