10Effects of Heat, Cold, and Pressure on the Transverse Carpal Ligament and Median Nerve
Medical Science Monitor (2015) · Michael Laymon, Jerrold Petrofsky, James McKivigan, Haneul Lee, JongEun Yim
This pilot study investigated the effects of heat, cold, and pressure on the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament in healthy individuals. Using ultrasound imaging, researchers assessed ligament elasticity, nerve conduction velocity, and structural changes. Heat therapy (60-120 minutes) increased ligament and tendon elasticity, while cold exposure (20 minutes) reduced compression of the carpal ligament and nerve. Pressure did not significantly alter tissue structure at room temperature or after cold exposure. The findings suggest that heat enhances tissue flexibility, whereas cold may help reduce compression in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
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9Shortwave and Microwave Diathermy for Nerve Regeneration
Journal of International Medical Research (2019) · T. Fu, W.C. Lineaweaver, F. Zhang, J. Zhang
This review analyzed the effects of shortwave and microwave diathermy on nerve regeneration in both animal models and human patients. Animal studies showed that diathermy improved nerve healing by increasing the number of myelinated fibers, myelin sheath thickness, and axon diameter, leading to better nerve function. In clinical studies involving 128 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, diathermy was associated with reduced pain, improved hand function, and better electrophysiological outcomes. These findings suggest that shortwave and microwave diathermy may be beneficial for peripheral nerve repair.
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14Effect of Manual Therapy and Neurodynamic Techniques vs Ultrasound and Laser on Two-Point Discrimination in CTS
Journal of Hand Therapy (2016) · Tomasz Wolny, Edward Saulicz, Pawel Linek, Andrzej Mysliwiec, Mariola Saulicz
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of manual therapy and neurodynamic techniques versus ultrasound and laser therapy on two-point discrimination (2PD) in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients. Participants were divided into two groups: one received neurodynamic mobilization and manual therapy, while the other underwent electrophysical modalities (red/infrared laser and ultrasound). After 20 therapy sessions over 10 weeks, both groups showed significant improvement in 2PD in symptomatic hands (p < .001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two treatments, indicating that both approaches were equally effective in improving sensory function in CTS patients.
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