Pharmacologic and Neurodynamic Interventions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Arch Phys Med RehabilApr 18, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Francisco Hilarion Unda-Solano, Felipe Araya-Quintanilla, Héctor Gutiérrez-Espinoza et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the short-term effects of pharmacologic treatment and manual neurodynamic therapy (MNT) on pain, function, and kinesiophobia in 179 adults with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Results indicated that all active interventions led to significant improvements, with the ibuprofen group showing the largest reduction in pain intensity of -19.3 mm.
Key findings
- Ibuprofen group showed the largest pain reduction of -19.3 mm compared to control.
- Gabapentin group had a pain reduction of -10.0 mm.
- MNT group experienced a pain reduction of -4.7 mm.
- All active interventions improved upper-limb disability and kinesiophobia compared to control.
Why it matters
Understanding the effectiveness of different interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome can guide clinicians in selecting appropriate treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve patient function.