LOW-INTENSITY LASER THERAPY AS A THERAPEUTIC RESOURCE IN CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Introduction: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a compressive syndrome. It is characterized by compression and/or traction of the median nerve. The most common clinical symptoms are: pain, hypoesthesia and paresthesia in the region of innervation of the median nerve, with nocturnal worsening of these symptoms. The treatment of the syndrome can be performed surgically or conservatively. Goal: To study low-level laser therapy as a therapeutic resource in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Methodology: The present research as to the objective was classified as exploratory. As for the modality, it was classified as a systematic review. As for the approach, it was classified as quantitative. Articles published between 1999 and 2019, available in full and in Portuguese and English, of the randomized clinical trial type that used laser therapy as a treatment for CTS were included in the search. Results: Laser therapy as a therapeutic resource in CTS applied with a dose of 3J/cm² showed a significant reduction in pain in addition to shortening the sensory and motor latency time of the nerve. Studies that used a dosage of 5J/cm² showed a reduction in pain and CTS symptoms, as well as an improvement in handgrip and thumb pinch strength. Conclusion: It is concluded that among the protocols found, the ones with the best results were those that used dosage between 3 to 5J/cm², applied with a punctual technique.