Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsoi LM(1),Chan PZ(1),Sun HK(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Prince of Wales Hospital
Introduction :
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent entrapment neuropathies. The conservative managements for those patients with mild to moderate CTS, including night splints, activity modification and medications, are considered as inconsistent in the treatment effect and hence novel intervention is indicated. Evidence based on the use of manual therapies appears to be more promising as a non-invasive approach, such as the relief of median nerve compression by chiropractic manipulation and fascial manipulation.Bowen Therapy is one of the newly emerging, non-invasive manual therapy in the treatment of CTS, but clinical evidence is sparse. To date, there have been no clinical trials examining the effects of Bowen Therapy in CTS populations.
Objectives :
This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of Bowen therapy on the pain, paresthesia, and daily functions in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Methodology :
This study is a prospective single blinded randomized control trial. Patients with mild to moderate CTS were randomly allocated into treatment and control group. Bowen therapy and nocturnal splints were applied once a week for four weeks, while the control group received night splinting only. Outcome measure was the Chinese version of Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) conducted in baseline (T0), post treatment four weeks (T1) and post treatment eight weeks (T2). Intra-group data were compared using Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests and inter-group with Mann-Whitney U tests.
Result & Outcome :
A significant reduction in BTCQ Symptom Severity Score after 4 weeks of Bowen therapy were shown in the treatment group and the treatment effect was maintained at 8 weeks follow-up. (p = 0.008) No significant change was noted after 4 weeks of night splints in the control group. (p = 0.520) Significant improvement of symptoms was only seen at post treatment 8 weeks in control group. It can be concluded that a longer period was need for the control group to obtain optimal treatment effect without Bowen Therapy.
This pilot study demonstrates preliminary potential efficacy of Bowen therapy on pain and paresthesia in patients with mild carpal tunnel syndrome. Adding Bowen Therapy in traditional night splints may accelerate the treatment effects. Data presented can be used to support larger studies to evaluate the value of Bowen therapy in CTS management.
