Highlights
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) causes pain, numbness, tingling, and reduced hand strength.
- A single session of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) produced immediate and short-term symptom relief.
- Significant improvements were observed in pain, sensory symptoms, grip strength, and functional scores.
- The intervention used a Class 3B dual-wavelength laser (red + infrared).
- Findings support PBM as a non-invasive complementary option for CTS management.
Background
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common peripheral nerve entrapment condition that significantly affects hand function and quality of life. Conservative treatment options often include splinting, medication, or physical therapy, while surgery is reserved for severe cases. Non-invasive modalities that reduce pain and improve function are therefore of high clinical interest.
Study Design and Intervention
This open-label, pre–post pilot study was conducted at the Rejuvenation Center of the Carolinas and led by Dr. Rick Amy and Dr. Francisco Cidral. Fifteen male and female participants diagnosed with CTS received a single PBM session using the Avant Wellness LZ30 Pro Z laser.
Laser parameters included:
- 808 nm infrared (1400 mW)
- 637 nm red (1000 mW)
- Combined red and infrared application at multiple anatomical sites, including the cervical spine, shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and carpal tunnel region.
Outcome Measures
Clinical assessments included:
- Pain: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
- Hand strength: Manual dynamometer
- Function and symptom severity: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ)
Key Findings
- Pain reduction of 58.1% immediately after treatment and 48.4% two days later.
- Tingling reduced by 53.1% immediately and 50% at two-day follow-up.
- Numbness decreased by 46.4% both immediately and after two days.
- Grip strength increased by 18.6%, with functional gains persisting at follow-up.
- Significant improvements in BCTQ symptom severity and functional status.
Takeaway
This pilot study demonstrates that even a single PBM session using a Class 3B dual-wavelength laser can produce meaningful improvements in pain, sensory symptoms, strength, and function in individuals with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These findings support further controlled trials and position PBM as a promising non-invasive adjunct in CTS care.
Reference: Amy R, Cidral F. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Pilot Study.
Laser system: Avant Wellness LZ30 Pro Z.