Magnetotherapy in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Study

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel at the wrist, resulting in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, and functional impairment in the hand and fingers. According to the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), the diagnosis is supported electrophysiologically by delayed distal motor or sensory conduction, conduction block, or prolonged response latency of the median nerve. Clinically, CTS presents with paresthesia, pain, numbness, and functional limitations. The condition is more prevalent among middle-aged individuals, particularly office workers, homemakers, and those engaged in repetitive wrist movements. If left untreated, CTS may lead to muscle weakness and a significant decline in quality of life. Conservative treatment options include nighttime wrist splinting, nerve mobilization exercises, pharmacological therapy, and physical therapy modalities. However, these approaches are generally symptom-oriented and may have limited long-term effectiveness. Magnetotherapy has emerged as a non-invasive physical therapy modality with minimal side effects. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has been reported to reduce pain and improve objective nerve function in refractory CTS cases in both short- and long-term follow-up. Nevertheless, scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of magnetotherapy in CTS remains limited, and many existing studies lack robust methodological designs such as placebo control, randomization, and blinding. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the current literature and strengthen clinical decision-making by providing high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of magnetotherapy in CTS.