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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Do Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Benefit From Low-Level Laser Therapy? A Systematic Review of Randomized
Thierry P Franke1, Bart W Koes2, Sven J Geelen1
1Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neurosciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Objective:
To systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Data Sources:
The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database were searched for relevant systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to April 8, 2016.
Study Selection:
Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria to select potential studies.
Data Extraction:
Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the methodologic quality.
Data Synthesis:
A best-evidence synthesis was performed to summarize the results of the 2 systematic reviews and 17 RCTs that were included. Strong evidence was found for the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy compared with placebo treatment in the very short term (0 to ≤5wk). After 5 weeks, the positive effects of low-level laser therapy on pain, function, or recovery diminished over time (moderate and conflicting evidence were found at 7- and 12-wk follow-up, respectively).
Conclusions:
In the very short term, low-level laser therapy is more effective as a single intervention than placebo low-level laser therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, after which the positive effects of low-level laser therapy tend to subside. Evidence in the midterm and long term is sparse.
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