The effect of mirror therapy after carpal tunnel syndrome surgery: A randomised controlled study

The aim of this randomised controlled study was to investigate the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients' symptoms and hand function after surgery. The patients' hand function was evaluated using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) and the Nine Hole Peg Test. Their pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale, and their sensitivity was evaluated using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test before surgery, and at 3 and 6 weeks post-surgery. Thirty-five patients between the ages of 25 and 60 years were included in the study. In the control group (CTG) (n=17), the conventional physiotherapy program was applied for 4 weeks after 2 weeks of immobilisation. In addition to conventional physiotherapy, the MT group (MTG) (n=18) did MT during the immobilisation period. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups' demographic and clinical characteristics before treatment (P˃0.05). After treatment, all parameters improved in both groups. MTG had statistically lower pain at rest (P=0.004) and night-time pain (P=0.037) in the 3rd week, but there were no statistically significant differences between the other parameters and scores between the groups (P˃0.05). The study indicates improvement in the parameters due to the early introduction of MT after CTS surgery, but once conventional methods were started after immobilisation, there were no significant differences between groups. However, the MT had reduced pain and improved sensation and function. Both groups experienced positive effects of the surgical treatment and the physiotherapy in the 6th postoperative week.