EFFICACY OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY VERSUS ULTRASONIC IN CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME FOR DIABETICS

Abstract

Background Diabetes Mellitus is a significant problem that frequently restricts patients activity specially hand function due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of low level laser therapy Vs ultrasonic therapy in the treatment of CTS for diabetics. Subjects. 30 diabetic patients with CTS (11 males, 19 females), age (44.467±3.3) years were randomly assigned into two groups: group (A) received LASER therapy & group (B) received ultrasonic therapy 3 times/week for six weeks. Results. Pain score was more significantly decreased in group A than in group B, mean was decreased from (7.13±1.3) to (2.87±1.3) and from (7.53±1.5) to (7.07 ±1.49) respectively. Hand grip measurements has more significant increase in group A than group B, mean was increased from (9.4±2.13) to (16.2 ±2.27) and from (9.73±2.12) to (10.87±2.9) respectively. EMG studies indicate that group A was improved more than group B after treatment. Conclusion. LASER therapy is more effective in the treatment of CTS for diabetics than ultrasonic as pain decreased and the hand function improved with laser than ultrasonic.