Efficacy of Laser Acupuncture on Neurophysiological Parameters of Median Nerve and Hand Function in Postpartum Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This study was conducted to ascertain the efficacy of photo acupuncture (PA) on the neurophysiological parameters of the median nerve and hand function in postnatal women.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been documented in up to 62% of pregnant females. PA, a noninvasive treatment that utilizes photo therapy on acupoints, could aid in the management of CTS.

Thirty-six postpartum women diagnosed with CTS depending on their medical history, physical examination, and electrodiagnostic study were distributed into two equal-sized groups at random. The PA group (n = 18) received PA for 12 min on the following acupuncture points: PC4, PC6, PC7, PC8, HT2, HT3, HT7, LI10, LI11, LI4, LU9, and LU10. The treatment was given 3 times weekly for four weeks; in addition, night splints were worn. Women in the control group (n = 18) just wore night splints. Before and after the 12-session treatment, each woman was assessed using an electrodiagnostic test to measure the motor distal latency (MDL), sensory distal latency (SDL), motor conduction velocity (MCV), sensory conduction velocity (SCV), pinch dynamometer for assessing pinch strength, and the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (BMHQ) for assessing hand function.

A statistically significant improvement was observed in both groups after therapy regarding SDL, SCV, MDL, MCV, pinch strength, and BMHQ (p < 0.05) in favor of the PA group.

Adding PA to a night splint should be suggested as an effective conservative therapy for CTS in postpartum women.