Kinesio Taping Plus Stretching Improves Pain and Function in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

BACKGROUND Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, causing pain, numbness, and functional limitations. Home-based treatments have recently been receiving increasing attention. Kinesio taping (KT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are non-invasive physical therapy interventions. This study aimed to compare treatment outcomes from 6 weeks of home-based KT and TENS combined with myofascial stretching in adults with CTS. MATERIAL AND METHODS A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Of 42 CTS participants, 30 completed the study (12 of the 42 were lost to follow-up ) and were randomized to home-based KT (n = 15) or TENS (n = 15). Both groups received 6 weeks of physical interventions combined with self-applied myofascial stretching, followed by a 6-week follow-up, Outcomes were evaluated using the grip and pinch strengths, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), the visual analog scale (VAS), the Modified Moberg Pick-up Test (MMPUT), and 2-point discrimination (2PD). RESULTS Both groups had significant improvement in VAS, BCTQ, grip, and pinch strengths, 2PD, and MMPUT (P = 0.014, P < 0.001). Group × time interactions indicated that improvements over time differed between groups, with KT producing slightly greater gains in grip strength (P = 0.005), pain (P = 0.033), symptom severity (P < 0.001), and dexterity (P = 0.002) compared with TENS. CONCLUSIONS KT and TENS treatment both improved hand function and dexterity, decreased symptom severity and pain, with KT showing slightly greater benefits in grip strength, dexterity, symptom severity, and pain.