Home taping beats electrical stimulation for wrist pain and grip strength in adults

Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome struggle with wrist pain and weak hands. This trial asked if a specific home-based taping method worked better than electrical stimulation. Forty-two adults with carpal tunnel syndrome took part in the study. They performed self-applied myofascial stretching at home. One group used Kinesio tape while the other used Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Both methods aim to reduce pain and improve function without a clinic visit. The study lasted six weeks of active treatment followed by a six-week check-in. All participants showed significant improvement in pain and grip strength. However, the taping group gained more than the electrical stimulation group in pain relief and dexterity. Twelve participants were lost to follow-up, which is a common challenge in home-based research. This loss means the results apply to the thirty people who finished the full program. The findings suggest that simple taping might offer a stronger boost for wrist function than electrical stimulation for some patients.