NCT07302282

The Effectiveness of Pain Neuroscience Education for Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Effectiveness of Pain Neuroscience Education for Patients With Mild to Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 48 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of Pain Neuroscience Education applied in the treatment of mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The main question it aims to answer is: Does PNE have a therapeutic effect on carpal tunnel syndrome in clinical and ultrasonographic terms? Researchers will compare whether PNE creates a synergistic effect alongside home based exercise programs and splint application in mild to moderate CTS, and will objectively demonstrate potential benefits such as relief from pain and numbness.

Detailed description

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common compressive neuropathy of the median nerve that presents with symptoms of numbness and tingling in the median nerve distribution of the hand. If symptoms are not treated early, they become chronic. Factors affecting the severity of chronic pain include; biological, psychological and social/environmental etc. Pain neuroscience education is a treatment strategy that aims to teach patients about the effects of their beliefs and behaviors on the formation of their pain experiences. This education focuses on the role of the central nervous system in pain by raising awareness about the neurobiology and neurophysiology of pain. It focuses on remodelling the behavioral approach to pain perception rather than anatomical damage. This approach aims to reduce patients' fear and catastrophizing by helping them better understand pain. Various metaphors, examples, and visuals are used during PNE to help patients understand pain mechanisms. PNE is thought to have an impact not only on pain but also on disability, functionality, and quality of life. PNE has been documented to have a positive effect not only on pain but also on other important factors such as disability, functionality, and quality of life. A clinical study has shown that adding PNE to a telerehabilitation program has some positive effects, such as a reduction in symptom severity in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the number of studies in the literature on the efficacy of PNE in carpal tunnel syndrome is limited to a single study and is based on subjective methods such as patient statements. Unlike the previous study, this study will use objective and innovative assessment methods such as ultrasonography, quantitative sensory test and examination to evaluate symptoms and function. The evaluation methods used in the study will enable a more in-depth and reliable analysis of symptom management and recovery processes, thereby facilitating the collection of more accurate and reliable data. As there are no similar studies using objective evaluation methods, the methodological contributions of this study will be highly valuable. By offering an innovative approach to pain management and rehabilitation through conservative treatment, it will make significant contributions to both scientific literature and clinical practice.

Conditions

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Exercise	Stretching the transverse carpal ligament helps correct imbalance and provides more space for the median nerve, supporting nerve mobility. Stretching also balances flexor and extensor muscles, reduces tension, and supports overall hand health. Nerve gliding exercises, similar to stretching, aim to restore nerve mobility and reduce symptoms.
BEHAVIORAL	Pain neuroscience education	PNE is an educational intervention aiming to alter a patient's beliefs and cognitions regarding their pain experience. The main contents addressed in the educational session were: neurophysiological aspects of pain, biopsychosocial aspects of pain, concept of peripheral and central sensitization, using audio-visual support, examples and metaphors for a better understanding by the patient, as reported in previous studies.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-29
• Primary completion: 2026-06-15
• Completion: 2026-08-17
• First posted: 2025-12-24
• Last updated: 2026-01-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)