Date Presented 03/22/24
A statistically significant association between cupping therapy and increased protective sensation in the hand was observed. The results support the use of conservative therapies for treating carpal tunnel syndrome compared with invasive measures.
Primary Author and Speaker: Abbigail Walsh
Additional Authors and Speakers: Aubrey Bealer, Lee Bryant, Emily Giordano
Contributing Authors: Kristopher Matullo, Ann Potter
PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine if adding cupping therapy to conservative OT management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) improved protective sensation.). CTS is a prevalent peripheral neuropathy treated by occupational therapists, yet no established gold standard of treatment exists.
DESIGN: This retrospective study included 46 participants seen by an outpatient OT for CTS over a 12 month period. . Inclusion criteria were an EMG result indicating mild to moderate sensory median nerve dysfunction within six months of therapy commencement, a primary CTS diagnosis, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament score, age 21 or older, and referral from a hand surgeon.
METHOD: The dataset for this retrospective analysis comprises anonymized information from patients who received OT for CTS at one outpatient clinic. 22 patients received conservative OT treatment for CTS and 24 patients received cupping in addition to the conservative OT treatment. The protective sensation of the median nerve was measured with the Semmes Weinstein monofilaments on the index figure. Pre-post scores for each group were analyzed with the Wilcoxon sign-rank test. Change scores were calculated for each participant and the groups were compared with a Mann-Whitney U test.
RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in pre to post protective sensation.. The Mann-Whitney U showed a significant difference between the cupping and conservative groups with the cupping group showing greater improvement. (z=3.823, p<.001).
CONCLUSION: Cupping therapy improves protective sensation in adults diagnosed with CTS. Cupping is an effective adjunct to OT treatment, positively supporting functionality of the hand and wrist and increasing participation in meaningful occupations.
References
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