Breadcrumbs
Researcher seeks volunteers with carpal tunnel syndrome
A University of the Sunshine Coast researcher is seeking volunteers with sore hands to help him assess a non-invasive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Science Honours student Rex Elliott said he required volunteers aged 30 to 59 who have carpal tunnel syndrome for his study into the effectiveness of soft tissue therapy as a treatment for the condition.
Mr Elliott said carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs down from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist.
“The symptoms of this condition include pins and needles, pain and numbness, a burning sensation, wasting of the thumb muscles, loss of strength to fingers and loss of fine motor skills leading to clumsiness,” he said.
“The symptoms are usually bilateral but more severe in the dominate hand, are typically worse at night and generally confined to the area of the wrist and the lateral two-thirds of the palm and fingers.”
Mr Elliott said his study would evaluate the non-invasive nature of soft tissue therapy as an intervention and determine if it has the potential to offer prompt symptom reduction with minimal discomfort and time lost from work.
“The American Academy of Neurology recommends conservative treatment as the first choice of intervention,” he said.
“Despite this recommendation, and those of some other health professionals to implement conservative therapies, soft tissue therapy continues to be overlooked.
“The dearth of scientific studies on soft tissue therapy and its effectiveness in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome necessitate further studies on this subject before it can gain widespread acceptance.”
Volunteers will be required for assessment before Monday 9 June and can contact Mr Elliott via email at <rx_elliott@yahoo.com.au> or phone (07) 5444 5013.
— Terry Walsh