Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy that causes pain, paresthesia and functional limitations in the hand and wrist. Hydrotherapy methods such as warm whirlpool baths are frequently used in physiotherapy practice to reduce pain and improve soft-tissue properties, but their acute effects on forearm and hand muscle stiffness in CTS have not been clearly quantified.
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the acute effects of a single session of warm whirlpool bath therapy on forearm and hand muscle stiffness and pain intensity in adults with CTS. Participants diagnosed with CTS will be randomly allocated to an experimental group receiving a 20-minute warm whirlpool bath or to a resting control group. Muscle stiffness of selected forearm and hand muscles will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device, and pain intensity will be recorded with a numeric rating scale, immediately before and after the intervention. It is hypothesized that warm whirlpool bath therapy will produce a greater reduction in muscle stiffness and pain compared with rest alone.
Being apparently healthy without a known chronic systemic disease
Physically active participants, regardless of gender
Adults aged 18-65 years diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome
No history of other chronic musculoskeletal or neurological disorders
Having a previous surgery on the affected wrist or hand
Systemic conditions affecting nerve function, such as diabetes mellitus or thyroid disease
Having a cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension
Being younger than 18 or older than 65 years