The Impact of Lymphatic Drainage and Nerve Mobilization Techniques on Nerve Morphology in Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This article investigates the effects of nerve mobilization and manual lymphatic drainage on the median nerve's cross-sectional area, hand function, and symptom severity in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). In a prospective randomized controlled trial involving 80 patients, three groups received either splinting alone, splinting plus manual lymphatic drainage, or splinting plus nerve mobilization over four weeks. Results showed that manual lymphatic drainage significantly reduced the median nerve cross-sectional area at both the carpal tunnel and mid-forearm levels and improved symptoms and hand function more effectively than nerve mobilization or splinting alone. While all groups experienced symptom and functional improvements, the study suggests that addressing edema through lymphatic drainage alongside nerve mobility techniques enhances treatment outcomes in mild-to-moderate CTS.