This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the immediate effects of paraffin wax therapy on muscle stiffness and pain among patients diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The intervention involves immersing the hand and forearm in paraffin wax at 42-44 °C for 20 minutes. Stiffness will be measured using the MyotonPro device, and pain will be evaluated using standard visual scales.
Clinically diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome.
Age between 18 and 65 years.
Apparently healthy, without a known chronic systemic disease (other than CTS).
No history of other chronic musculoskeletal or neurological disorders.
Previous surgery on the affected wrist or hand.
Systemic conditions affecting nerve function (e.g., diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease)
Cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
Parallel
Paraffin Wax Therapy
Other interventionParticipants in the experimental arm receive paraffin wax therapy to the affected hand and forearm. Melted paraffin is maintained at approximately 42-44 °C. Using a brush-on technique, 10 consecutive layers of wax are applied, and the limb is then covered with a plastic glove and towel to retain heat. The participant remains seated with the forearm supported in a relaxed position for 20 minutes. Muscle stiffness (MyotonPro) and pain are measured immediately before and within 5 minutes after the session.
Rest Period (No Treatment)
Other interventionParticipants in the control arm rest quietly for 20 minutes in a comfortable seated or supine position with the forearm supported. No thermal, manual or exercise-based treatment is provided during this period. Muscle stiffness (MyotonPro) and pain are measured immediately before and within 5 minutes after the rest period, using the same procedures and time points as in the experimental arm.
Change in muscle stiffness parameters
Change in MyotonPro-derived muscle stiffness (Newton per metre) of selected forearm and hand muscles (adductor pollicis brevis, flexor digitorum superficialis, extensor carpi radialis brevis, flexor carpi ulnaris ). For each site, three consecutive impulses separated by at least 10 seconds will be averaged. The primary comparison is the between-group difference (paraffin vs rest) in pre- to post-session change scores.
Change in pain intensity
Change in self-reported pain intensity in the affected hand/forearm, assessed using a numeric rating scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst imaginable pain). The main comparison is between-group difference in pre- to post-session change scores. Pain assessments are performed at the same time points as MyotonPro measurements
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