The effect of fascial mobilization therapy on pain, grip strength, and hand skills in patients with postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome

The Effect of Fascial Mobilization Therapy on Pain, Grip Strength, and Hand Skills in Patients with Postpartum Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Hasan Kalyoncu University Graduate School of Postgraduate Education Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Master Thesis Gaziantep, (2025). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of fascial mobilisation treatment applied to patients diagnosed with postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome on pain, grip strength and hand skills. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale, McGill Short Form and Algometer. Patients' grip strength was measured using the Jamar Hand Dynamometer. Upper extremity functionality was assessed using the Quick Disability Assessment of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand (Q-DASH), the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, the Moberg test, and the Nine-Hole Peg test. Volumetric measurement was performed using a water displacement cup, and anxiety was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Scale. The study included 30 female patients with a mean age of 31±4.81 who had been diagnosed with postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome. When post-treatment values were compared with pre-treatment and treatment period data in both groups, a reduction in pain was observed, but intergroup comparisons revealed similar pain values. When the VAS-McGill measurement results of the individuals were compared within the groups, different values were obtained in both groups. When the intra-group comparisons were examined, an increase in grip strength was observed in both the study and conventional physical therapy groups before and after treatment. When looking at intergroup comparisons, the patients in the study group showed a greater increase in grip strength than those in the conventional physical therapy group. When looking at upper extremity functionality, the pre-treatment and post-treatment functionality levels of both groups showed improvement, but the results were similar in the intergroup comparison. It was concluded that fascial mobilisation therapy is effective in reducing pain, improving grip strength, and enhancing hand dexterity. Keywords: Carpal tunnel, fascial mobilization, exercise, grip strength, functionality