Article

Neurophysiological responses related to lessening of pain sensitivity are a
suggested mechanism of manual therapy. Prior studies have observed generalized
lower pain thresholds associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in comparison
to healthy controls. The present study sought to determine whether similar
findings were present in suprathreshold measures and measures specific to central
integration of pain (temporal summation and after sensations). Additionally, we
wished to determine whether measures of pain sensitivity were related to clinical
outcomes in participants with signs and symptoms of CTS receiving a manual
therapy intervention. Individuals with signs and symptoms of CTS reported greater
pain sensitivity to suprathreshold measures of mechanical pain, temporal
summation, and after sensation in comparison to healthy controls. Immediate
lessening of mechanical pain sensitivity and after sensations in response to a
manual therapy intervention and 3-week attenuation of temporal summation
following a 3-week course of manual therapy were associated with 3-week changes
in clinical pain intensity in participants with signs and symptoms of CTS. These
findings suggest heightened pain sensitivity across several parameters may be
associated with CTS. Furthermore, changes in mechanical pain, after sensation,
and temporal summation may be related to improvements in clinical outcomes.
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Langue : ANGLAIS