mPNS for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
mPNS for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is compression of the median nerve at the wrist causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. mPNS is a non-invasive neuromodulation therapy that targets peripheral nerves to reduce pain, modulate nerve excitability, and support functional recovery.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS results from increased pressure in the carpal tunnel that compresses the median nerve, producing sensory and motor symptoms in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger.
Common causes/risk factors: repetitive hand use, wrist anatomy, diabetes, thyroid disease, pregnancy, obesity, inflammatory conditions, and occupational exposures.
Common symptoms
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in the thumb, index, middle fingers, and radial ring finger (often worse at night)
- Hand weakness, dropping objects, reduced grip and pinch strength
- Pain radiating from wrist into forearm or up the arm
- Decreased fine motor coordination and clumsiness
Statistics (prevalence and burden)
CTS is common worldwide. A large meta-analysis pooled prevalence estimates around low-to-mid double digits depending on methods; population surveys report symptomatic prevalence roughly 10–15% with higher rates in women (examples vary by cohort and diagnostic criteria). [1][2]
CTS is a leading cause of work-related upper-limb disability and contributes substantially to healthcare visits and surgical decompressions.
How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects daily life
Limits work performance, especially in jobs requiring repetitive hand/wrist tasks (typing, assembly, manual labor)
Interferes with sleep (nocturnal symptoms), self-care (buttoning, writing), and hobbies (playing instruments, sports)
May lead to reduced productivity, time off work, and decline in quality of life if untreated
Common treatment options
Conservative Care
- Wrist splinting (especially at night), activity modification, ergonomic adjustments
- NSAIDs or short-term analgesics for symptom flares; corticosteroid injections for temporary relief in selected patients
- Physical therapy: eccentric strengthening, stretching, and ergonomic training
- Forearm braces or straps to unload the tendon during activity
Other Treatment Options
When conservative care fails:
Surgical carpal tunnel release (open or endoscopic) to decompress the median nerve — effective for many patients with moderate/severe or progressive symptoms
Emerging and adjunctive options:
Peripheral nerve stimulation (implantable) and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques are under study as adjuncts or alternatives for patients seeking less-invasive options
What is mPNS and how it works
mPNS delivers focused magnetic pulses over the peripheral nerve region to modulate nerve excitability, reduce ectopic discharges, and decrease peripheral and central sensitization that contribute to pain and paresthesia. It is non-invasive and does not require implantation or injections.
Potential benefits for CTS:
Symptom reduction (numbness, paresthesia, pain) by altering aberrant nerve firing and improving nerve function environment
Improved hand function and tolerance for rehabilitation exercises and ergonomic retraining
Low systemic side-effect burden compared with long-term medication; outpatient, needle-free option for patients who prefer non-invasive care or wish to delay/avoid surgery
Useful alternative for patients who prefer to avoid injections or surgery
Often well tolerated with low complication rates
Typical course and expectations
- Clinical assessment and diagnosis (history, exam, and often nerve conduction studies) before mPNS; screen for contraindications (e.g., certain implanted electronic devices).
- mPNS is delivered in a series of brief clinic sessions; many patients report gradual symptomatic improvement over days–weeks. Individual responses vary and best outcomes occur when mPNS is integrated with splinting, activity modification, and hand therapy.
Schedule an evaluation
To learn if mPNS can help your golfer’s elbow, schedule a FREE consultation with our specialist experienced in neuromodulation and musculoskeletal care.
