Journal of Physiotherapy & Physical Rehabilitation

Assessing the Frequency of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Dentists and Investigating their Perceived Self−Management Strategies

Abstract

Nawal Farooq1, Iqra Hameed2*, Syeda Gul-e-Zehra3, Rida Shafi 4, Zunaira Noor5 and Asra Awais5

Objective: To assess the frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome among dentists and investigate their perceived self-management strategies

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) was determined based on the symptoms reported by the participants, categorized as asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe using a clinical diagnosis questionnaire. Data was collected from 120 dentists working in private and government institutes in Lahore, utilizing a convenient sampling technique. The participants completed the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) and a structured questionnaire for perceived self-management strategies. The collected data were then entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0.

Results: The frequency of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) among the dentists was as follows: 22.5% asymptomatic, 64.2% mild symptoms, 10.8% moderate symptoms, and 2.5% severe symptoms of CTS. Among perceived self-management strategies, pain management techniques were prevalent, with 35.0% utilizing hot or cold packs and medications. Ergonomic modifications were employed by 23.3%, while exercise-based strategies were practiced by 15.0% of dentists

Conclusion: This study reported a notable prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dentists functioning within governmental and private medical facilities in Lahore. The study demonstrated that dentists employ a range of self-management strategies for carpal tunnel syndrome, including pain management techniques, wrist splints, ergonomic modifications, and exercise-based interventions.