Peer-reviewed research
Non-surgical treatment (other than steroid injection) for carpal tunnel syndrome
D O'Connor et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2003
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- A Cochrane review, first published in January 2003, of non-surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome other than steroid injection, including oral steroids, splinting, ultrasound, yoga and carpal bone mobilisation.
- How much weight it carries
- An older systematic review. Its conclusions reflect trials available around 2003, and newer trials, such as the 2023 splinting review, have since revised the picture for splints. Use it for oral steroids with that date in mind.
Facts taken from this source
- A 2003 Cochrane review concluded that oral steroids, splinting, ultrasound, yoga and carpal bone mobilisation gave significant short-term benefit, while other non-surgical treatments did not.
“Current evidence shows significant short-term benefit from oral steroids, splinting, ultrasound, yoga and carpal bone mobilisation.” (Authors' conclusions)