Understanding the Non-Surgical Treatment Experience of Female Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Qualitative Study

Paloma Moro-López-Menchero, Cristina García-Bravo, César Fernández- de-las-Peñas, Javier Güeita-Rodríguez (), Carmen Jiménez-Antona and Domingo Palacios-Ceña
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Paloma Moro-López-Menchero: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine and Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science (Hum&QRinHS), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
Cristina García-Bravo: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine and Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science (Hum&QRinHS), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
César Fernández- de-las-Peñas: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine and Research Group of Manual Therapy, Dry Needling and Therapeutic Exercise (GITM-URJC), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
Javier Güeita-Rodríguez: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine and Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science (Hum&QRinHS), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
Carmen Jiménez-Antona: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine and Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science (Hum&QRinHS), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
Domingo Palacios-Ceña: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine and Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science (Hum&QRinHS), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-13

Abstract: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity, characterized by pain, loss of strength, and decreased fine motor function. This study describes the experiences of women with CTS who received non-surgical treatments. A qualitative phenomenological study was undertaken. Purposive sampling was used. Women with clinical and electromyographic diagnoses of CTS were included. Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted among women with CTS, and field notes were kept. The Giorgi’s approach was used for qualitative analysis of the data collected. Five themes emerged: (a) Seeking help and waiting for a diagnosis, (b) trying non-surgical therapeutic options, (c) avoiding invasive options, (d) treatment expectations, and (e) relationships with clinicians. The women described how diagnoses were delayed because women delay seeking help and referrals to medical specialists. Women avoid surgical options and prefer to opt for more conservative approaches, such as splinting or physical therapy. The main reason for avoiding surgical treatment is the fear of limitations and that surgery will not fully eliminate the symptoms. Conflicts may arise in the relationship with the clinician, and they demand to be able to participate in the decision-making process.

Keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome; doctor–patient relationship; women; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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