Laser For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Jennifer Mathews: Frank Schramek relies on his hands for his job, but when he lost the feeling in his fingers, Frank was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS. He considered surgery. Frank Schramek: I was going to have it done as soon as I had 6 weeks or 12 weeks that I could be off work and not do anything with my hands. Jennifer Mathews: Then, Frank heard about a new treatment. Dr. Marcy Rosenthal: We've been waiting for years for non-invasive treatment, and I think we've come upon a really good one. Jennifer Mathews: CTS is caused by inflammation in the tendons in a narrow tunnel in the wrist. Dr. Marcy Rosenthal: If you don't have sensation into your hand, then you feel like you can't use it. Jennifer Mathews: Using a device called the cold laser, patients like Caren Cinnamon get a flash of relief. Caren has suffered for nine years with CTS. Caren Cinnamon: I was dropping things. I couldn't play the piano properly. I had a tough time with the computer. Jennifer Mathews: During the treatment, the laser is focused on four points in the wrist, three separate times, for 33 seconds each. Patients can't feel the laser, but they are amazed by the results. Caren Cinnamon: I can open bags. I can play with my computer. I can do the piano. I can twist cans and jars open. Jennifer Mathews: Studies show the laser works in 80% of patients. Dr. Marcy Rosenthal: If it doesn't work for you within three treatments, it won't work. Jennifer Mathews: After 12 treatments, Frank says his hands are 90 percent better. Frank Schramek: This has been a Godsend to me, really. Jennifer Mathews: This is Jennifer Mathews reporting.