Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition where pressure is applied to the median nerve. The median nerve goes through a passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel and it finishes in the hand. When ligaments around the carpal tunnel become tight, pressure is placed on the median nerve which causes tingling, pain, and loss of sensation. 

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel include: 

• Numbness, weakness and tingling in the hand 
• Problems holding items 
• Reduced grip strength 
• Weakness in hands 
• Tingling throughout the pathway of the median nerve
• Pain and muscle cramping

• Waking in the night

As the Carpal tunnel worsens, the median nerve becomes more irritated and isn't able to function to the best of its ability. This can lead to less feeling in your fingers and slower nerve impulses. Carpal Tunnel can be caused by poor posture, repetitive activities, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and hypothyroidism. 

Occupational therapists (OT) teach their patients strategies to help manage their carpal tunnel symptoms. The Occupational therapist will educate the patient on the anatomy of their wrist. An OT will help their patients understand how their daily activities aggravate their CTS and work on strategies to reduce the symptoms. Occupational therapists may come to the patient's home and assess their activities of daily living.

Physical Therapists will use hands-on therapy treatments to help mobilize tight joints. Strengthening exercises for the hand, wrist and arm may be prescribed. Strengthening and range of motion exercises help support your wrist, posture and reduce pain and swelling. Physical therapy is recommended to help reduce the carpal tunnel symptoms without the need for surgery and to help resume the patient's normal daily activities as much as possible. 

Call Reddy Care Physical, Occupational and Aquatic Therapy to get started if you or a loved one is suffering from carpal tunnel. Don’t let your symptoms affect your life!

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829-0030 

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420-2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367-1111 

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243-0247 

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344-0030

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030 

*Servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan* 

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224-8480 *coming soon* 

Sources: 

https://www.reddycare.net/services/carpal-tunnel 

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-syndrome

https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-carpal-tunnel-syndrome

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.