How Can Physical Therapy Help My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow channel which contains important structures in our hands including nerves. Excessive pressure on these nerves can cause severe irritation leading to pain, tingling and numbness sensations and ultimately leading to weakness. Extreme wrist positions, as well as a lot of finger use, especially with a lot of force or vibration (such as holding the steering wheel when driving heavy machinery), can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common among professionals needing intricate use of the hands such as artisans, construction workers, and assembly-line work, particularly meatpacking and people who operate any form of machinery, especially tools that vibrate. Some leisure activities which also requires intricate use of the hands can predispose you to carpal tunnel syndrome. These include sewing, sports such as racquetball and handball, and playing string instruments such as the guitar and violin.

Some health conditions can create carpal tunnel syndrome in some individuals, these include:

Inflammation and swelling of the tendons of the wrist
Injuries to the wrist (strain, sprain, dislocation, fracture)
Hormone or metabolic changes (pregnancy, menopause, thyroid imbalance)
Fluid retention (eg, during pregnancy)
Diabetes
Degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis

Physical therapy strategies for treating your carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Education regarding:
- Proper wrist positions
- Proper neck and upper back posture
- Proper use of equipment and utensils
- Breaks for stretching during one’s daily routine
Strengthening exercises for muscles in the hand, forearm, and arm
Exercises to improve flexibility in the wrist, hand, fingers, forearm, and hand
Use of heat/cold treatments for pain relief
Splinting to decrease discomfort
Education regarding an ergonomic workspace

The aim of physical therapy is to alleviate your symptoms as much as possible thereby eliminating the need for surgery, making you functional, active and returning you to work and leisure tasks.

https://www.moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=9f3cdf74-3f6f-40ca-b641-d559302a08fc

Author

Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy

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.

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