Finding relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common desire for people who have been diagnosed with the issue. CTS usually is diagnosed in people
who are experiencing pain, numbness, and
tingling in the hand and fingers. It's caused by
compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Physical therapy (PT) can be an effective approach to alleviate symptoms and improve function. Here’s a look at some PT strategies for managing and finding relief from CTS.
First Step: Proper Assessment
Before beginning any treatment, it is essential to accurately diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Symptoms similar to CTS can also originate from issues in the forearm, elbow, shoulder, or neck. A thorough assessment by a physical therapist will help confirm that the symptoms are indeed due to CTS and not from another source. Often we see someone diagnosed with CTS simply because they have numbness in their hand. This is too simplistic of an approach, and often we find the root cause of hand numbness up the arm or even in the neck. Here at The Health Lab, we have created our system to optimize the evaluation in order to be confident in the root cause of someones hand numbness. Once we can confirm the symptoms are coming from the median nerve being entraped in the carpal tunnel, then we will focus our treatment at that location.
Manual Therapy
Joint Mobilization
If there is tension across the wrist due to muscle guarding this will compress and stiffen the multiple joints of the wrist causing further pain. Physical therapists use joint mobilization techniques to improve wrist joint mobility. This can help in reducing stiffness and increasing the range of motion.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Whenever there is injured tissue the brain will cause muscles to gaurd to try and protect the area. Unfortunately this can cause further discomfort. So treating the tight muscle can be an effective approach to improving symptoms. Dry Needling, massaging, tooling, cupping, and manipulating the soft tissues around the wrist and forearm can reduce tension and improve circulation. This can alleviate pain and promote healing.
Mobility & Strengthening Exercises
Nerve Gliding and Tendon Gliding Exercises
Nerve gliding and tendon gliding exercises help to improve the movement of the median nerve as well as all of the tendon's through the carpal tunnel. These exercises can alleviate pressure and reduce symptoms. If the carpal tunnel is aggravated and swollen, symply getting movement into the area can help to flush out the chemical irritation. Think of a pond that has fresh water running into it as compared to a stagnant pond, the movement of fluids is vital for healthy tissue.
Strengthening Exercises
Focusing on strengthening the muscles of the hand, wrist, and forearm provides better support and stability to the wrist. Exercises like wrist curls and grip strengthening can be beneficial. These usually should be done once the symptoms are not as irritable so that we don't keep the system flared up. Also, we know general strength training makes a much stronger hand, and a stronger hand is harder to piss off.
Workplace and Activity Modifications
Workstation Adjustments and Adaptice Equipment
Ensuring proper ergonomics at your workstation can be helpful. Adjust the height of your chair and desk, position your keyboard and mouse that supports "neutral positioning", in order to reduce aggravating symptoms during the day. Using splints or egonomic tools can also be helpful in calming down the painful hand. Unfortunately, we see these strategies being used to prevent CTS from ever happening in the first place and they haven't been shown to be successful. The best way to reduce the likelihood of you getting CTS is by working out daily, getting good sleep, eating well, and reducing life stressors as much as possible.
Education and Activity Modification
Activity Modification
Identifying and modifying activities that exacerbate symptoms is essential. Simple changes in how you perform tasks can make a big difference.
Splinting
Night Splints
Wearing a wrist splint at night keeps the wrist in a neutral position, preventing unnecessary strain and alleviating symptoms. This can be helpful to calm down the irritated nerve by stoping the wrist from getting into a position that is compression the nerve further. To often people will rely only on this as the treatment method which usually falls short by itself.
Aerobic Conditioning
General Aerobic Exercise
Engaging in regular aerobic exercise can improve overall blood flow and reduce inflammation, which can help in managing CTS symptoms.
Tips for Home Care
Take Frequent Breaks: Especially if you perform repetitive tasks, taking breaks can prevent excessive strain on your wrists.
Optimize your Work Setup: Keep your wrists in a neutral position as much as possible to avoid additional pressure on the median nerve.
Use Proper Technique: When typing or using tools, use techniques that minimize strain on your wrist while the wrist is irritabile.
Conclusion
Physical therapy offers various approaches to manage and find relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Through a combination of exercises, manual therapy, modifications, and education, you can alleviate symptoms and improve wrist function. If you’re struggling with CTS, consider our free discouvery visit which is a 30 minute in person consultation. By incorporating these PT strategies into your routine, you can take proactive steps towards managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and improving your quality of life. Looking to get back your quality of life right now, give us a call at (775) 525-8681 or visit us at nvhealthlab.com.
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