Physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome
If you’re experiencing any pain, numbness or tingling in your hands, or you’ve had problems with your grip, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It can be extremely uncomfortable to live with, but you can use physiotherapy for carpal tunnel to help deal with the pain. Read our helpful guide to find out more about carpal tunnel syndrome and how it can be treated.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is squeezed where it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This tends to happen because the tendons in the wrist have swollen and press on the nerve. This leads to numbness, tingling and pain in your hand and fingers, which the median nerve carries back to the brain. The median nerve provides sensation for your thumb, index and ring fingers.
Sometimes the pain can move up your forearm too.
As well as pain and discomfort, carpal tunnel syndrome can make your hands feel weaker, reducing your grip and making it harder to hold onto something. A task as simple as buttoning a shirt would be made difficult with carpal tunnel syndrome.
When left untreated, CTS can lead to lasting nerve damage and worsening symptoms.
What causes carpal tunnel?
Researchers initially thought that carpal tunnel syndrome was caused by prolonged periods of time typing on a computer. This is because of the position of the wrist and the repetitive nature of the work. However, there are many conditions associated with CTS.
They include:
- Heredity
- Wrist position when typing (often for more than 28 hours per week)
- Repetitive motions of the wrist (playing piano, using power tools)
- Pregnancy
- Underactive thyroid
- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune conditions
Any job that requires constant repetitive motion of the wrist will likely cause injury to the area, but it is more common than previously thought in cases of pregnancy and even heredity. Some people are born with a narrower carpal tunnel, increasing the chances of tendons pushing on the nerve.
During pregnancy, the body produces more fluid, which results in a build-up of pressure on the nerves in the wrists and hands. This can sometimes lead to CTS.
Using power tools on a regular basis is another common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome because of the vibrations felt through the wrist.
Physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome
There are treatments to deal with the pain and discomfort of the syndrome. Many people seek physiotherapy for carpal tunnel pain. There are certain exercises of the wrist and stretching movements that can be done over a six to eight week period to reduce the pain you’re feeling.
Physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome uses a variety of soft and deep tissue massaging, and stretching techniques. Postural correction is also important to correct biomechanics, which reduces the pressure on the carpal tunnel during repetitive movements. Acupuncture has also been used to treat CTS because there are a number of acupuncture points on the body that have been shown to reduce pain.
In some circumstances, surgery may be required. It is usually performed under local anaesthetic using a keyhole (arthroscopic) procedure, which increases recovery time and reduces complications.
Here are some examples of stretches that can be done to alleviate CTS pain:
Stretch wrist muscles
Straighten your elbow and bend your wrist back. Use your other hand as a form of gentle resistance. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat three times.
This can also be done while holding a small weight, like a tin of beans or soup.
Stretch thumb muscles
With your elbow in the same position, gently pull your thumb back towards you and slowly increase the stretch. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat three times.
Wrist bend
Rest your elbow on a surface with your arm facing up and your wrist straight. Gently bend your wrist forwards and hold it for five seconds. Return it to its original position and bend it backwards. Repeat these steps for three sets of 10 repetitions.
Hand squeeze
Squeeze a rubber ball and hold for five seconds. Repeat this action 10 times for three sets.
Other treatments
There are other types of treatments available to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Resting the affected wrist and hand is highly recommended. Symptoms tend to worsen at night and can unsettle your sleep. If this happens, hang your hand out of the bed or shake to ease some pain.
As well as physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome, doctors can give a resting splint to wear at night and a working splint during the day when activity is heightened.
A steroid injection can be recommended too. This is injected into your carpal tunnel and reduces inflammation. The injection is likely to be uncomfortable, but the effects can last for weeks or months.
Physiotherapy for carpal tunnel at Total Physio
If you’re struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome, then the physiotherapy experts at Total Physio can help. Our physio approach is entirely personalised. Once we have identified the source of the problem and explained it in a way that is easy to understand, we will work with you to develop treatment plans that fit with your lifestyle, diary, expectations and personal goals.
For any assistance, advice or to find out what we treat, contact one of our clinics to speak to a physiotherapy expert today.