Get Carpal Tunnel Physical Therapy
If you need Carpal Tunnel Physical Therapy, allow us to help you!
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed as it passes through the carpal tunnel—a narrow passageway in the wrist. This compression can result in symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
The carpal tunnel is formed by the bones and ligaments in the wrist, and it houses not only the median nerve but also several tendons. Various factors can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, including repetitive hand and wrist movements, prolonged and improper wrist positioning, underlying health conditions, and genetic predisposition.
Physical therapy is a non-invasive and conservative treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome that can provide significant benefits. Here's why:
Pain management:
Physical therapists can employ various techniques to help alleviate pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. These may include manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization, to reduce muscle tension and improve joint function. They may also use modalities like heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to provide pain relief.
Nerve mobilization:
Physical therapists are trained in techniques to mobilize and stretch the median nerve, which can help alleviate the compression and improve nerve function. These techniques aim to reduce nerve tension, enhance nerve glide, and decrease symptoms of numbness and tingling.
Customized exercises:
Physical therapists develop individualized exercise programs to address the specific needs of individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome. These exercises focus on stretching and strengthening the muscles of the hand, wrist, and forearm. Strengthening exercises help stabilize the wrist and improve overall hand and finger function, while stretching exercises help improve flexibility and reduce tension in the affected area.
Ergonomic education:
Physical therapists provide education on proper ergonomics and body mechanics to prevent further aggravation of carpal tunnel symptoms. They offer guidance on how to maintain neutral wrist positions, modify workstations, and perform tasks with reduced strain on the wrists. By making simple adjustments in daily activities, individuals can alleviate stress on the median nerve and reduce symptoms.
Activity modification:
Physical therapists assess an individual's work and daily activities to identify any repetitive or high-impact motions that may contribute to carpal tunnel symptoms. They provide guidance on modifying or adapting these activities to reduce the stress on the wrist and alleviate symptoms. By making specific changes to movement patterns and incorporating rest breaks, individuals can minimize the risk of worsening symptoms.
Brace or splint recommendation:
Physical therapists may recommend the use of a wrist brace or splint to provide external support and maintain proper wrist alignment. These devices help reduce pressure on the median nerve, promote healing, and alleviate symptoms, particularly during activities that aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome.
Give us a call so we can help you right away with your physical therapy needs!
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed as it passes through the carpal tunnel—a narrow passageway in the wrist. This compression can result in symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
The carpal tunnel is formed by the bones and ligaments in the wrist, and it houses not only the median nerve but also several tendons. Various factors can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, including repetitive hand and wrist movements, prolonged and improper wrist positioning, underlying health conditions, and genetic predisposition.
Physical therapy is a non-invasive and conservative treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome that can provide significant benefits. Here's why:
Pain management:
Physical therapists can employ various techniques to help alleviate pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. These may include manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization, to reduce muscle tension and improve joint function. They may also use modalities like heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to provide pain relief.
Nerve mobilization:
Physical therapists are trained in techniques to mobilize and stretch the median nerve, which can help alleviate the compression and improve nerve function. These techniques aim to reduce nerve tension, enhance nerve glide, and decrease symptoms of numbness and tingling.
Customized exercises:
Physical therapists develop individualized exercise programs to address the specific needs of individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome. These exercises focus on stretching and strengthening the muscles of the hand, wrist, and forearm. Strengthening exercises help stabilize the wrist and improve overall hand and finger function, while stretching exercises help improve flexibility and reduce tension in the affected area.
Ergonomic education:
Physical therapists provide education on proper ergonomics and body mechanics to prevent further aggravation of carpal tunnel symptoms. They offer guidance on how to maintain neutral wrist positions, modify workstations, and perform tasks with reduced strain on the wrists. By making simple adjustments in daily activities, individuals can alleviate stress on the median nerve and reduce symptoms.
Activity modification:
Physical therapists assess an individual's work and daily activities to identify any repetitive or high-impact motions that may contribute to carpal tunnel symptoms. They provide guidance on modifying or adapting these activities to reduce the stress on the wrist and alleviate symptoms. By making specific changes to movement patterns and incorporating rest breaks, individuals can minimize the risk of worsening symptoms.
Brace or splint recommendation:
Physical therapists may recommend the use of a wrist brace or splint to provide external support and maintain proper wrist alignment. These devices help reduce pressure on the median nerve, promote healing, and alleviate symptoms, particularly during activities that aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome.
Give us a call so we can help you right away with your physical therapy needs!
