Physiotherapy is beneficial for most carpal tunnel sufferers especially in mild to moderate cases. If the condition is diagnosed early enough, additional non-surgical methods may help improve carpal tunnel syndrome, including: Wrist splinting. A splint that holds your wrist still while you sleep can help relieve nighttime symptoms of tingling and numbness.

Women today tend to be more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome due to risk factors, such as pregnancy, that are specific to their sex. Other risk factors may include:

– diabetes
– cysts encroached on carpal tunnel passageway
– alcohol consumption
– being overweight
– thyroid disease
– arthritis affecting the wrist

While it used to be thought that repetitive activities such as keyboarding could cause carpal tunnel syndrome, recent research has found that this is largely not the case. Regular use of heavy or vibrating equipment, such as a jackhammer, may predispose you to the condition.

Determining the cause and contributing factors is imperative in the management of CTS. Reducing inflammation associated with a fracture or an injured tendon will help reduce pressure in the carpal tunnel. If symptoms are related to vibration then modifying work practices to avoid prolonged exposure is extremely important.

Avoiding prolonged positioning of the wrist in a flexed or extended position is important when managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Splints, specialized equipment or different grips may all be useful to further support the wrist mechanics.

Our physiotherapists can teach you exercises to aid in mobilizing the median nerve and help strengthen the muscles around the wrist. He/she will also give you stretches to stretch the structures around the wrist to help settle and alleviate symptoms and to prevent frequent recurrences.

If you’re dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and want the added benefit of physiotherapy be sure to book an appointment with any of our PROTx Services teams online today.