What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common musculoskeletal condition that affects the hand and fingers. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) include numbness, pins, and needles (paresthesia), a dull ache and tingling sensation in the hand or arm, and weakness of grip. While there a number of causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, strenuous activities that require repetitive use of the hands remain the primary of the cause of the condition. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common complication during pregnancy. The general edema causes pressure on the Median nerve.
Physiotherapy is beneficial for most patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Your physiotherapist can recommend your nerve mobilization, fine motor, and hand dexterity exercises to improve the symptoms of the disease. In addition to this, ultrasound therapy, acupuncture, massage, laser therapy are also known to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the compression of nerves.
Click HERE to watch the top 3 exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Treatment
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are to address pain and inflammation. Mobilizing the nerve and stretching the short soft tissue structures trapping the nerve are the most effective treatments. When conservative treatments are not effective, or when patient is experiencing progressive grip weakness, numbness and pain, a minor operation is the best treatment to minimize or remove pressure on the nerve.
- Physiotherapy in the form of nerve mobilization, joint mobilization, and exercises
- Acupuncture & Dry needling
- Splinting & braces to help to unload nerve during repetitive wrist movements, lifting, carrying and during night
- Interferential current (IFC) & TENS for pain management
- Laser therapy to treat pain and inflammation
- Paraffin therapy
- Ultrasound therapy, although commonly used there is no evidence in its effectiveness for CTS
Who should I see for my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Make an appointment with a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The treatment usually is a combination of manual therapy, education, stretching, and nerve mobilization. Splinting & brace are commonly prescribed to hold wrist joint in proper position and remove the pressure on the nerve. At Physiomobility, we have a team of qualified professionals who offer specialized treatment for various musculoskeletal & non-complex neurological conditions including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
