How Physical Therapy Can Combat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

How Physical Therapy Can Combat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Candace was a hairstylist who loved her work. Every day, she looked forward to chatting with her customers as she helped them look their best. After ten years in the business, she had built up an impressive roster of clients–but she’d also developed some worrying symptoms, too.

It started with a “pins and needles” sensation in her hands and fingers, especially at night. However, as time passed, she began to experience the sensation at work. Between appointments, Candace frequently found herself shaking out her hands, trying to alleviate her discomfort. 

Eventually, that tingling sensation became more pronounced, and it was often accompanied by pain throughout her hand. Candace started to find once-simple motions–like snipping off dead ends or giving a vigorous shampoo–much more difficult.

That was when Candace visited the team at Ellis Physical Therapy. We reviewed her symptoms, examined her hand and wrist, and gave her the diagnosis: carpal tunnel syndrome. We also provided a wealth of non-surgical treatments to help Candace manage her condition so she could go back to making her clients feel beautiful.

Are you experiencing similar symptoms? Have you recently received a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis? Our team can help you, too. Call us today to learn more!

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“This is the fourth surgery that I have to get physical therapy for. It’s been several years since the last time. The faces have changed, Jay Ellis has retired (feeling old now) but the receptionist is still the same. I still get the same professional care and personal treatment. I don’t get that run-through-the-mill feeling I’ve had from other places in the past. They talk to you and with you. In other places, I rarely get that. Jay had a special therapy pool and water treadmill put in which my husband says made a big difference. I guess it shows in the fact that it’s my fourth time coming here. I like the treatment you get.”

– V.C.

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What Exactly Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Because carpal tunnel syndrome is relatively common, most of us have a vague idea of what it entails: mainly that it involves the hands, fingers, and wrists and that it’s associated with certain jobs (like computer work).

These two things are true but don’t provide the complete picture. Carpal tunnel syndrome gets its name from the carpal tunnel, a structure of bones, ligaments, and tendons that runs from your wrist into your hands. It serves as a passageway for the median nerve, one of the major nerves in your upper extremities.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes trapped in the carpal tunnel, leading to the many symptoms we associate with the condition:

These symptoms usually develop gradually. At first, you may only experience them at night. But if you leave the condition untreated, you’ll begin experiencing symptoms during the day, especially after small hand movements (as Candace experienced).

Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Physical Therapy

If your carpal tunnel syndrome is still in the early stages, we’ve got good news: physical therapy alone may be enough to manage your symptoms! Experts recommend addressing carpal tunnel syndrome with conservative methods before opting for surgery–an approach that can save you money in the long run.

Here’s what we’ll do:

Often, these techniques are enough to minimize symptoms so that you don’t need to bother with surgery at all. Unfortunately, sometimes surgery is necessary to fully manage carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if you didn’t start treatment early enough.

The good news is carpal tunnel release surgery is a relatively minor outpatient surgery. However, it will still require rehabilitation afterward, and our team can guide you through the process. We’ll help reduce scar tissue and restore strength to your wrist so you can enjoy the benefits of your procedure.

Recipe of the Month: Immunity Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, quartered and thinly sliced
• 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 8 medium garlic cloves, very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger, peeled
• 3/4 teaspoon finely ground white pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 1/2 cups mushrooms, trimmed
• 8 ounces firm tofu, sliced into thin slabs
• 2 1/2 teaspoons fine grain sea salt
• to serve: lots of chopped green onions, sliced watermelon radish, and/or pea shoots

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat, and stir in the onion, celery, carrot, garlic, and ginger. Gently sauté just until soft, you don’t want any browning. Add a small splash of water if the pan dries out in the process. 
2. Stir in the white pepper and 10 cups of water. Dial up the heat to bring the broth to a simmer, and hold there for about 15 minutes. Add the mushrooms, tofu, and salt, and gently simmer for another 5 minutes. Stir well, taste, and adjust with more salt or water if needed.
3. Ladle the soup into shallow soup bowls and top with lots of green onions, pea shoots, and a few watermelon radish slices. Add a finishing drizzle of olive oil, and enjoy!

Is It Really Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is relatively common, affecting up to 5% of the population. For that reason, many people will immediately assume any hand or wrist discomfort is carpal tunnel syndrome–but that’s not necessarily the case.

At Ellis Physical Therapy, we can help you know for certain if you’re struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome or another condition. Below are some other sources of hand and wrist pain that may be causing you trouble.

A good rule of thumb is to remember that carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder–which means its symptoms include numbness and tingling. If you’re just struggling with pain or immobility, something else is probably the culprit.

If It’s Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, It Could Be…