Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is when the muscles or ligaments compress the median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve provides sensation to your thumb and fingers’ palm side, except the little finger, and sends signals to move the muscles around your thumb (motor function). It often can be a result of repetitive motions related to computer or assembly line work. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

• Pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm.
• Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm and the fingers.
• A hand is constantly falling asleep.
• Swollen hands.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments

Surgery is not the only option for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Many treatments can help to prevent the syndrome and completely recover from it. Physical therapy is one of the options. Stretching and strengthening exercises make the muscles strong but flexible. Repetitive motions can put too much pressure on the nerve. It swells up inside the carpal tunnel until it’s so tight in there, and the nerve gets pinched. The muscles and ligaments should be able to handle the pressure without stressing the nerve. 

If the forearm muscles get too tight, Massage therapy can release all the trigger points, promote circulation, and reduce the pain. It is one of the most effective treatments to heal the syndrome. 

Acupuncture therapy can be helpful. It reduces the swelling, inflammation, and pain in the wrist and addresses headaches, neck pain, shoulder stiffness, and sleeping problems that can accompany the syndrome. 

Another option is using Corticosteroids that can be injected directly into the wrist or taken by mouth to relieve pressure on the median nerve and provide immediate relief to patients with mild or intermittent symptoms.

Ultrasound therapy can also be used for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. An Ultrasound device emits focused sound waves that penetrate deep into body tissue. Sound waves relax muscles, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation in the area of involvement. Typically, Chiropractic care for Carpal Tunnel besides Ultrasound therapy addresses the problematic wrist and elbow using adjustments of the upper spine. Misalignment in the spine is also a reason that contributes to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Our physical therapists, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and chiropractors at Manhattan Wellness Group will develop a unique treatment plan for your pain. Once your pain is fully addressed, you should be able to increase your quality of life gradually.