Self Help Tips for Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Posted by Stuart Hinds on
Taping may help provide relief and aid the healing process for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can usually be treated with manual therapy and self-managed care.
The carpal tunnel is located on the palm side of your wrist.
Its main role is to protect the most important nerve to your hand and the nine tendons that help bend your fingers.
When this nerve is compressed, it causes numbness, tingling and eventually hand weakness.
Various factors can contribute to the development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome including the anatomy of your wrist, underlying health problems, and patterns of repetitive hand use.
Signs and Symptoms
Burning, numbness or itching in the palm of the hand and fingers. Sensation of finger and wrist swelling. Weakness of grip. Pain that may wake the individual during the night.
Complications if Left Unattended
Left untreated, CTS can cause loss of sensation in some fingers and permanent weakness of the thumb as the muscles of the thumb atrophy.
Heat and cold perception may also be affected in untreated CTS cases.
Immediate Treatment
Cease repetitive stress activity causing the condition. Immobilization of the wrist with bandage or splint to prevent further irritation.
Rehabilitation and Prevention
Halting the repetitive sport or activity and allowing for rest and rehabilitation time following diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is essential.
A bandage or splint may be used to stabilize the injured hand. Releasing the tension in the wrist and hand during sports and periodic exercises to retain mobility and retard stiffness in the hands may help prevent the onset of CTS.
Trigger Points
Most cases of CTS are associated with trigger points. These trigger points may be causal or may become active as part of the body's natural protect and defend mechanism - as the body attempt's to "shut down" specific muscles to aid recovery.
CTS typically includes treating trigger points in the scalenes, trapezius, triceps, and the wrist flexor and extensor muscles.
Self Help
Stretching is an important part of the rehabilitation process and should begin as soon as pain allows and be continued throughout the rehabilitation program and beyond - good maintenance prevents re-injury.
The following program comprises muscle stretching (muscles of the forearm) as well as neural stretches and is typical of the type of program that your therapist may recommend.
Use common sense when stretching or performing any exercises at home. Start slowly and stop if you feel more pain than you feel comfortable with.
Even simple stretching exercises can be dangerous if performed incorrectly. It's always best to seek suitable professional advice, especially if you haven't exercised for a while.
Neural Stretch (for ulnar nerve)
The ulnar nerve runs very close to the medial epicondyle (bony bit on the inside of the elbow), and may become trapped by scar tissue.
- Adopt the position shown above
- The stretch can be increased by placing something under the elbow to raise it up, which increases the amount the upper arm is lifted relative to the shoulder
- Hold stretch for 5 seconds, repeat 5 times and aim to stretch at least 3 times a day
Neck Stretch
- Place arms behind you
- With one hand, gently take the opposite hand
- Pull slightly to the opposite side
- At the same time, gently bend neck to the side - with forehead pointing down
- The neck should be bent to the side that the arm is pulling toward
- Hold stretch for 30-50 seconds and repeat on opposite side. Repeat 3 times on each side, twice daily.
Chin Tucks
• Sit up straight in a chair. Sit to the front, not against the back of the chair. Sitting up will help you to strengthen the muscles you need for good posture
• Think of lifting the crown of your head to the ceiling. Be careful not to tip the head back. Your chin should be parallel to the floor
• Without tipping the head in any direction, pull your chin and head straight back. You will feel a stretch in the back of your neck
How Often?
Prayer Position
• Start with your palms together in front of your chest, just below your chin
• Slowly lower your hands towards your waistline
• Keep your hands close to your stomach and your palms together, until you feel a mild to moderate stretch under your forearms
How Often?
Extensor Stretch
• Hold the arm straight out before you with the palm facing outwards
• With the opposite arm, pull fingers towards you for maximal stretch
How Often?
Hold stretch for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3 times, twice daily
Flexor Stretch
• Bend your fingers so that they are facing downwards
• With your opposite hand gently pull the fingers back towards your torso.
How Often?
Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3 times, twice daily
Extensor Strength
• Hold position for two seconds, then lower
How Often?
Repeat 30 times, twice daily
Taping for Trigger Points NAT Foundation Course
Trigger Point Therapy Master Course Collection
Trigger Point NAT Foundation Course
About the author
Stuart Hinds is one of Australia’s leading soft tissue therapists, with over 27 years of experience as a practitioner, working with elite sports athletes, supporting Olympic teams, educating and mentoring others as well as running a highly successful clinic in Geelong.
Stuart has a strong following of practitioners across Australia and globally who tap into his expertise as a soft-tissue specialist. He delivers a range of highly sought after seminars across Australia, supported by online videos, webinars and one-on-one mentoring to help support his colleagues to build successful businesses.
In 2016, Stuart was awarded a lifetime membership to Massage & Myotherapy Australia for his significant support and contribution to the industry.
This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.