An Option for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

     Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) affects over 75 million people worldwide.  Unfortunately, it's rarely treated in a timely fashion.  Many people will ignore the pain and discomfort until they can no longer use their arms and hands, at which point they will see their doctor and head down surgery lane.  But what you may not know is that if caught early enough, there are simple, non-invasive treatments such as massage therapy, stretching, and posture correction that can reverse the affects of CTS.  Surgery may in fact be counterproductive because it can lead to scarring and inflammation which often exacerbates the condition.

     So, what exactly is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you ask? It is a condition in which the median nerve (running through the forearm) is squeezed as it passes through the narrow path (or tunnel) at the wrist. This pressure often causes feelings of numbness, tingling and pain in the fingers and thumb. It makes it difficult or painful to make a fist, lift objects or make other small movements with the hands and fingers.

     There are many ways to get CTS, but unfortunately the exact cause cannot be identified.  The most common way is through repetitive motions that require excessive use of the hands, wrist and/or fingers, such as typing, knitting, kneading, playing a musical instrument or using a tool, like a jackhammer. Wrist injuries can sometimes lead to developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but this is not as common. CTS has also been linked to people with diabetes, certain kinds of arthritis and people who experience hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause). In general, more women than men get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

     If you think you are experiencing symptoms of CTS, check with your doctor first.  They will be able to perform specific diagnostic tests to confirm or deny the potential diagnosis.  If you catch it early enough there are plenty of ways to recover from it.  Some of which include: changing the activity that's causing you pain and discomfort in the first place.  As stated above, CTS can be caused by a repetitive motion.  If you are able to change up how you're doing whatever it is you're doing, it can eliminate the pain and swelling.  Also, rest and stretch often, stay hydrated, ice your hands/wrists  for it will keep the inflammation down, maintain good posture, and lastly, get a massage!

     Relaxing your muscles and tissues is quite possibly the single most effective way to counteracting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  The Touch Research Institute in Miami, Florida performed a study that found that the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel are "lessened following massage therapy." They discovered that functional activity and grip strength were increased, while pain was reduced. In most cases, a combination of self-massage and professional therapeutic massage is recommended.


     To practice self-care, stabilize one hand or arm on a surface such as a table or a bed and squeeze or press into the body part with your other hand, forearm and/or elbow, working the muscles and tendons with medium to deep pressure. This should be done on a daily basis to help ease the tension and discomfort caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Along with self-massage, it is important to receive professional therapeutic massage on a regular basis.  It is important to treat the tissue connected to the entire pathway of the median nerve, and to correct as many sources of stress to the tissues as possible. Massage therapy is the best way to achieve this goal.

     Whether you've just started experiencing some of the symptoms or have dealt with them for quite a long time, using these healthcare tips are a great way to recover from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  If, of course, you are not finding relief or still have questions, you can always check with your physician.  At the very least, I hope that reading this information has helped you on your path to recovery.