Carpal Tunnel - XPHYSIO

Let’s have a chat about carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition that can cause a fair bit of discomfort in your hand and wrist. Understanding what it is, why it happens, and how we can manage it through physiotherapy can make a world of difference.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Imagine a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist—about the size of a twenty-cent coin. This is the carpal tunnel, and it houses the median nerve along with tendons that help bend your fingers. When this tunnel becomes cramped or the contents swell, it puts pressure on the median nerve, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness in your hand.

Why Does It Happen?

Several factors can contribute to CTS:

Repetitive Movements: Activities that involve repetitive wrist movements, such as typing or machine work, can increase the risk.
Wrist Positioning: Keeping your wrist in a bent position for extended periods, like when writing or using a computer mouse, may contribute.
Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, or arthritis can play a role.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and fluid retention during pregnancy can lead to swelling in the carpal tunnel.
Anatomy: Some folks naturally have a smaller carpal tunnel, making them more susceptible.

What Are the Symptoms?

CTS often starts with a gradual onset of symptoms, including:

Numbness or Tingling: Especially in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
Pain: In the wrist, palm, or forearm.
Weakness: You might find yourself dropping objects or having trouble with tasks that require fine motor skills.
Night-Time Discomfort: Symptoms can be worse at night, sometimes waking you from sleep.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy offers a range of treatments to alleviate the symptoms of CTS and improve hand function:

Education: Understanding the condition and how to manage it is crucial. Your physio can provide guidance on modifying activities to reduce strain on your wrist.
Splinting: Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, can keep your wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the median nerve.
Exercises: Specific exercises can help improve flexibility and strength in the wrist and hand. Here are some exercises that might be beneficial:

Median Nerve Gliding Exercises
These exercises help the median nerve move more freely through the carpal tunnel, reducing pressure and improving symptoms.

Hinge Health

Wrist Flexor Stretch
This stretch targets the muscles on the underside of your forearm, helping to relieve tension that may contribute to CTS symptoms.

Wrist Extensor Stretch
Stretching the muscles on the top side of your forearm can also be beneficial in managing CTS discomfort.

Tendon Gliding Exercises
These exercises promote the smooth movement of tendons through the carpal tunnel, reducing stiffness and improving function.

Grip Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening the muscles of the hand can improve overall function and help alleviate symptoms of CTS.

Manual Therapy: Techniques like gentle mobilization of the wrist joints and soft tissue massage can reduce pain and improve mobility.
Ergonomic Advice: Your physio can assess your work or home setup and suggest modifications to reduce strain on your wrist.

What Can You Do at Home?

In addition to physiotherapy, there are steps you can take to manage CTS:

Activity Modification: Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks and avoid positions that overextend your wrist.
Stretching: Incorporate gentle wrist and hand stretches into your daily routine.
Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the wrist can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Managing underlying health conditions and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk.

When Should You Consider Surgery?

If symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, or if there’s significant nerve compression, surgical options may be considered. Surgery involves releasing the ligament that’s pressing on the median nerve to create more space in the carpal tunnel. However, many people find relief through physiotherapy and other non-surgical interventions.

Final Thoughts

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a real nuisance, but with the right approach, you can manage the symptoms effectively. Physiotherapy offers a range of treatments tailored to your needs, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance your quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of CTS, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or physiotherapist to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Remember, early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re experiencing discomfort in your hand or wrist.