Carpal Tunnel: How Physical Therapy Can Help

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve at the wrist. The median nerve controls movement on the palm side of the hand, including the fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or CTS has a higher frequency of occurrence with patients who have a higher BMI, and do not participate in a lot of aerobic fitness. Carpal tunnel can cause a pins and needles sensation, as well as numbness, most frequently in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. It also causes reduced grip strength of the hand. As Carpal Tunnel Syndrome progresses, everyday activities become more difficult, because of a limited range of motion in ones hand.

Physical therapy is an effective method to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Treatments such as gliding exercises and Graston Technique can help improve one’s range of motion, treat scar tissue, and mobilize soft tissue to alleviate symptoms. Deep ultrasound pulses directed at the afflicted area can reduce numbness and pain. This can also improve strength in the hand. Some people like to wear splints, or braces, to immobilize the wrist. This is a non-surgical treatment. Splints make discomfort and pain less likely, as the wrist being un-bent opens up the Carpal Tunnel as much as possible. A hand traction device, called a C-Trac have shown to relieve pain in some patients, which is available for home use, but physical therapy is the best way to treat CTS effectively.  

Both physical therapist’s and occupational therapist’s are available to provide these treatments if you are experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or any symptoms indicative of CTS. The best treatment is early on, to assure that symptoms and damage are limited to as little as possible.

We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!