How Physical Therapy Can Combat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
January Newsletter
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Candace was a hairstylist who loved her work. Every day, she looked forward to chatting with her customers as she helped them look their best. After ten years in the business, she had built up an impressive roster of clients–but she’d also developed some worrying symptoms, too.
It started with a “pins and needles” sensation in her hands and fingers, especially at night. However, as time passed, she began to experience the sensation at work. Between appointments, Candace frequently found herself shaking out her hands, trying to alleviate her discomfort.
Eventually, that tingling sensation became more pronounced, and it was often accompanied by pain throughout her hand. Candace started to find once-simple motions–like snipping off dead ends or giving a vigorous shampoo–much more difficult.
That was when Candace visited the team at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness. We reviewed her symptoms, examined her hand and wrist, and gave her the diagnosis: carpal tunnel syndrome. We also provided a wealth of non-surgical treatments to help Candace manage her condition so she could go back to making her clients feel beautiful.
Are you experiencing similar symptoms? Have you recently received a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis? Our team can help you, too. Call us today to learn more!
What Exactly Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Because carpal tunnel syndrome is relatively common, most of us have a vague idea of what it entails: mainly that it involves the hands, fingers, and wrists and that it’s associated with certain jobs (like computer work).
These two things are true but don’t provide the complete picture. Carpal tunnel syndrome gets its name from the carpal tunnel, a structure of bones, ligaments, and tendons that runs from your wrist into your hands. It serves as a passageway for the median nerve, one of the major nerves in your upper extremities.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes trapped in the carpal tunnel, leading to the many symptoms we associate with the condition:
- Weakened grip
- Pain or numbness in the hand
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in your fingers
- Swelling in your fingers
- Pain or numbness that increases at night
These symptoms usually develop gradually. At first, you may only experience them at night. But if you leave the condition untreated, you’ll begin experiencing symptoms during the day, especially after small hand movements (as Candace experienced).
Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Physical Therapy
If your carpal tunnel syndrome is still in the early stages, we’ve got good news: physical therapy alone may be enough to manage your symptoms! Experts recommend addressing carpal tunnel syndrome with conservative methods before opting for surgery–an approach that can save you money in the long run.
Here’s what we’ll do:
- Offer drug-free pain management: We can show you different options for managing hand pain, such as hot or cold therapy.
- Develop strategies to manage your symptoms: Many people develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive hand motions, often at their job. Adjusting your posture, using proper equipment, and taking frequent breaks during the day can all help slow the condition’s progression.
- Prescribe therapeutic exercises: Targeted finger and hand stretching exercises can help improve mobility, while strengthening exercises can help decrease symptoms.
- Provide a night splint: Splinting immobilizes your wrist at night, reducing discomfort so you can get a full night’s sleep.
Often, these techniques are enough to minimize symptoms so that you don’t need to bother with surgery at all. Unfortunately, sometimes surgery is necessary to fully manage carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if you didn’t start treatment early enough.
The good news is carpal tunnel release surgery is a relatively minor outpatient surgery. However, it will still require rehabilitation afterward, and our team can guide you through the process. We’ll help reduce scar tissue and restore strength to your wrist so you can enjoy the benefits of your procedure.
Call Us Today To Learn More
Carpal tunnel syndrome may be common, but it’s not something you have to live with. The team of physical therapists at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness will work with you to find a treatment plan that suits your needs, including helping you manage work tasks that might worsen your symptoms.
Ready to get started? Call to schedule your consultation today!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448179
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003999321003257
https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-carpal-tunnel-syndrome
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional but flavorful)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes start to soften.
- Add cream and broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Combine: Add spinach and stir until wilted. Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over top. Simmer another 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Exercise of the Month
Prone Arm Reach Back
(Shoulders, Rear Delts)
Lie face down on an exercise table with your upper chest supported and both arms hanging straight down off the sides, holding a light weight in each hand. With palms facing in, slowly raise your arms backward toward your hips in a sweeping motion, keeping them close to your body. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top, then lower your arms back down with control. 3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: exercise table, light weights)
Ready To Attack Your Carpal Tunnel at the Source?
If you’re struggling with persistent wrist and hand pain, physical therapy at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness can help you find lasting relief. We’ll assess your symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan that seeks to resolve your pain altogether.
