8 Benefits of Physical Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Many people mistakenly believe that carpal tunnel refers to a wrist condition. However, it is actually the anatomy of the complex network of nerves and ligaments at the base of your palm. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), is often caused by pinching of the median nervous, which can cause tingling, numbness or general pain.
You may have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) if you experience pain, numbness or tingling in your hands or fingers. This is when your median nerve in your wrist becomes irritated and compressed.
This problem could become serious and affect your ability to use your hands normally for activities like gripping and typing on your computer keyboard.
Mobile physiotherapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Brampton can be beneficial for you if you are dealing with it for a long time now.
Physiotherapy can reduce discomfort, recover strength, and also improve hand and arm function.
In this article, we will discuss carpal tunnel syndrome and 10 Benefits of Physical Therapy to treat it.
But first, let us have a look at What Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is and its symptoms!
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed or pinched at the wrist.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that is formed by the carpal bones and a fibrous ligament. The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger, and it also controls the movement of the muscles in the hand. This condition often worses at night and activities that involve repetitive motion of the wrist, such as typing or using a computer mouse, can exacerbate the condition.
If left untreated, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, muscle wasting, and loss of hand function.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms:
The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can vary in severity, and they typically develop gradually over time.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
1. Pain:
A dull or sharp pain in the hand, wrist, or forearm is one of the most common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The pain can be intermittent or constant and may worsen at night.
2. Numbness or tingling:
A sensation of numbness or tingling in the hand, especially in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger, is another common symptom of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
3. Weakness:
Weakness in the hand, or a tendency to drop objects, may occur due to the compression of the median nerve.
4. Sensitivity to cold or heat:
Some people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may experience sensitivity to temperature changes in the affected hand.
5. Loss of grip strength:
A decrease in grip strength or the ability to make a fist can occur in some cases.
6. Swelling:
In some cases, the wrist and hand may swell due to the inflammation caused by the compression of the median nerve.
It's important to note that these symptoms may be caused by other conditions, so it's essential to seek medical advice if you experience any of these symptoms.
8 Prominent Benefits of Physiotherapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
1. Non-invasive treatment
Non-invasive treatments can be highly beneficial for people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, providing effective symptom relief without the need for invasive procedures or medications. Rest and immobilization can help reduce inflammation and pressure on the median nerve. Cold therapy can also be beneficial in reducing inflammation and pain.
NSAIDs can seldom help lessen inflammation and relieve pain. These non-invasive treatments are often effective in managing the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
2. Greater grip strength
Exercises that strengthen the muscles in the hand and wrist can help increase grip strength and reduce the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Some examples of exercises that can help improve grip strength include wrist curls, reverse wrist curls, and grip strengthening exercises using specialized equipment like a hand gripper or therapy putty.
Strengthening the muscles in the forearm can also help improve grip strength and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
3. You feel less tingling and numbness
By reducing the pressure on the median nerve, non-invasive treatments like rest and immobilization, cold therapy, ergonomic modifications, and exercise can help reduce the frequency and severity of tingling and numbness. Greater grip strength and muscle flexibility can also help improve circulation to the affected area, which can further reduce tingling and numbness. By experiencing less tingling and numbness, people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can improve their quality of life, as they can perform daily tasks more comfortably and with less discomfort.
4. Increased joint mobility
Physiotherapy is one of the treatment options for individuals with CTS, and increased joint mobility is one of the benefits of physical therapy for this condition. A professional Brampton Physiotherapists can use a variety of techniques to improve joint mobility in the wrist and hand, including stretching exercises and manual therapy. Stretching exercises can help to reduce tension in the affected area and improve flexibility, which can help to alleviate symptoms of CTS. Manual therapy, which involves the use of hands-on techniques to mobilize the joints and soft tissues, can also be effective in improving joint mobility and reducing pain and discomfort associated with CTS.
5. Personalized treatment
Personalized treatment plans may include a variety of techniques and modalities, such as manual therapy, stretching exercises, nerve gliding exercises, and modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and ice or heat therapy. By tailoring the treatment plan to the individual's specific needs and goals, physical therapy can be a highly effective and efficient way to manage the symptoms of CTS and improve overall function and quality of life.
6. Higher quality of life
By addressing the underlying causes of the condition and providing targeted interventions, physiotherapy can help individuals with CTS to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Overall, physical therapy can be an important component of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with CTS, and can provide a range of benefits that extend beyond the physical symptoms of the condition.
7. Surgery is less often needed
Studies have shown that physical therapy can be as effective as surgery for treating mild to moderate cases of CTS, and can help to reduce the need for surgical intervention. In cases where surgery is necessary, physical therapy can also be used to facilitate post-surgical recovery and rehabilitation.
8. Natural and safe
One of the benefits of physiotherapy for CTS is that it is a natural and a safe treatment option. Unlike medications or surgical procedures, physical therapy does not carry the risk of adverse side effects or complications. Additionally, physical therapy can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient, ensuring that the treatment plan is safe and effective for each individual.
Overall, physical therapy can be a safe and effective way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome. By providing natural and non-invasive treatment options, physical therapy can improve joint mobility, reduce pain and discomfort, and prevent further injury or aggravation of the condition.
Conclusion:
As by now we know that physiotherapy can provide a range of benefits for individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Physiotherapy can indeed help individuals manage symptoms and improve overall function.
At Revitalize Physiotherapy and Homecare, we offer the best Elbow Pain Treatment in Brampton and treat in a way that helps you improve your joint mobility and prevent you from any further injuries.
Schedule an appointment now!