Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Is a common condition of the wrist and hand that can affect the use of your arm. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve which is at the base of your wrist. Because of the demands that people place on their hands and wrists, this condition affects about 1 in 20 Americans. Fortunately, Physical Therapy treatment can often help relieve pain and numbness of the hand and wrist, and restore normal functional use.

Signs and symptoms:

• Burning, tingling, "pins and needles", or numbness in the hand or wrist
• Symptoms often more noticed at night initially, but increase during the day as the condition worsens
• Weakness in the hand and wrist

How can a Physical Therapist help?

• Education on proper wrist and hand support to avoid prolonged bent wrist positions.
• Education on proper neck and upper back posture.
• Education on exercises for strength and flexibility of the hand and wrist muscles.
• Instruction on the use of heat/cold therapy for symptom relief.
• Edcuation on the use of proper splinting at night to support the wrist.
• Ergonomic training on the proper height of chairs, desks, keyboards, and monitors that directly affect the management of your symptoms.