Physiotherapy Service For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In Abbotsford, Langley & Surrey Clinics
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that impacts the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve runs from the forearm into the palm and becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist, about an inch wide, comprised of bones and ligaments. When this tunnel becomes narrowed or when tissues surrounding the flexor tendons swell, pressure on the median nerve can increase, leading to symptoms.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm and fingers, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers. The severity of these symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:
- Tingling or numbness: Patients often feel a sensation similar to an electric shock in their fingers, which may travel from the wrist up the arm. These symptoms might occur while holding a steering wheel, phone, newspaper, or waking up.
- Weakness: You might experience weakness in your hand and may drop objects. This could be due to the numbness in your hand or the weakness of the thumb’s pinching muscles, which are also controlled by the median nerve.
- Pain and discomfort: These symptoms are often worse with prolonged use of the affected hand, especially when repetitive motions are involved.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
A combination of factors often causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These include:
- Repetitive Hand Use: Performing the same hand and wrist motions or activities over a prolonged period can aggravate the wrist tendons, causing swelling that exerts pressure on the nerve.
- Health Conditions: Various health conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid imbalances, can raise the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause swelling, which may compress the median nerve.
- Workplace Factors: Working with vibrating tools or on an assembly line that demands prolonged or repetitive motions, such as wrist flexing, can put harmful pressure on the nerve.
Our Advanced Physiotherapy Techniques for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
For more severe cases, our Abbotsford physiotherapists might employ advanced techniques to manage CTS:
- Electrotherapy: Electrotherapy, such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), can reduce pain and inflammation by stimulating the nerves and promoting blood flow to the area.
- Ultrasound Therapy: Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to generate deep heat, helping to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing in the wrist.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): MLD is a gentle massage that encourages the natural drainage of lymph, which can help reduce swelling in the wrist and hand.
- Kinesiology Taping: Kinesiology taping can provide support and stability to the wrist without restricting movement. It helps improve circulation and reduces pain and swelling.
Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome focuses on the risk factors by way of modifying one’s lifestyle:
- Regular Breaks: Frequent breaks during repetitive activities decrease over-engagement of wrist muscles.
- Proper Technique: Learning proper techniques and practicing them when performing repetitive tasks can minimize the strain on the wrist.
- Strengthening and Stretching: Exercises that can strengthen and stretch your wrist and hand muscles can be done regularly to prevent CTS.
- Lifestyle modification includes maintaining a healthy weight, avoidance of smoking, and management of chronic conditions like diabetes to diminish the risk for CTS.
Role of Our Physiotherapy When Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
A thorough assessment is the first step in physiotherapy for CTS. Our Surrey physiotherapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to find the severity of the condition and identify any contributing factors. This assessment may include:
- History Taking: Understanding the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and occupational risks.
- Physical Examination: Checking the wrist and hand for signs of swelling, deformity, or tenderness.
- Special Tests: Performing tests such as the Tinel’s sign and Phalen’s test to evaluate nerve function.
Pain Management Techniques
Pain relief is a primary goal in the early stages of our physiotherapy treatment. Our physiotherapists use various physical therapy techniques to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Manual Therapy includes many techniques, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue massage, to reduce tension and improve wrist function.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing temporary pain relief.
- Splinting: Wearing a wrist splint at night keeps the wrist neutral. This can alleviate symptoms by reducing pressure on the median nerve.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Our experienced physiotherapists can develop personalized exercise programs to strengthen the hand and wrist muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent symptoms from worsening. These exercises may include:
- Nerve Gliding Exercises: Designed to help the median nerve move freely through the carpal tunnel.
- Wrist Flexor and Extensor Stretches: To improve flexibility and reduce tension in the wrist.
- Grip Strengthening: Exercises to improve the strength of the hand and wrist muscles, enhancing overall functionality.
Ergonomic Advice and Workplace Modifications
Poor ergonomics and repetitive motions can exacerbate CTS symptoms. Physiotherapists advise how to modify activities to reduce strain on the wrist. This may include:
- Workstation Adjustments: Altering the height of chairs, desks, and keyboards to maintain a neutral wrist position.
- Tool Modifications: Using tools that require less force and allow the wrist to stay in a natural position.
- Posture Education: Teaching patients proper posture to avoid unnecessary strain on their hands and wrists.
Frequently Asked Questions For Our Physio Treatments For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Yes, a physiotherapist can help manage and relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Through various exercises, manual Therapy, and other treatments like ultrasound or splinting, our physiotherapist can reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome condition from worsening.
A physical therapist typically focuses on reducing inflammation, strengthening the muscles in the wrist and hand, and improving flexibility. They may use wrist stretches, nerve gliding exercises, and ergonomic adjustments to alleviate pressure on the median nerve. Additionally, they might recommend wearing a wrist splint to support the area.
The duration of physical Therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of the condition and how early treatment begins. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months of regular therapy sessions to see significant improvement. Consistency with exercises and lifestyle adjustments also plays a key role in recovery time.
Both of our Surrey chiropractors and physiotherapists can treat carpal tunnel syndrome, but the choice depends on your needs. Physiotherapists focus on exercises, manual Therapy, and movement-based treatments. In contrast, chiropractors may focus more on spinal adjustments and nerve alignment. For carpal tunnel specifically, physiotherapy may provide more targeted treatments, as it directly addresses wrist and hand function. However, a combination of both approaches can sometimes be beneficial.