Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) affects many people, especially those who spend long hours working at computers or performing repetitive tasks. Fortunately, work injury physiotherapy in Grande Prairie offers an effective solution to manage and alleviate the discomfort associated with CTS.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve in the wrist gets compressed. This nerve can lead to uncomfortable and disabling symptoms. The compression often results from repetitive motions, poor posture, or prolonged pressure on the wrist. For instance, frequent typing, prolonged use of a mouse, or manual labour can exacerbate the condition. Repetitive strain and incorrect wrist positioning can inflame and swell the tissues surrounding the median nerve, increasing pressure within the carpal tunnel and compressing the nerve.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome typically include:
- Tingling or Numbness: This is commonly felt in the fingers controlled by the median nerve—specifically, the thumb, index, and middle fingers. The sensation can be intermittent or persistent, often worsening at night or with activities that involve gripping or pinching.
- Weakness or Clumsiness: As the condition progresses, individuals experience weakness in the hand and difficulty performing everyday tasks such as holding objects and buttoning a shirt. Clumsiness or a loss of talent can also occur, affecting hand coordination.
- Pain: The pain associated with CTS can radiate up the arm from the wrist, sometimes extending to the shoulder. It is a dull ache that can interfere with sleep and daily activities.
How Physiotherapy Can Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain
Work injury physiotherapy aims to relieve the pressure on the median nerve, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the muscles surrounding the wrist. Here’s how physiotherapy can be a game-changer in managing CTS:
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a hands-on approach physiotherapists use to address musculoskeletal issues, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). This technique focuses on mobilizing and manipulating the wrist and hand joints to alleviate symptoms. Wrist mobilization involves the physiotherapist gently moving through various directions to improve joint mobility and reduce pressure on the median nerve. This movement helps restore normal function and flexibility to the affected joints.
Soft tissue massage is another critical component of manual therapy, targeting muscle tension and inflammation around the carpal tunnel area. By applying pressure to the muscles, the massage helps to relax tight muscles, enhance blood flow, and decrease swelling, significantly relieving pain and discomfort.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
These exercises are essential for managing CTS by targeting the forearm and wrist muscles.
Wrist flexor stretches involve extending one arm in front, palm up, and gently pulling the fingers back with the opposite hand. This stretch, held for 15-30 seconds, helps to elongate the flexor muscles of the forearm and relieve tension.
Wrist extensor stretches are performed by extending the arm palm down and using the opposite hand to push the back of the hand downward, holding for 15-30 seconds. This exercise stretches the extensor muscles, which are often tight in CTS.
The median nerve glide involves extending one arm to the side with the palm facing upwards, bending the wrist backward, and extending the fingers while tilting the head away from the arm. Holding this position for 10-15 seconds and repeating it helps to mobilize the median nerve and reduce nerve-related symptoms.
The finger abduction exercise requires placing a rubber band in the fingers, spreading them apart, and the band’s resistance. Holding this position for 5 seconds and repeating it 10-15 times strengthens the muscles involved in finger movement and improves hand function.
Ergonomic Adjustments
Physiotherapists offer valuable advice on ergonomics to prevent the worsening of CTS. Proper keyboard and mouse positioning involves setting the keyboard at a comfortable height and placing the mouse within easy reach to avoid awkward wrist positions that could exacerbate symptoms. Wrist supports such as ergonomic wrist reheels to maintain a neutral position while typing, reducing strain on the carpal tunnel.
Additionally, taking frequent breaks to stretch and relax the hands and wrists during prolonged work sessions helps prevent overuse and allows the muscles to recover, which can mitigate CTS symptoms.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation is a technique for alleviating pain and inflammation associated with CAt. During this treatment, a tiny probe is placed on the affected, delivering mild electrical pulses to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles. This stimulation helps reduce pain by interfering with the signals sent to the brain and improving blood flow to the area. Enhanced circulation around the carpal tunnel can help reduce inflammation and promote healing, relieving CTS symptoms.
Splinting
Wrist splints are often recommended to manage CTS, particularly at night. Night splints keep the wrist neutral while sleeping, preventing wrist flexion that can exacerbate symptoms. By maintaining this neutral position, splints reduce pressure on the median nerve and alleviate symptoms such as numbness and tingling. Regular use of night splints can improve overall wrist function and contribute to a reduction in CTS-related discomfort.
Find Relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Expert Physiotherapy
For those struggling with work-induced Carpal Tunnel Syndrome pain, work injury physiotherapy in Grande Prairie offers a comprehensive approach to managing and alleviating symptoms. By incorporating techniques, individuals can experience significant relief and improve their quality of life. If you’re dealing with CTS and seeking effective, non-invasive treatment, visit Junction Point Physical Therapy in Grande Prairie. Their team of experienced physiotherapists can provide personalized care tailored to your needs through WCB physiotherapy, helping you regain comfort and function in your daily life.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Junction Point Clinic today!