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Most people assume physical therapy is geared towards helping people recover from major injuries. While it does help in these instances, that’s not all it’s useful for. According to a recent study, it can also be as effective as surgery for treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CPS). This is big news for the many people who suffer from this ailment.

What You Should Know About Physical Therapy & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Understanding the Ailment

CPS is a condition in which a person experiences a numb, weak, or tingling feeling in the hand. It occurs when repeated pressure is placed on the wrist’s median nerve. This often happens when a person must perform the same motion with their hands on a regular basis. That’s why many people whose jobs involve typing often develop CPS.

Physical-Therapy-Aiea-HIIf symptoms are particularly severe, a physician may recommend surgery to release pressure on the nerve. However, this may no longer be necessary.

How Physical Therapy Helps

For the study referenced above, researchers performed a clinical trial to compare the efficacy of physical therapy to the efficacy of surgery as a means of treating CPS. They specifically looked for improvements in the severity of a person’s symptoms, the strength of their pinch grip, their cervical range of motion, and their own subjective experience of the condition.

Participants in the PT group were taught to perform specific exercises on a regular basis. At the end of the study, as well as a 12-month follow-up, researchers concluded that PT was as beneficial as surgery.

That’s great news for people with CPS. If this condition is interfering with your life, you may not have to subject yourself to a surgical procedure to correct it. PT is an easier and safer method.

 

Are you looking for the best physical therapists on Oahu? Get in touch with StayFIT Physical Therapy, with locations in Aiea and Kapolei. They’ve worked with many people suffering from CPS before, helping them restore function in their hands and wrists with simple, effective techniques. Contact them online to learn more, or call (808) 487-0487.

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