Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, is a common nerve condition. Many individuals who develop CTS opt to work with a physical therapist, rather than surgery, to alleviate symptoms and restore full function in the hands, arms and wrists. To learn more about how physical rehabilitation can help with carpal tunnel syndrome, check out the guide below.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the wrist's median nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel, becomes irritated or damaged from excessive use. It is common in individuals who regularly put pressure on their wrists, like cyclists who lean on the handlebars of a bike or writers who type with poor wrist posture.

If you put repetitive pressure on the median nerve, your nerve health eventually degenerates. The median nerve controls the muscle strength and skin sensation in the hands. Damage to this nerve can cause chronic pain, numbness, loss of grip strength, and tingling in the hands and wrists. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a doctor to confirm a diagnosis of CTS.

How Do Physical Therapists Treat It?

Following an evaluation, a physical therapist will create a treatment plan based on the severity and cause of your CTS. For early-stage CTS, conservative care is the best remedy. This involves physical rehabilitation like exercises to strengthen the muscles in your hands, fingers and wrists, stretches to improve wrist flexibility and instruction on proper wrist posture. For more severe CTS cases, your physical therapist may recommend wearing wrist splints at night to limit motion that can aggravate the condition.

Occupations involving lots of repetitive motion will exacerbate CTS symptoms. For example, if you work in construction, you may be experiencing discomfort. As part of your physical rehabilitation, a qualified therapist will help you develop techniques for completing your work through adjustments in your alignment and grip.

Whether you’re a professional athlete or a casual runner, don’t wait to seek physical rehabilitation. For over 27 years, the physicians at Snyder Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation in Lincoln, NE, have provided individualized physical therapy and pain management. They specialize in treating conditions like osteoarthritis, ligament injuries and joint replacement recovery. To learn more about their services, call (402) 489-1999 or visit their website.