Carpal tunnel symptoms include numbness in the fingers and a loss of strength in the wrist and hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist. It’s a frequent problem with people who work on computers, athletes, and people with certain predispositions such as arthritis, trauma, or pregnancy.
The most common symptoms are:
In certain cases, the pain can radiate into the arm and even wake the person.
The principle causes are:
Carpal Tunnel syndrome can also be linked to a neck, shoulder or elbow injury that makes the distal nerve (wrist) vulnerable.
A physiotherapist can help alleviate or heal carpal tunnel syndrome, while an occupational therapist can help prevent it.
A physiotherapist is usually consulted when pain is already present. A physiotherapist can provide a treatment plan to ease the pain.
The physiotherapist will:
In order to prevent or assist in the management of the syndrome, a consultation with an occupational therapist can help by:
If necessary, the occupational therapist can refer you to a complementary medical or paramedical professional in order to better address the symptoms.
At the beginning of the appointment, the therapist will complete an evaluation by asking a few questions concerning your condition to determine:
Once the evaluation is completed, the therapist will proceed with observations. First, with a visual analysis of your posture. The physiotherapist or occupational therapist may also analyze your workstation.
The second step is to evaluate the mobility and flexibility of the fingers and wrist, as well as the strength and activation of the flexor tendons. The therapist may also evaluate other areas of the body such as the neck.
Finally, a treatment plan will be created by the therapist. The treatment plan will vary for each individual but may include:
The evaluation of your workstation by an occupational therapist may help diminish the risks of injury and help resume or maintain your job
¹Akalin E, El O, Peker O, Senocak O, Tamci S, Gülbahar S, et al. Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with nerve and tendon gliding exercices. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2002; 81(2):108-13. [PUBMED: 11807347] ²Bahrami MH, Rayegani SM, Baghbani M, Bafghi MRB. The role of nerve and tendon gliding exercises in the conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of Medical Council of Islamic Republic of Iran 2006; 24(1):5-12 ³Field T, Diego M, Cullen C, Hartshorn K, Gruskin A, Hernandez-Relf M, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are lessened following massage therapy. Jounral of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2004; 8(1):9-14. [EMBASE: 2004016426]