Meet John
John is a 72-year-old retired businessman who was dealing with the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome for some time.
The condition had caused persistent numbness, tingling, and a weakening grip, impacting his ability to enjoy daily activities.
Simple tasks, like holding a book or gripping tools, became increasingly challenging. As someone who loved woodworking and gardening, John found it frustrating to face limitations in activities that once brought him joy and a sense of purpose. The discomfort also disrupted his sleep, as the tingling sensation would often wake him during the night.
Carpal tunnel syndrome began to interfere not only with John’s hobbies but with his independence, prompting him to seek a solution that would help him manage his symptoms and regain strength in his hands.
Suffering from thumb and wrist pain?
Causes & treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common hand conditions we treat as hand therapists. It affects the wrist and hand, causing pain, numbness, and tingling, primarily in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
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There are several factors that can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, including:
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Repetitive Hand Movements: Jobs or activities that require repeated use of the wrist or hand, such as typing, using tools, or assembly line work, can strain the tendons and cause swelling within the carpal tunnel.
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Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of developing CTS, as they affect nerve and soft tissue health.
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Pregnancy: Fluid retention during pregnancy can lead to swelling, which can compress the median nerve.
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Genetics: Some individuals are born with a smaller carpal tunnel, making them more prone to nerve compression.
Left untreated, it can worsen over time, affecting your ability to perform daily tasks like gripping, typing, or even holding a cup.
Basic anatomy
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located on the palm side of your wrist. It houses the median nerve, along with the tendons responsible for bending your fingers. The median nerve provides sensation to your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of your ring finger.
When the space in the carpal tunnel narrows—often due to swelling or inflammation—it can compress the median nerve, leading to the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
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This nerve compression can cause:
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Numbness and tingling, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
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Pain that can radiate up the arm.
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Weakness in the hand, leading to difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks.​
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Left untreated, it can worsen over time, affecting your ability to perform daily tasks like gripping, typing, or even holding a cup.
How can hand therapy help carpal tunnel syndrome?
Hand therapy is a non-invasive, effective treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in its early stages. We focus on reducing inflammation, relieving pressure on the median nerve, and helping you regain strength and function. Here are some common treatments you might encounter in a hand therapy setting:
Splinting & supports
We often start with splinting, particularly at night, to keep your wrist in a neutral position.
This prevents unnecessary pressure on the median nerve while you sleep, reducing pain and numbness in the morning.
Splinting may also be recommended during activities that aggravate your symptoms.
Activity modification
One of the key components of hand therapy is identifying the activities that may be causing or worsening your symptoms.
We’ll work with you to modify how you perform tasks to reduce strain on your wrist.
For example, adjusting your workstation ergonomics, using proper wrist posture while typing, or taking frequent breaks can help prevent further irritation.
Stretching & nerve-gliding exercises
Nerve gliding exercises are designed to help the median nerve move freely through the carpal tunnel, reducing tension and improving mobility.
Stretching exercises can help relieve tightness in the forearm and wrist, which can contribute to compression.
Some examples include:
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Median nerve glides: These gentle movements can help alleviate pressure on the median nerve by encouraging smooth movement.
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Wrist flexor stretches: Stretching the muscles in your forearm can reduce strain on the tendons in the carpal tunnel.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and massage, can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation in the affected area.
This can relieve tension in the muscles and tendons around the wrist and hand, aiding the healing process.
Education & ergonomics
Our goal is not only to treat your current symptoms but also to help you prevent future flare-ups.
We’ll provide education on proper wrist and hand posture, work station ergonomics, and ways to incorporate rest breaks into your routine.
Small changes can make a big difference in managing carpal tunnel symptoms over the long term.
Strengthening exercises
As your symptoms improve, we’ll guide you through exercises that strengthen the muscles in your hand and forearm.
Strengthening these muscles helps support the wrist and reduces the risk of future injury.
We’ll tailor these exercises to your specific condition and gradually increase the intensity as your symptoms subside.
Frequently asked questions about carpal tunnel syndrome
Can you self-heal carpal tunnel?
In mild cases, carpal tunnel syndrome may improve on its own, especially if you rest your wrist and avoid activities that aggravate the condition. However, without treatment, it may worsen over time.
Early intervention, such as splinting and exercises guided by a hand therapist, can prevent symptoms from becoming severe and minimise permanent damage to the nerve as well as help you heal faster.
What's the fastest way to recover from carpal tunnel?
The fastest way to recover from carpal tunnel syndrome is to seek early treatment. Using a wrist splint, performing nerve gliding exercises, and making ergonomic adjustments to your daily activities can all help relieve symptoms quickly. If symptoms persist, steroid injections or surgery may be recommended, but hand therapy remains a crucial part of both non-surgical and post-surgical recovery.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a n annoying and painful condition, but with early intervention and the right treatment, most people can find relief and regain full use of their hand. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms described above, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for an evaluation. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to your normal activities as quickly as possible.