Physical Therapy and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is based on the nerve of one’s hands and wrists, often causing numbness and pain throughout the arm. Carpal tunnel can be quite difficult and painful to deal with, so it is important to not ignore the symptoms. If you are dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome, the physical therapists in Garden City, Movement Concepts Physical Therapy are here to help.

Carpal tunnel syndrome begins gradually, usually starting with a tingling feeling or numbness in the hand and fingers. Your hands also may feel weaker and you may tend to drop things more easily than you used to.  If you are dealing with this, it is possible you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. Pinching of the median nerve, which runs from your forearm through your wrist, is what causes carpal tunnel. Some people, may be more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome including people with the following conditions:

• anatomic factors
• obesity
• diabetes
• rheumatoid arthritis
• women going through menopause
• alterations in the balance of bodily fluids
• thyroid problems
• inflammatory conditions
• workplace factors

During an exam, your physical therapist will check the sensation throughout your arm. Typically, carpal tunnel is treated by resting the arm on a daily basis. Resting your arm on ice for 10-15 minutes each hour is a good way to treat your arm at home, as well as wearing a wrist splint at night.

If you are looking for a physical therapist to treat your carpal tunnel syndrome, be sure to find one who is experienced in treating carpal tunnel and similar conditions in the arm and hand. Many physical therapists work more with back problems or knee problems, but at Movement Concepts Physical Therapy in Garden City, we specialize in all kinds of conditions in the hand and wrist, including carpal tunnel syndrome, as well trigger finger and fractures. We can treat you with the proper physical exercises for your hand.