It’s estimated that as many as 8 million people struggle with carpal tunnel syndrome. This ailment is a chronic injury to the median nerve in the hand, which causes pain, numbness, and tingling that can radiate throughout the sufferer’s arm. If you’ve ever dealt with carpal tunnel, you’ve probably tried remedies such as braces, hot and cold therapy, or even topical treatments. These solutions may be somewhat effective, but if you’re still struggling, it’s likely time to find physical therapy near me.
Effective Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If braces and creams aren’t an effective treatment for carpal tunnel, what is? There are many other options you can try, but few can match the results you will see when you invest in physical therapy. A physical therapist is expertly trained to help you address the source of your discomfort and develop a clear plan for minimizing the pain. This plan will typically include exercises and other therapies that will provide relief.
One of the most important elements of hand physical therapy is the use of strategic stretching. Carpal tunnel can have many causes, but one of the most common triggers is when prolonged pressure is placed on the median nerve in the hand. This can happen when a person continuously engages in repetitive hand movements throughout the day, as is often the case in factories, offices, and other environments that demand manual labor.
A physical therapist will likely recommend a series of exercises that will reduce the pressure on the hand’s median nerve and, in turn, provide pain relief. One of these stretches is called the wrist flexor stretch, which involves bending your hand at the wrist, with the palm facing outwards. You should feel the muscles in your forearm stretch, and you should hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds.
Effectively Getting Your Hand Back
One of the most frustrating parts of carpal tunnel syndrome is the interruption to your income that it can cause. Indeed, if you developed carpal tunnel as a result of your work, you may be forced to take a break while you recover from your symptoms. Luckily, there is hope for recovery, and you will be able to get your hand back — you just need help from a professional physical therapist.
A physical therapist who specializes in carpal tunnel will address the problem by leveraging an array of methods to target pain, muscle function, and nerve compression. These methods may include stretches as well as electrical stimulation and massage therapy. Whether you’re looking for physical therapy for pelvic floor, carpal tunnel, or a sports injury, a physical therapist can give you the tools you need to make a full recovery.
Your hands are one of the most important parts of your body, but if you’re struggling with carpal tunnel, you might have difficulty with everyday tasks. Partnering with a physical therapist is one of the best defenses against the symptoms of carpal tunnel. Schedule an appointment today to see how physical therapy can help.