Comprehensive Hand Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Managing Symptoms and Restoring Function
Do you often wake up in the middle of the night with a tingling or numbing sensation in your hand? Do you find it hard to grip objects without feeling a sharp pain shooting up your wrist and forearm? If you’re nodding in agreement, you might be dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). But don’t worry, our occupational therapists and hand therapists are skilled at carpal tunnel syndrome therapy!
Millions of people worldwide experience the same discomfort and distress that you do. The good news is that comprehensive hand therapy, a proven Carpal Tunnel Syndrome therapy, can help manage your symptoms and restore your hand function.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, running from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Symptoms often include pain, numbness, and tingling, impacting your daily life.
But imagine a day when these bothersome symptoms are no longer part of your routine. Comprehensive hand therapy can make this possible. It is a holistic approach that includes targeted exercises, splinting techniques, and essential self-care strategies geared toward reducing pain and improving hand function.
If you identify with what we’ve described, it’s time to take the next step. Contact us Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab at our clinic today for more information or to schedule an evaluation with our team!
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Let’s begin by defining this condition. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This pressure can cause various symptoms.
But what does that mean in everyday words? Think of it as a tunnel in your wrist that’s become too narrow for the nerve that passes through it. This makes your hand feel like it’s “falling asleep,” causing discomfort and sometimes even pain.
Common signs to look out for include:
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in your thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Pain or tingling that travels up the arm toward the shoulder
- Weakness in your hand, making it difficult to grip objects or perform fine motor tasks
- Symptoms often worsen during the night or while using the hand (like when driving or holding a phone)
Several factors can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The main ones include:
- Repetitive hand use: Doing the same hand and wrist motion over and over, like typing or playing an instrument, can cause the tunnel to swell.
- Health conditions: Certain illnesses, such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and rheumatoid arthritis, can increase the risk.
- Body characteristics: The carpal tunnel may be naturally narrower in some people or could be affected by hormonal changes, like during pregnancy.
Although anyone can get CTS, women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, possibly due to having smaller carpal tunnels.
There’s good news: with the right carpal tunnel syndrome therapy, you can effectively manage and even overcome your symptoms. With Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab hand therapists, you’ll learn how to strengthen your hands, reduce nerve pressure, and improve overall hand function.
For more information or to schedule an evaluation, call us today or visit our website!
Manage Your Symptoms and Restore Function with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Therapy at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab
Through comprehensive carpal tunnel syndrome therapy, you can alleviate symptoms and regain the use of your hand. Our occupational therapists focus on improving your ability to perform daily activities by addressing physical, psychological, and cognitive aspects. When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome therapy, our hand therapists wield their expertise and training to design a personalized treatment plan that helps manage pain and restores hand function.
The techniques employed may vary from person to person, based on what works best. Our comprehensive evaluation will help us design individualized therapy plans to enhance the effectiveness of our treatments. We’ll use the following treatments to ensure your results:
- Manual therapy: We use a variety of techniques to help patients manage the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, including soft tissue and joint mobilizations, nerve gliding, and manual stretching techniques. These treatments can help reduce the median nerve tension and alleviate symptoms.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Hand exercises are the cornerstone of any carpal tunnel syndrome therapy. These exercises strengthen the muscles in your hands and wrists, reduce stiffness, and improve range of motion.
- Splinting Techniques: Wearing a splint, especially at night, helps to keep your wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the median nerve.
- Self-Care Strategies: Simple changes in your daily routine can significantly impact your recovery. Regular breaks, using ergonomic equipment, and avoiding activities exacerbating your symptoms are crucial self-care strategies complementing carpal tunnel syndrome therapy.
Remember, each patient is unique, and what works best will depend on the specific symptoms and needs of the individual. Our Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab occupational therapists are skilled at assessing patients’ needs and developing personalized treatment plans to manage their symptoms best and restore function.
Don’t let carpal tunnel syndrome control your life. Take action now!
The Path to Improved Hand Function
Imagine a life free from carpal tunnel syndrome’s constant pain, numbness, and discomfort. It’s achievable through effective occupational therapy. The key is consistency in following your personalized therapy plan, incorporating the exercises, manual therapy, splinting techniques, and self-care strategies into your everyday routine.
Whether you’re just starting to experience symptoms or have been battling carpal tunnel syndrome for a while, we’re here to help. Together, we can restore your hand function and improve your quality of life with proven carpal carpal tunnel syndrome therapy! Contact Us Today !
Take action now!