Physical Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you are suffering from pain, numbness, and weakness in the wrist and hand, there is a good chance you may be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome. The good news is that many patients with carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with physical therapy rather than surgery.
Surprisingly, almost 50% of all work-related injuries are linked in some way to carpal tunnel syndrome – resulting in the highest number of days lost among all work related injuries. In fact, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, almost half of the carpal tunnel cases result in 31 days or more of work loss.
P.T. for Early Intervention in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Although carpal tunnel surgery may be necessary when the symptoms are severe, early intervention with physical therapy (“P.T.”)can help avoid surgery in many cases.
Remember that treating carpal tunnel syndrome as early as possible after your symptoms start is your best bet for keeping the condition from advancing to the point where you need surgery.
If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and do not get it treated, it can last a long time and will typically get considerably worse – eventually making it impossible to work and typically requiring surgical intervention.
What is Better Physical Therapy or Surgery for Carpal Tunnel?
In a study published by the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy in 2017, evidence indicated that physical therapy was as effective as surgery at treating carpal tunnel syndrome in cases of early intervention. Those researchers found that after one year, those patients who had physical therapy (focusing on manual therapy of the neck and median nerve, combined with stretching exercises) had outcomes similar to those of patients who had surgery.
Additionally, the physical therapy patients showed faster improvement at the one month mark than those patients who had carpal tunnel surgery.
As a further consideration, more than a third of patients who have carpal tunnel surgery do not return to work within 8 weeks after their operation. So, physical therapy may have the advantage of offering less time off of work.
Carpal Tunnel Physical Therapy for Pain Relief
One of the primary benefits of physical therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome is pain relief. By incorporating techniques such as manual therapy, stretching exercises, and ultrasound therapy, physical therapists can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with CTS. According to a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, individuals with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome who received physical therapy experienced significant reductions in pain and improvements in hand function compared to those who did not receive therapy (Baysal et al., 2017).
Carpal Tunnel Physical Therapy for Flexibility
In addition to pain relief, physical therapy can also help improve range of motion and flexibility in the wrist and hand. Tightness and stiffness in the muscles and connective tissues can exacerbate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Through targeted stretching and range of motion exercises, physical therapists can help restore mobility and function, allowing individuals with CTS to perform daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
Carpal Tunnel Physical Therapy to Prevent Progression
Furthermore, physical therapy plays a crucial role in preventing further progression of carpal tunnel syndrome and reducing the risk of recurrence. By teaching patients proper ergonomics and techniques for performing tasks that may exacerbate symptoms, physical therapists empower individuals to take control of their condition and minimize strain on the wrist and hand. Additionally, strengthening exercises targeted at the muscles of the hand and forearm can help improve stability and support around the wrist joint, reducing the likelihood of future injuries or flare-ups.
Physical Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Physical therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome, including pain relief, improved range of motion, and prevention of further progression. By working closely with a physical therapist, individuals with CTS can regain function and quality of life while avoiding the need for more invasive treatments. If you’re experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, consider consulting with a physical therapist at Macomb Hand Surgery to explore the benefits of physical therapy as part of your treatment plan.
At Macomb Hand Surgery, we offer physical therapy and rehabilitation for carpal tunnel – in addition to surgical intervention when necessary. Doctor Rehman can develop a treatment plan for you with our skilled and caring occupational therapists.
Read More about Our Hand Therapists HERE.
If you are suffering from the pain, numbness and tingling of carpal tunnel syndrome, physical therapy offers strong evidence-based treatment options to help you recover – without the potential downtime or side effects of surgery. Call us today for an appointment and evaluation with Doctor Rehman, and she will help you determine if trying physical therapy first is a good option for you.
