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Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve, a major nerve in the upper extremity
that travels down the arm and enters the hand through a very small gap called carpal tunnel located in
the central part of the wrist, gets compressed in the carpal tunnel. This causes irritation of the nerve
leading to tingling or pain. Typically, this disease affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, weakness, pain, or tingling in the hand or fingers. Some
individuals experience pain in the arm between their elbow and hand.
▪️Symptoms generally may occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger.
▪️Pain in the other fingers except little finger may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is first treated by conservative method. The general treatment includes
complete rest for the wrist by wearing a splint. Cold therapy helps a lot to relieve the swelling and
inflammation.
Surgery is performed in severe cases. Carpal tunnel release is a very simple operation in which carpal
ligament is cut in order to enlarge the carpal tunnel and relieve the pressure on the median nerve. This
is done either by open technique or endoscopic technique.
Physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome is important in speeding up the healing process and to get the
optimal results. Physiotherapy also decreases the likelihood of recurrences in the future. Physiotherapy
may include:
▪️Electrotherapy.
▪️Joint mobilization.
▪️Bracing or splinting.
Stretching and strengthening exercises are really helpful for the prevention from re-occurrence of
symptoms. Pain free exercises are recommended. Aim for a full, pain-free range of motion before
moving on to strengthening exercises.
Method:
Starting Position:
Stand next to a chair. Lean forward and place your outstretched hand on top of the chair’s sitting surface
with the palm facing and in contact with the surface of the chair.
Action:
In a slow and progressive manner push the wrist against the chair’s surface until you feel the resistance
of the end of range. At end of range, hold the position for 15 seconds whilst breathing slowly and
deeply. Ensure you keep the elbow fully extended throughout the exercise.