Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects millions of people globally. When the median nerve pressure gets impinged, numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness can result in the hand and wrist.
Repetitive wrist movements usually lead to carpal tunnel syndrome in many office workers, as many white-collar workers spend several hours working on their computers every day. A study found that nearly 70% of employed adults reported carpal tunnel syndrome or similar conditions, compared to less than 10% of employed adults reporting asthma or skin conditions.
As can be seen, CTS is a prevalent disorder and can lead to thousands of lost hours and a drop in worker performance if the condition is severe. Here, we will discuss how physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome can help.
Factors That Lead to the Development of CTS
The overuse of fingers and extreme wrist positions may lead to CTS, as can fluid retention, which is often the case with pregnancy. Injuries to the wrist, such as fractures, sprains, dislocations, and strains, can also lead to CTS.
Many physical activities require repetitive hand motions, including sewing, handball, playing an instrument, and handball. While such exercises may have physical and psychological benefits, they may lead to CTS in some extreme cases.
The tendons of the wrist can be adversely affected due to swelling and inflammation, which may lead to CTS if left untreated. Metabolic and hormonal changes can also lead to CTS, such as a thyroid imbalance (i.e., hypothyroidism), pregnancy, and even menopause.
Certain medications may induce side effects that can develop into CTS, such as overusing some steroids. Particular diseases can also lead to the formation of CTS, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative arthritis.
While specific injuries and trauma can lead to CTS, such as being in a car or sporting accident, a few lifestyle choices can exacerbate the condition. For example, overeating and lack of exercise can lead to obesity, leading to CTS in some patients. Due to genetics, some patients might be predisposed to certain conditions; however, CTS is not exempt from that list.
Tips to Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Physiotherapy may help prevent CTS, while some patients may require surgery to rectify the condition.
#1 – Posture & Wrist Exercises
Posture correction and wrist exercises performed every other hour may reduce the risk of CTS. There are also stretching and hand-stretching exercises that you can perform before work to reduce the risk of muscle strain.
You should also try and minimize excessive hand movements whenever possible.
#2 – Micro-Breaks
While it may be tempting to work through lunch and your coffee breaks to get more done, most experts believe those office workers should take breaks every hour to reduce mental and physical stress.
#3 – Be Careful
Cold hands and wrists can increase the risk of CTS, so try and keep them warm to optimize blood flow and circulation. It would help if you also took care of your hands and wrists by avoiding vigorous or dangerous activities, such as lifting heavy objects.
#4 – Massage Helps
Wrist massages can reduce inflammation and pain, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight will reduce the risk of many different health issues, including CTS. Certain sleeping positions may also place added pressure on your back and wrists that can cause muscle aches and pains when you wake up.
#5 – Watch Your Grip
It is essential to watch your grip and avoid exerting too much force when working or exercising. Any medical conditions should be diagnosed and treated quickly to prevent problems from escalating. Physiotherapy may prevent or treat CTS successfully without the use of powerful painkillers or invasive medical procedures.
Physiotherapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A physiotherapist will diagnose all symptoms and prescribe an effective treatment for CTS. They will then perform a physical exam and provide a customized treatment plan. Their specific exercise program will include work posture techniques, as well as nerve mobilization and tendon techniques.
Your physiotherapist will also focus on optimal mobilization of the wrist bones and muscle strengthening and stretching exercises. Your physiotherapist will teach you about how to correct typical posture and ergonomic mistakes.
In some instances, physiotherapy may not be sufficient, in which case you may require surgery. In other cases, working with a physiotherapist would be appropriate to help accelerate your healing after having undergone surgery.
Conclusion
CTS can affect a person’s lifestyle drastically. It is essential to get treated as soon as possible to relieve pain quickly and get back to your usual way of life. Physiotherapy may effectively treat CTS and also prevent it from recurring. For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local physiotherapist.
