How Physiotherapy in North York Eases Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a debilitating and progressive musculoskeletal condition that impacts the hand and wrist. While CTS affects about 3% to 6% of the general population, it is more prevalent in women than men, with a 3:1 (female to male) ratio. 

If you are one of the individuals struggling with this disorder, this blog provides valuable information about CTS and how seeking physiotherapy in North York can help alleviate the pain. 

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The compression of the median nerve (which runs from the forearm to the palm) at the wrist is the root cause of CTS, which results in pain, discomfort, numbness, and tingling. Factors that can increase the risk of this musculoskeletal condition include: 

• Repetitive hand and wrist movements (typing, driving, texting, using handheld devices)
• Trauma or injury to the wrist (sprain, strain, dislocation, or fracture)
• Certain health conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes)
• Hormonal or metabolic changes (pregnancy, menopause, hypothyroidism)
• Obesity
• Use of oral contraceptives

Individuals involved in assembly line work, such as manufacturing, cleaning, or packaging, are at higher risk of this injury. Hairdressers, cashiers, bakers, and office workers in North York are also at risk of CTS due to repetitive hand or wrist movements.

Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Weak grip strength in one or both hands
• Numbness or pain 
• A feeling of “pins and needles” in the fingers
• Fingers feel swollen
• Tingling or burning sensation in the thumb, index, or middle fingers

The symptoms occur when the carpal tunnel in the wrist becomes narrow. As the space of the carpal tunnel reduces in size, it presses on the tendons and median nerve, which causes swelling and numbness in the hands and fingers. Over time, the swollen tissues will result in weakness, pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand.

While the symptoms associated with CTS may be similar to other medical issues, be sure to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. 

How Physiotherapy in North York Addresses Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can disrupt your daily life. However, proper treatment can relieve pain, helping you get back on track. Individuals with CTS can find relief in physiotherapy. 

Physiotherapy in North York offers plenty of benefits to people with CTS. It provides non-invasive and drug-free treatment options that alleviate the symptoms of CTS and improve your overall hand and wrist health without the need for surgery. Physiotherapy treatments help boost the natural healing process of the body, resulting in long-term health benefits. A study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that CTS patients who had physiotherapy experienced significant relief and functional improvements. 

Assessment of Your Condition

Consulting a physiotherapist helps address the symptoms of CTS effectively. Using their skills and knowledge, these healthcare professionals can accurately diagnose your conditions and create a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs. When choosing a physiotherapist, be sure to look into their experience, qualifications, and areas of specialization. The assessment may include:

• Evaluation of symptoms and medical history
• Physical examination to assess hand strength, range of motion, and sensation
• Diagnostic tests, such as Tinel’s sign, Phalen’s test, nerve conduction studies (NCS), and electromyography (EMG), to confirm CTS diagnosis

Tailored Treatment Plans

Based on the assessment findings, the physiotherapist will develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. These plans may include:

• Therapeutic exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and posture
• Manual therapy techniques to alleviate muscle tension and improve joint mobility
• Modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation

Pain Management Strategies

Physiotherapy offers various pain management strategies to relieve the pain and discomfort of CTS. These include:

• Education on activity modification to avoid aggravating movements
• Application of heat or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and ease pain
• Splinting or bracing to immobilize the wrist and alleviate pressure on the median nerve

Ergonomic Education and Workstation Modification

Good ergonomic practices help improve the symptoms of CTS. A physiotherapist can educate you on the following:

• Proper workstation setup to minimize wrist strain
• Ergonomic tools and equipment to support neutral wrist positioning
• Techniques for taking regular breaks and stretching to prevent stiffness and fatigue

Lifestyle Modifications and Home Exercises

In addition to your in-clinic physiotherapy treatments in North York, your healthcare provider can help empower patients to take control of their CTS management through various healthy lifestyle changes and exercise:

• Maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking
• Home exercise programs designed to complement in-clinic sessions and promote long-term symptom relief
• Stress management techniques to reduce tension and prevent exacerbation of symptoms

Physiotherapy Techniques for CTS

Stretching Exercises

Stretching exercise is a safe way to boost the flexibility of your hand and wrist muscles, reduce muscle tension, and increase the size of your carpal tunnel to alleviate nerve compression. 

• Wrist extension to stretch the inner forearm muscles
• Wrist flexion to stretch the outer forearm muscles
• Median nerve glide to improve the mobility of a compressed nerve
• Tendon glides to stretch the tendons of the carpal tunnel

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises are also effective in managing painful CTS symptoms, improving the functional capabilities of your hand and wrist muscles, and reducing nerve strain. Physiotherapy professionals in North York recommend grip-strengthening and pinch-strengthening exercises.

• Tennis ball squeeze engages your finger flexor and wrist to improve your crush grip
• Towel wringing to strengthen your muscles needed to support grip
• Plate pinch to boost your pinch grip muscles
• Finger stretch to improve the range of motion in your hands

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy can also help in CTS management. It involves hands-on techniques (joint mobilizations, soft tissue mobilization, etc) that effectively alleviate inflammation, increase mobility, and ease pain.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy in North York can relieve the pain, stiffness, tingling, and numbness caused by CTS. It uses techniques, such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy to ease the symptoms without the need for pain medications and surgery. It works by relaxing the tendons in the wrist and reducing the pressure on the median nerve. 

Nerve Gliding Exercises

Also referred to as neurodynamics or nerve flossing, nerve gliding exercises are designed to enable the median nerve to move smoothly within the carpal tunnel. These exercises help minimize nerve compression and inflammation to relieve pain and discomfort. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, nerve gliding exercises have a significant impact on improving CTS symptoms. 

Overcome CTS with Physiotherapy in North York!

If you’re seeking relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, physiotherapy offers effective solutions to alleviate pain and improve hand function. At Oriole Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre, our team of experienced physiotherapists provides tailored treatments for CTS. Contact us at (416) 221-0772 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards better health and wellness through physiotherapy in North York.