Home Base Physical Therapy Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition due to compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist at the carpal tunnel. The main symptoms are pain, numbness, and tingling, in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the thumb side of the ring fingers. Symptoms typically start gradually and during the night. Pain may extend up the arm. Weak grip strength may occur and after a long period of time the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. In more than half of cases both sides are affected.
How Can HBPT Help? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
At Home Base Physical Therapy in Morristown NJ, you will always work one on one with a Physical Therapist. Once Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is diagnosed a specific treatment plan will be developed for your specific needs.
Your therapy program may include:
- changing wrist positions (ie, avoiding prolonged bent wrist positions)
- proper neck and upper back posture (ie, avoiding forward head or slouching)
- safe use of sharp utensils, tools, or other implements, if sensory changes are identified
- “stretch breaks” during your work or daily routine
Exercises to increase the strength of the muscles in your hand, fingers, and forearm—and in some cases, the trunk and postural back muscles - Workspace Setup
- Stretching exercises to improve the flexibility of the wrist, hand, and fingers.
- Strengthening Exercises
- Nerve Glides or Mobilizations
- Heat or cold therapies
- Manual Therapies to promote strength and flexibility.
- Use of night splints
- Kinesiotaping
** Note: Surgery is the last option and is avoidable in most cases. However, if surgery is required, Physical Therapy is suggested afterward to make a full and speedy recovery. **