Treatment Methods for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms

Research shows that the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs in between 4 and 10 million people in the United States. Hoang Tran, an occupational therapist specializing in carpal tunnel treatment in Miami, admits it is among the top conditions treated each year at the Hands-on Therapy Clinic.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common nerve condition that can severely affect the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve is pinched or compressed. The symptoms include numbness, tingling, thumb weakness, and pain in the first three fingers or thumb.

Carpal tunnel syndrome ranges from mild to severe, the progression tends to come slowly and gets worse over time. But, early detection and treatment can prevent the syndrome from getting worse and reduce the recovery period. Appropriate treatment often restores hand and wrist function whilst relieving its symptoms.

This article will discuss the different types of carpal tunnel treatment methods.

Home remedies and lifestyle measures

The following home remedies and lifestyle measures can provide temporary relief for mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome..

As often as possible, avoid or take breaks from repetitive movements that involve the use of hands and wrists.
Make use of major joints when lifting objects, avoid putting extra stress on your hands, wrists, and fingers.
Do gentle hand, wrist and finger-stretching exercises.
Massage the affected hand and wrist.

Remember that if your pain, numbness or weakness persists, it means that it will not go away on its own. It’s best, then, to seek advice from a therapist specialized in carpal tunnel syndorme.

Alternative treatments

Some alternative treatments, like yoga or ultrasound therapy, can help you cope with the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Other alternative treatments that reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel include, chiropractic medicine and acupuncture. It is best to consult your doctor to know if these types of treatments would be effective for you.

If these methods don’t work, or are effective only for a day or two, don’t wait too long before getting real hands-on treatment

Prescription treatments

If the carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed in its early stages, your physician may prescribe corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can help improve your condition. Remember, NSAIDs may relieve pain but won’t cure carpal tunnel syndrome. Steroid injections can also help, particularly if used for younger people who have had symptoms only for a short time.

Occupational/physical therapy programs

The right occupational/physical therapy program is your best chance to get rid of the hand pain and numbness, stop the carpal tunnel syndrome from getting worse and avoiding repeated injections, and surgery.

These therapy programs are proven to help get rid of the problem and avoid injections and surgery. According to an article in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, “Occupational therapy practitioners are key health care providers for people with musculoskeletal disorders of the distal upper extremity.” (ie. forearm, wrist, and hand)

An occupational or physical therapist can help in many ways:

They can use flexing and stretching exercises to help improve flexibility and combat inflammation.
They can use strength training in order to strengthen the muscles in your fingers, wrist, hand and forearm muscles.
They can show you how to change your routine motions in a way that eases the stress on your hands and wrists.
They can use splinting, which often relieves all symptoms for limited periods.
They can use massage, which can alleviate pain and swelling.
They can educate you, in order to help prevent symptoms from returning by developing healthy posture and mobility habits.

If your own individual situation requires surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, occupational/physical therapist will help you as well, by implementing a different program to ensure your hand and wrist go back to full functionality and flexibility.

Ultimately, occupational therapy treatment is vital for patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. It can help to minimize and even eliminate symptoms with an early CTS diagnosis. Occupational therapy enables you to return to regular activities and live life to the fullest, without pain.

Other CPS resources

If you want to know more about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, download this comprehensive guide by Hoang Tran, hand therapist specialized in carpal tunnel treatment in Miami, from Hands on Therapy Services.

Alternatively, you can read more articles about CTS here:

Hands on Therapy Services -your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome therapy destination!

At Hands on Therapy Services, Hoang Tran’s and other therapists’ mission is to help you make the best decisions on what to do for your health and well-being. With their help, you will receive answers you need and professional help that will bring you back to full recovery.

In addition to providing carpal tunnel treatment in Miami, we also provide hand therapy for other hand-related conditions, physical therapy, and massage therapy. Our Miami clinic offers an open and friendly environment where you will feel comfortable being treated by an OT/CHT in a one-on-one setting.

Want to know more about Hands On Therapy Clinic and our carpal tunnel treatment in Miami? Contact Us in order to make an appointment or request information.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

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