Are you someone that is considering Carpal Tunnel surgery and not sure if it’s the RIGHT thing to do?
Then this blog is for YOU!
(Want to learn more about what Carpal Tunnels is? Click this link to grab my E-Book “Unlock the Key to Carpal Tunnel”)
So usually I have clients who come in to talk to me before having carpal tunnel surgery because they are just no sure if they really need it or if the doctor is just recommending it to a make money (yes…people are concerned with being taking advantage of).
I can honestly say as I have worked with many hand surgeons in the 20 years as a hand therapist, that I have never met a hand surgeon that just did surgery to “make money off you”. They will make the best recommendations based off what THEY know to be true and what you tell them….and sometimes that is just to recommend the surgery. IF you are not getting better.
What I do know to be true also is there are programs and methods to preventing surgery that are effective but it requires someone that is truly interested in avoiding surgery. (Request to talk with a Therapist)
When some is considering carpal tunnel surgery, one of the most common question I get is – – – “How do I know if Carpal Tunnel surgery is what I need?” – – – I usually lean in with a few questions of my own to get a better understanding of what has gone on in the past and what are you looking for.
- Did you do everything that you can conservatively to get to the root cause of why you have carpal tunnel?
- What have you tried that has worked or not worked for you?
- Do you want to have surgery? Or is it something that you think is the only way you can get rid of carpal tunnel?
- Do you know what happens if you don’t have the surgery verses having the surgery?
Generally speaking….there are times when carpal tunnel surgery is needed. Sometimes after an injury or other hand and arm surgery, the median nerve can get compressed and there is a lot of scarring that causes the carpal tunnel syndrome. IF you have tried “everything” and the pain is keeping you up at night OR the numbness is getting worst and constant, these are some reasons and questions that can help you decide for yourself if surgery is the right thing for you to do.
One of my KEY….MOST IMPORTANT tip I can give you is don’t wait until you have atrophy of your hand before getting help. Atrophy is the wasting away of your muscles because the nerve is so compressed that it no longer can get the electrical signal to the muscle. How do you know if you have it? The muscle tends to be sunken in….or really soft. By then, your numbness to your finger tips are also worst. The atrophy leads to even more weakness in your hands then you are already feeling….making it hard for you to open tight containers or be stronger.
Ask yourself these questions above to help you get a better understanding if carpal tunnel surgery is what you are considering. Request to speak with our hand specialist to be able to get more clarity on what you can do next as well. I know most people tell me they want to wait to speak with a doctor first, only to be told to go see a therapist. But not all therapist specialize in carpal tunnel and avoiding surgery.
I actually spoke to someone last month who was telling me about her hand numbness and said she wanted to go see the doctor first. I totally understand that…we are conditioned since a young age to go see your doctor. Even though in the back of our minds, we know they will only be able to advise us to go to therapy or take some pills. A month later, she still has not gone to see a doctor.
So I have to ask you…..what is holding you back from getting the help you need to live a more comfortable, active life?
Hoang OT/L, CHT
Disclaimer: As with all our pages, this is NOT a substitute for formal medical treatment or occupational therapy. It is intended to inform only. Hands on Therapy Services disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Hands on Therapy Services in Miami, FL helps people with arm and hand injuries to be able to stay active, pain free, and avoid surgeries. For more contact info please click here
