Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

What causes it?

It is commonly caused by constant movement of the wrist, neck and/or shoulders, trauma to the wrist (fracture or break), misalignment of the wrist, or arthritis.

What are treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Frequent massage of the hand, wrist, and forearm, along with a splint, will often produce a decrease in pain symptoms within a few weeks. If the nerve is restricted at the spinal cord (usually in the neck area), it may be helpful to include the shoulders and back in the massage treatments.

Your physician may recommend surgery if you have been feeling pain for an extended amount of time. Always consult with him/her about your symptoms.

What will the practitioner do at the session?

Long, deep strokes on the flexor muscles of the forearm are used to help release tight tendons and muscles. Extension movements with the fingers, wrists, and arm are often performed to help increase range of motion.

Most therapists will also encourage icing the wrists after the session for 15-20 minutes.

NeuroKinetic Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

by: David Weinstock
www.neurokinetictherapy.com

NeuroKinetic Therapy is a sophisticated system of manual therapy that incorporates manual muscle testing and motor control theory. NKT identifies the causes of dysfunction and treats them successfully. A good example is the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms of CTS include tingling, weakness, and numbness in the hands and fingers. But what is causing that?

Nerve compression in the cervical spine, in the brachial plexus (in the scalenes and the pectoralis minor), in the medial epicondyle of the elbow, and in the carpal tunnel itself , can all reproduce these symptoms. Now a good somatic detective has to narrow down the choices and decide on a treatment program.Let's say the cause is determined to be in the carpal tunnel itself. This is usually a result of overworked flexor tendons and underworked extensor tendons.

Begin by testing the strength of the extensor tendons. Resist at the distal phalanx. If that test fails then find a sore spot in the flexor tendons near the carpal tunnel. While holding that spot retest the extensor tendons. If the test is stronger then you know that the flexor tendons are compensating for the extensor tendons.

Now release the flexor tendons using what ever technique you are familiar with and retest the extensor tendons without touching the flexor tendons. If that test is strong, you have successfully reprogrammed the motor control center and changed a dysfunctional movement pattern.

To guarantee a successful outcome, the client must perform a home exercise program that would include releasing the flexor tendons first followed by strengthening the extensor tendons using a rubber band. It is through repetition that the brain can change itself and us positively affect the body.

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