Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Calgary
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
If you are experiencing pain, tingling, or numbness in your first three fingers, hand, or wrist, you may be experiencing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). In more severe cases CTS may cause weakness in the hand, making it hard to grip things.
Symptoms begin to show when the median nerve gets squeezed as it runs through the wrist’s carpal tunnel. This can be caused by a variety of different factors, from inflammation to certain physical activities. Fortunately, having wrist pain does not necessarily mean you have CTS. That is why it is important to have a physiotherapist in Calgary determine if in fact pressure is being put on the median nerve.
What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Many factors can cause pinching of the median nerve and often a single specific cause is difficult to identify. Typically activities that compress the carpal tunnel and exert pressure on the median nerve, are generally understood to represent the most common trigger.
5 of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Repetitive movements of the hand (i.e. typing on a computer)
- Hypothyroidism
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Injury to the wrist
What is the Best Physiotherapy for Carpal Tunnel?
Physiotherapy is the primary treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s the first tool in the toolbelt that patients and doctors alike reach for — mainly due to its effectiveness and non-invasive treatment options. Although there is no quick-fix cure for CTS, one can expect symptoms of carpal tunnel to be controlled, relieved, and eliminated with a well-designed, and well-executed physiotherapy treatment plan.
At Brentwood Physiotherapy, we employ a comprehensive range of physiotherapy techniques to effectively treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Our evidence-based approach includes:
1. Manual Therapy
Our experienced physiotherapists utilize hands-on techniques to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve joint mobility in the affected wrist and hand.
2. Exercise Therapy
We design targeted exercises and stretching routines to strengthen the muscles and tendons surrounding the carpal tunnel. This helps to relieve pressure on the median nerve and promotes healing.
3. Ergonomic Assessments
Our physiotherapists will evaluate your work or daily activities to identify any ergonomic factors contributing to your condition. We provide recommendations on posture, equipment modifications, and ergonomic exercises to prevent further aggravation.
4. Nerve Mobilization Techniques
Through specific manual techniques, we focus on mobilizing and releasing the median nerve, reducing compression, and promoting optimal nerve function.
Experienced Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Physiotherapists in Calgary
Brentwood Physiotherapy has a team of physiotherapists in Calgary with experience and expertise in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Each of our registered physiotherapists has been treating carpal tunnel syndrome for 25+ years. We utilize the latest evidence-based exercises and treatments to manage symptoms of carpal tunnel. These include nerve and tendon gliding, wrist resistance, hand resistance squeezes, ultrasound, IFC, and cryotherapy. Our effective personalized physiotherapy treatment programs will first focus on relieving symptoms, and then on strengthening exercises that will enable the patient to return to daily activities and work tasks.
There are no quick fixes or home remedies to cure carpal tunnel syndrome, but with Brentwood Physiotherapy, patients can expect treatments to relieve symptoms, prevent flare-ups and return to living their life to the fullest.
