Physical Therapy Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common hand and arm condition that is caused by pressure on the nerve at the base of the palm (median nerve). The median nerve originates from cervical (neck) spinal nerves and controls movement and sensation to the palmer side of the hand and fingers. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage located on the palm side of the wrist that protects the main nerve in the hand and the nine tendons that bend the fingers. In general, CTS occurs when the tissues around the median nerve swell and press on the nerve.. It is estimated that 1 out 20 Americans suffer from this condition. CTS develops gradually and progresses over time. Numbness and a “pins and needles� sensation are the most common symptoms. It mainly affects the thumb, middle finger and half of the ring finger. Symptoms become worse upon waking or during certain activities that involve flexing and extending of the wrist. This, in turn, may result in decreased grip strength making it difficult to perform routine tasks with the affected hand.
How Physical Therapy Helps This treatment approach blends physiology with exercise and applies these principles to reduce pain. If your symptom evaluation confirms early-stage CTS, conservative care will be recommended as an initial step. Physical therapy helps reduce symptoms and improves function, allowing patients to perform their routine activities easily. During initial visit to the physical therapist, you would need to explain your symptoms and situations that make the symptoms worse. In a professional healthcare center, a physical therapy treatment program would include the following:
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