 Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused when nerves in a part of the wrist, called the carpal tunnel, become pinched because of the swelling of these nerves or of nearby tendons. It is most commonly caused by an injury to the wrist, the use of vibrating hand tools or rheumatoid arthritis, but it also has been linked to other causes, such as a cyst or tumor in the wrist. Ultimately, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness or pain in the fingers, hand or arm.
Symptoms*Nocturnal pain and numbness, often waking the person up.
*Early stage pain may be local, later stage pain may travel up to forearm and elbow (rarely, in the shoulder).
*Pain can limit the movement of the wrist.
*Adhesion and hypertonicity is common in the flexors (forearm).
*Phalen’s test is positive
 How can massage therapy help
1. Massage therapy can reduce edema and fascial restriction in the forearm and wrist
2. Decrease Sympathetic nervous system ( Pain)
3. Decrease compression due to nerve entrapment
4. Reduce hypertonicity of the muscles of the forearm.
Self careRecommended Hydrotherapy:
*Ice applied to the forearm and wrist frequently during activity.
*Contrast arm bath excellent for flushing out the metabolic build up.
Note: ask your massage therapist for stretching and strengthen exercises.
(Reference: Linda Ludwig CTP, Rattray. Karen barrow, Helthology)
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