¿Debería someterse a fisioterapia para el síndrome del túnel carpiano?
Do you have shooting pain or stiffness in your wrists sometimes? If so, you may benefit from exploring physical therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome. As a trusted provider of physical therapy in New York, Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care has mastered several ways to effectively treat carpal tunnel symptoms. Keep reading to learn about carpal tunnel syndrome and what your physical therapist may recommend if you go this route to treat your condition. What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? The carpal tunnel is the part of the wrist where nerves and tendons (such as the wrist extensor) run through a passageway of wrist bones and ligaments. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when these tendons become inflamed and put pressure on the median nerve. According to one study from Michigan State University, carpal tunnel-related pain consists of 90% focal neuropathy cases, where nerve pain relates to only a few nerves sustaining damage. While some cases are acute, many people experience CTS as a chronic issue. Reasons People Develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome According to one literature review by Alessia Genova, about 6% of men and 9% of women experience carpal tunnel problems. Risk factors for developing the condition seem to include being female, having diabetes, sustaining an injury, obesity, reaching the age of 40, or having a job with repetitive hand movements. What causes carpal tunnel syndrome? Anatomical changes like injury or arthritis Nerve damage, such as diabetes-related changes Wear and tear from repetitive wrist movement Tumors that put pressure on the median nerve Signs You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Common symptoms of CTS to take note of include the following: Hand or wrist pain, particularly in your thumb or index and middle fingers Numbness in any finger except your pinky An “electric shock” feeling running through your hand or wrist Reduced mobility or dexterity in your wrist Poor sleep from prolonged pain Pain, numbness, or weakness in your thumb If you notice any of these signs, physical therapy for carpal tunnel may help. Diagnosis and Screening of Carpal Tunnel Issues How does a physical therapist test for and diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome? Clinical Examination The physical therapist will start by taking your medical and family history to determine your risk factors. For example, they may ask whether you’ve recently experienced an injury, performed repeated hand or wrist tasks at work, or had trouble with simple daily tasks because of the pain. The physical therapist will also physically examine your wrist for signs of inflammation or injury. Imaging Test Your chosen physical therapist might order some imaging tests for increased certainty before developing a treatment plan. Some common tests to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome include the following: X-ray: An X-ray can’t diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. However, your provider might use the images to rule out other causes of wrist pain, such as a fracture or arthritis. Ultrasound: An ultrasound can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome effectively. Magnetic resonance imaging: A radiopeadia.org article revised in 2023 reported that MRIs maintain up to 100% sensitivity for the nerves in your wrist. It’s extremely effective in diagnosing CTS. Conduction Studies The medical professional may also use conduction studies, which employ electrodes on your wrist to determine how effectively they contract and rest. Electromyography uses small needles to measure how your muscle responds to electrical impulses. A nerve conduction study tapes these electrodes to facilitate sending a shock through the muscles. How Physical Therapy Treats Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Effective treatment plans use physical therapy for carpal tunnel via several approaches to reduce your symptoms, including the following: Immobilization Because carpal tunnel syndrome worsens with repeated use, your physical therapist will sometimes recommend frequent breaks from repetitive moments. The aim would be to move your wrist as little as possible (a splint could help you restrict movement, as well). Pain Management Inflammation is a primary source of pain from carpal tunnel pressure, so your physical therapist might also suggest NSAIDs. However, as a risk to your liver and stomach, these medications cannot be a long-term solution. In more severe or prolonged cases, your provider may suggest corticosteroid injections and cold and heat treatments to effectively reduce your pain. Wrist Strengthening The primary way the physical therapist can treat CTS is through wrist stretches and exercises that can strengthen your muscles. Stronger muscles will reduce inflammation and improve function in your wrist, leading to positive long-term results and a quicker recovery. Referrals In the minority of patients, conservative treatments don’t effectively treat CTS. When this happens, your physical therapist may refer you to a surgeon. Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care Provides Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Therapy To Help You Heal Could you benefit from carpal tunnel syndrome therapy? If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and compassionate team, reach out to Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care’s qualified doctors. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! We aim for 100% customer satisfaction, so our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for pain management. Frequently Asked Questions Here are the answers to the most common questions about carpal tunnel and physical therapy. What Activities Should You Avoid With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Activities you should avoid with carpal tunnel syndrome include repetitive wrist movements like typing, knitting, painting, or playing a musical instrument. If you can’t avoid these activities, take a 15-minute break every 45 minutes and apply ice and heat. What Triggers Carpal Tunnel Flare-Ups? Repetitive movements are most likely to cause carpal tunnel flare-ups due to the inflammation they cause. Another wrist injury, such as catching yourself when you fall, can also exacerbate these symptoms. Can Physical Therapy Treat Carpal Tunnel? Yes, physical therapy for carpal tunnel treatment has a long history of success. While physical therapy isn’t 100% effective at treating the condition, the majority of patients find a significant or complete reduction in their symptoms. One study from Spain also confirms that physical therapy offers better long-term