How Physical Therapy Can Combat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Candace was a hairstylist who loved her work. Every day, she looked forward to chatting with her customers as she helped them look their best. After ten years in the business, she had built up an impressive roster of clients–but she’d also developed some worrying symptoms, too.
It started with a “pins and needles” sensation in her hands and fingers, especially at night. However, as time passed, she began to experience the sensation at work. Between appointments, Candace frequently found herself shaking out her hands, trying to alleviate her discomfort.
Eventually, that tingling sensation became more pronounced, and it was often accompanied by pain throughout her hand. Candace started to find once-simple motions–like snipping off dead ends or giving a vigorous shampoo–much more difficult.
That was when Candace visited the team at Anders & Associates Physical Therapy. We reviewed her symptoms, examined her hand and wrist, and gave her the diagnosis: carpal tunnel syndrome. We also provided a wealth of non-surgical treatments to help Candace manage her condition so she could go back to making her clients feel beautiful.
Are you experiencing similar symptoms? Have you recently received a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis? Our team can help you, too. Call us today to learn more!
What Exactly Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Because carpal tunnel syndrome is relatively common, most of us have a vague idea of what it entails: mainly that it involves the hands, fingers, and wrists and that it’s associated with certain jobs (like computer work).
These two things are true but don’t provide the complete picture. Carpal tunnel syndrome gets its name from the carpal tunnel, a structure of bones, ligaments, and tendons that runs from your wrist into your hands. It serves as a passageway for the median nerve, one of the major nerves in your upper extremities.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes trapped in the carpal tunnel, leading to the many symptoms we associate with the condition:
- Weakened grip
- Pain or numbness in the hand
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in your fingers
- Swelling in your fingers
- Pain or numbness that increases at night
These symptoms usually develop gradually. At first, you may only experience them at night. But if you leave the condition untreated, you’ll begin experiencing symptoms during the day, especially after small hand movements (as Candace experienced).
Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Physical Therapy
If your carpal tunnel syndrome is still in the early stages, we’ve got good news: physical therapy alone may be enough to manage your symptoms! Experts recommend addressing carpal tunnel syndrome with conservative methods before opting for surgery–an approach that can save you money in the long run.
Here’s what we’ll do:
Offer drug-free pain management:
We can show you different options for managing hand pain, such as hot or cold therapy.
Develop strategies to manage your symptoms:
Many people develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive hand motions, often at their job. Adjusting your posture, using proper equipment, and taking frequent breaks during the day can all help slow the condition’s progression.
Prescribe therapeutic exercises:
Targeted finger and hand stretching exercises can help improve mobility, while strengthening exercises can help decrease symptoms.
Provide a night splint:
Splinting immobilizes your wrist at night, reducing discomfort so you can get a full night’s sleep.
Often, these techniques are enough to minimize symptoms so that you don’t need to bother with surgery at all. Unfortunately, sometimes surgery is necessary to fully manage carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if you didn’t start treatment early enough.
The good news is carpal tunnel release surgery is a relatively minor outpatient surgery. However, it will still require rehabilitation afterward, and our team can guide you through the process. We’ll help reduce scar tissue and restore strength to your wrist so you can enjoy the benefits of your procedure.
Call Us Today To Learn More
Carpal tunnel syndrome may be common, but it’s not something you have to live with. The team of physical therapists at Anders & Associates Physical Therapy will work with you to find a treatment plan that suits your needs, including helping you manage work tasks that might worsen your symptoms.
Ready to get started? Call to schedule your consultation today!
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Return to Anders and Associates Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
November Word Scramble
nrbareycr
tfuisngf
ouoarncpic
iamylf
drapea
altkunhf
Answer Key
cranberry
stuffing
cornucopia
family
parade
thankful
These 3-Ingredient Cranberry-Brie Bites are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and flaky — a crowd-pleasing treat for any holiday gathering. Simple to make and impossible to resist, they’ll disappear from your table in minutes!
Feel Better by Eating Better!
3-Ingredient Cranberry-Brie Bites
- 1 (7 to 8 ounce) prepared pie crust (1/2 of a 14-ounce package)
- ½ cup prepared cranberry sauce or homemade, divided
- 3 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 24 pieces, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (Optional)
Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly coat a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
Unroll pie crust onto a cutting board or clean surface. Flatten dough to about 12 inches in diameter. Cut 24 2-inch circles out of the dough with a biscuit cutter, rerolling scraps if needed. Place the dough circles in the prepared muffin cups, gently pressing on the bottom and sides. Prick the dough with a fork. Bake until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven.
Add 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce to each cup, then top with a piece of Brie. Return to the oven and bake until the sauce is hot and the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes more. Let cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chives, if desired, and serve warm.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“The best PT in Las Vegas. Highly recommended!”
-Justin P.
We’ve Expanded!
Anders & Associates is excited to announce the opening of our brand-new clinic in Las Vegas! We’re now open and accepting patients!
📍 New location: 6620 Sky Pointe Drive, Suite 130, Las Vegas, NV 89131
Exercise of the Month
MEDIAN NERVE GLIDE
Stand tall with your arm extended in front of you at shoulder height, palm facing up. Use your opposite hand to gently grasp your thumb. Slowly extend your wrist and fingers back. Return to the starting position with control. Perform the motion gently and smoothly.
3 Sets, 10 Reps (each arm).
Innovative Approaches to Physical Wellness this Thanksgiving Season
Thanksgiving is more than just a day of feasting; it’s a time to come together and celebrate what we’re thankful for. While traditional advice often emphasizes the basics, let’s elevate your approach to physical well-being this season with these cutting-edge tips:
- Dynamic Warm-Up Before the Turkey Trot: If you’re planning a Thanksgiving morning run or family games, forget old-school stretching. Use a dynamic warm-up to prep your muscles and boost your range of motion.
- Text Neck Prevention: As we catch up on social media or text friends and family Thanksgiving wishes, “text neck” can be a real issue. Counteract this by sitting tall or not at all and doing neck stretches every hour.
- Mindfulness Through Movement: Instead of sitting to meditate or relax, try combining mindfulness with gentle movements like Tai Chi or a light stroll through the neighborhood.
Embrace your health by prioritizing your physical and mental well-being to ensure you have the best Thanksgiving yet! 🦃
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Meet Our Team
Kyra Moore
PT Technician
Jazmine Adame
PT Technician
Danesha Roberts
Front Office Manager
