Methods Of Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy can be employed by qualified physical therapists and doctors. The treatment uses high-frequency sound waves to reduce inflammation, and some studies have suggested it can provide symptom relief for up to six months. Unlike other treatments, it has no known side effects. Recent research demonstrated it was much better than a placebo in terms of pain relief, and tests of grip strength and pinching abilities showed the majority of patients treated with ultrasound had significant improvements in these markers. Most ultrasound therapy sessions last twenty to thirty minutes, and patients may have sessions several times a week. Before choosing ultrasound therapy as a treatment option, individuals may wish to ask their primary care physician or specialist for a list of experienced providers in their city. Other treatments can be safely combined with ultrasound, and patients may also have ultrasound treatments after surgical intervention.

Yoga For The Wrists And Hands

Yoga for the wrists and hands has helped many patients with carpal tunnel syndrome to reduce pain and improve their grip strength. Specific yoga routines that promote hand and wrist health have been designed, and these emphasize poses that open, stretch, and strengthen the joints and muscles in the upper limbs. To stretch the wrists, the prayer position (Anjali Mudra) can be especially effective. This particular stretch enables the participant to easily control the amount of pressure placed on their wrists. Patients performing this activity should ensure they stop the stretch at a comfortable point that does not cause any pain. For individuals who can flex their wrists completely without pain, adopting the prayer pose behind the back may be beneficial. Opening the shoulders may also be helpful in relieving pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, and both the cow face pose and the eagle pose are simple stretches that could encourage this. Certain yoga positions might place too much pressure on the wrists for patients experiencing carpal tunnel issues, and modifying these poses is recommended. For example, the downward dog exercise can be adapted by using closed fists instead of flat palms to reduce pressure on the wrists. Some patients may also wish to perform it by placing their forearms flat on their mat; this will completely eliminate any weight on the wrists.