Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a multifaceted problem and the main treatment options for pain relief of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are:
- Surgery
A simple operation called "Carpal Tunnel Release" is performed (if the pains of carpal tunnel syndrome persist, or are severe), which involves the ligament being cut to release the pressure on the median nerve. Surgery is almost always the last resort for relief of pain that can not be treated successfully in any other way. After Carpal Tunnel Release surgery, patients typically require exercise rehabilitation. Though uncommon, symptoms can recur after surgery.
- Physiotherapy
The procedure directs specifically towards the pattern of pain / symptoms and dysfunction assessed by the therapist. It includes a range of modalities ranging from soft tissue massage, conservative stretches and exercises, splints, and techniques to directly mobilize the nerve tissue. Although these pain relief methods can often be effective, the patient is required to devote a good bit of time to attend treatment and therapy appointments.
- Prevention
Although some of things like heredity (genes) and and illness (diabetes, renal failure) are unavoidable, there are still many easy, effective ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome:
- ergonomic modifications to the home and workplace
- therapeutic chairs
- ergonomic keyboards
- ergonomic computer mouse
- wrist rests, and
- wrist braces and splints
– but pain relief is often short-term.
For long-term pain relief, it is recommended to perform a program of active stretches and exercises to eliminate pain and to promote muscle balance in and around the carpal tunnel. This relieves pressure on the median nerve and alleviates the disabling pain and other symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. By exercising the muscles in the hand, wrist, forearm and shoulder (to promote optimal muscle balance), one dramatically reduces the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. (9)
- Stretches and Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief
There are a number of different exercises and stretches that have been traditionally recommended for Carpal Tunnel pain relief. Some of those wrist exercises are listed here.
There have also been some recent innovations in the field of brain-body relationships which have led to the development of some deceptively simple exercises which have been demonstrating very positive results. Please read on to learn more about this new methodology for carpal tunnel pain relief. This new technique is the basis for the free carpal tunnel exercises offered on this site.
NEXT: A New Exercise Technique for Carpal Tunnel Relief?
OR: Try the Free Carpal Tunnel Exercise Program
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