Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a very common, disabling condition that affects the median nerve by impairing wrist and hand function.
Symptoms: pain (localized and surrounding), paresthesia in the hand and fingers, weakness, numbness, loss of coordination, limited range of motion, stress and nocturnal pain interrupting the sleep cycle.
Cause: speculated inhibitors include fracture, dislocation and swelling in the wrist, vascular deficiency of the median nerve or direct pressure to the nerve.
Treatment
Registered Massage Therapists May Help:
- Reduce nerve pain and tenderness
- Increase coordination
- Increase strength and range of motion through exercises
- Promote relaxation and better sleep
- Reduce numbness and facilitate circulation in the upper body
Research
How massage therapy can help carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is normally developed through repeated hand movements. Research shows that patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel showed relief from the use of ergonomic keyboards, exercises, alongside massage therapy. (Verhagen et al. (2009). Cochrane database of Systematic reviews. 7-42.)
Massage therapy and slowing down CTS
Massage therapy research has shown that massage can often reduce and slow down the progression of carpal tunnel symptoms. According to a recent study by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Florida, massage therapy helped to reduce pain, increase grip strength and reduce carpal tunnel symptoms for participants who were computer operators or word-processors (Field et al 2004 Touch Research Institute. 2004,5(1):1-7.)