Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that results in pain, stiffness, weakness, and numbness in the thumb, hand, and wrist. Repetitive motions typically cause the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Such repetitive motions of the wrist are common during computer or cashier work, for example, and are exacerbated by using poorly arranged equipment and desk setups. If treated early, carpal tunnel symptoms can be relieved through a variety of exercises and alterations in activity, usually under the guidance of a physical therapist.
Median Nerve Glides
In carpal tunnel syndrome, your median nerve is being trapped where it enters your hand at the wrist. Your physical therapist may choose to mobilize the median nerve by moving your hand, wrist, and elbow through a variety of motions. The purpose of these exercises is to allow the nerve to move through the structures that are trapping it as you move your hand. By doing so, these motions will simulate repetitive motions and stretches on your nerve.
Wrist Mobilization
Another way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is to increase the area for the median nerve to pass through. Wrist mobilization exercises are a series of specific stretches for the wrist joint that your physical therapist will put you through to increase the size of the carpal tunnel itself. This will increase the ability of the median nerve to move freely in the carpal tunnel.
Finger Dexterity
Fine motor skills involving the thumb and the first two or three fingers will help regain any weakness in your hand that may be the result of carpal tunnel syndrome. These exercises typically include touching the tips of each finger to the pad of your thumb. In addition, the physical therapist may have you use therapy putty or add rubber bands to your fingers for added resistance.
Activity Modification
Initially, your physical therapist will want to discover the source of your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Your therapist may suggest that you withhold from certain forms of activity or exercise that may bring about your symptoms. In addition, your therapist may suggest changes to your workstation. One exercise typically performed is to provoke the symptoms to identify what positions of the hand and wrist cause pain and weakness.
Splinting
To prevent provocation of pain and symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, your therapist may prescribe a wrist brace or splint. The purpose of the brace is to protect the nerve from becoming more entrapped in the carpal tunnel. In addition, many patients find that wearing the brace offers relief from pain, especially at nighttime.
