It can start as simple tingling or numbness in the wrist, hand and fingers, but if left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can be a major pain in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is an opened area that runs from the wrist joint to the hand and helps to shelter the median nerve. The median nerve controls sensation in the palm, thumb and fingers. What frequently happens in cases of carpal tunnel is that the median nerve gets pinched, resulting in numbness, tingling and pain. There are several ways to treat carpal tunnel syndrome but, if it becomes too severe, surgery is an option that can take care of the condition permanently. Rehabilitation is a high priority for those who have undergone the operation. With current methods, like endoscopic surgery, recovery time can be as little as 6 to 12 weeks for full range of motion.
Initial Exercises
Doctors will generally have you working with a physical therapist mere days after the surgery. Because you will still have stitches, the initial therapeutic exercises will be basic. These exercises revolve around range of motion for the wrist, hand and fingers. Wrist rotations, opening and closing the hand, and bending the fingers will be about it for the time being. A therapist will also use light massage, ice packs and assisted stretching to begin building flexibility.
Post-Stitch Exercises
Once stitches are removed, you will be allowed to do some exercises that require more of the carpal area and the muscles and joints of the hand. Regardless of the fact that the surgery is an outpatient procedure, there is still some healing time involved, so overdoing it could damage the surgically repaired area and create new problems. For this reason, it is wise not to overdo it. Gripping exercises with a squeeze ball and lifting light weight with the fingers are two exercises that you may encounter once the stitches are taken out.
Advanced Exercises
Over time, your hand should start feeling like normal. The typical time to return to post-operative normality is anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. The therapist will likely have you do range of motion exercises the entire time, adding new exercises like the squeeze ball as you advance. The last stage should involve exercises that build up the joint for occupational or recreational usage. If you type on a keyboard all day, the therapy program will be centered around not only prevention exercises but exercises that help minimize risk as well.
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