The carpal tunnel release procedure is one that aims to treat the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, where the wrist and arm bones place pressure on the median nerve, causing you to experience pain and discomfort. The carpal tunnel release procedure involves cutting the carpal ligament to ease pressure from the nerve. While this procedure is performed using small incisions, recovery can be slow and should involve physical therapy exercises. Because your muscles have likely deconditioned due to carpal tunnel syndrome, exercises can help strengthen them.
Wrist Flexion/Extension
The wrist flexion/extension exercise involves regaining range of motion in the wrist. Begin by placing your forearm and wrist on a table or desk with your hand hanging off the table. This will support your forearm as you move the hand toward the ground. Point your fingers and palm toward your body as much as possible, feeling a stretch in the front of the wrist. Hold this position for five seconds, then reverse the motion to pull the hand back toward your body -- feel a stretch underneath your wrist. Hold this position for five seconds, and then release the stretch to return to your starting position. Repeat the back-and-forth stretch four times.
Finger Open and Close
The finger open and close exercise helps relieve tension in the fingers, which can lose sensation due to carpal tunnel syndrome. To perform, spread the fingers as wide as you possibly can. Hold this position for five seconds, then release the stretch and pull the fingers in to make a ball with your fist. Your thumb should be tucked under your four fingers to provide a better stretch. Hold this position for three to five seconds, then release. Repeat the open and close motion three to five times.
Median Nerve Gliding
The median nerve gliding exercise targets the median nerve, which was previously pressed upon before your surgery. To perform, sit with the elbow of your affected arm on a table or desk and your hand in the air. Lift the hand and forearm off the table to where your palm is facing toward you. Slightly turn the pinkie side of your hand toward your body so you feel a stretch on the outer portion of your forearm. Hold this position for five seconds, then reverse the motion to stretch the opposite side, bringing the thumb portion of the hand closer to your body, so you feel a stretch on the inner portion of your forearm. Repeat the back-and-forth motion five times.
Thumb Rotations
The thumb rotations exercise helps relieve thumb joint pain and helps soothe the median nerve. Hold your hand in the air in a comfortable position with your fingers slightly spread out. Gently make clockwise circles 10 times with your thumb, then reverse the motion to repeat in a counterclockwise motion. Rest for 30 seconds, and then repeat two additional times.
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