Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common condition that causes numbness and tingling in the arm and hand. The carpal tunnel is a small tunnel made up of small carpal bones that protects the tendons responsible for moving the fingers and the thumb. The median nerve passes through the tunnel and provides sensation to your index finger, thumb, middle finger and the thumb side of the ring finger.
What is the cause?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused when carpal tunnel walls put pressure on the median nerve. This pressure can be caused by a number of factors such as narrowed tunnel walls, or when tissues that surround the carpal tunnel swell. When the nerve is pressured, it causes carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are the symptoms?
- Tingling and/or numbness in the hand and arm area
- Acute burning pain in the hand and arm area
- Apparent hand weakness and clumsiness
Dr. Petersen is well trained to correctly diagnose and treat carpal tunnel syndrome. We utilize the most advanced Physiotherapy Techniques using ART active release technique, Graston, E-stem, Class 4 laser, Cold laser and specialized exercises to get you back to your activity in the shortest time possible.
Tests
- Tinel’s sign
Tinel’s sign is a way to detect irritated nerves. Dr. Petersen will locate and tap over the median nerve on the wrist. A tingling sensation in the fingers may be produced and if so, it could indicate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. - Wrist flexion test (Phalen test)
The Doctor will direct the patient to rest their elbows on a bench or table and ask the patient to allow the wrists to simply fall forward in a flexed position. Sensation such as tingling or numbness may appear, and if so then this may indicate Carpal tunnel syndrome. - X-rays
If Dr. Petersen suspects evidence of trauma or arthritis, then an X-ray may be needed to rule these things out. - Electromyography (EMG)
Dr. Petersen may order this study to determine whether or not the median nerve is entrapped or how well it is working. EMG measures muscle response or electrical activity in response to a nerve’s stimulation of the muscle. The test is used to help detect neuromuscular issues and is performed by a neurologist.
Treatments
- Pain reduction
Stopping or decreasing the activity that causes the pain is the main goal of our first treatment segment. Applying ice and heat alternatively throughout the day will help with both pain and inflammation. Our Class 4 laser treatment is very effective for this segment. - A range of treatments to restore oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissue
- Class 4 laser
- Graston Technique Therapy
Successful in effectively treating all soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic, acute or post- surgical. - E-stim
Electric muscle stimulation using a device that delivers electronic pulses to motor nerves through electrodes placed on the skin, causing a motor response to achieve a number of desired results.
- Exercise and proper stretching
Effective physiotherapy regiment to both decrease pain and restore proper function.