Two techniques that can change how you treat carpal tunnel

Figuring out how best to treat carpal tunnel syndrome in Grand Rapids, Michigan, can be a chore. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when tendons and nerves in the wrist become pinched. Every patient deals with different levels of pain from this issue, and this wrist condition can affect each patient’s daily life differently. However, there are two physical therapy techniques that can help you treat carpal tunnel syndrome. 

1.   Making changes to home and workplace ergonomics

Most people don’t stop to think about the angle their wrists are at when they’re typing. These types of considerations are part of a discipline called ergonomics, and physical therapists in your area are well-versed in this important discipline. Ergonomics is a field of study that seeks to improve the way you function and move in your daily life. 

However, ergonomic issues like poor wrist support or placement can easily lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. This is especially likely if you spend lots of time on the computer at work. A physical therapist can help you find ways to use ergonomics to treat carpal tunnel. An example is that they can help you change the ergonomics of your workstation so that your wrists are better supported. This may include providing you with recommendations about keyboards, your computer mouse or your office chair. 

2.   Getting your wrist moving again with joint mobilization

Another technique your physical therapist can use to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is joint mobilization. The wrist is a joint that’s designed to move in multiple directions. A common reaction to the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome is to move your wrist less to decrease the pain. However, this lack of movement may not have the effect you intend, and it can actually lead to an increase in your wrist pain. 

Using joint mobilization movements, physical therapists can help loosen up the wrist joint. In turn, the increased movement can reduce pain. In addition it can improve blood flow to the wrists, and joint mobilization may also lead to decreased inflammation in your wrist. This technique and a combination of other helpful therapy methods can help speed up your recovery. 

Find out how carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated at Advent Physical Therapy in Grand Rapids, MI

At Advent Physical Therapy, our team is ready to help you find the most effective treatment for your carpal tunnel syndrome. Our Grand Rapids clinic offers free screenings to help you get started with your treatment. We also build physical therapy plans that are personalized to the needs of each patient, and your plan may include therapy techniques such as: 

• Ergonomic recommendations
• Kinesiology taping
• Joint mobilization
• Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)

Take the next step to get our help with your wrist pain. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.