
Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist. The normal tissue pressure within the carpal tunnel is about 3-7 mm Hg, but when the nerve is compressed, the pressure can be greater than 30 mm Hg.
Symptoms include:
● Numbness and tingling
● Pain
● Changes in sensation in the hand, usually thumb, index, middle and thumb side of ring fingers
● Hand weakness
● Decreased grip strength

Patients may notice that their symptoms worsen with gripping such as holding a steering wheel or the time of day such as in the morning or night. Some patients may feel their symptoms alleviate or improve after shaking their hand. As the carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, the numbness and/or tingling may become more constant and atrophy of the thumb muscles may occur.
Here at Walnut Physical Therapy we can help treat carpal tunnel syndrome. The physical therapist will perform an evaluation which may include wrist range of motion, wrist and grip strength and special tests for the nerves. After the initial evaluation, the physical therapist will create a treatment program for the patient. The treatment program may include mobility and flexibility exercises, manual therapy, and strengthening exercises to help improve the patient’s daily life activities.
-Leanne Komoda, PT, DPT
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