Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is more common and Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) can help ease your pain. Now more than ever, most people rely upon technological devices. If we are not at a desk hunched forward over a keyboard, then we are likely tapping our thumbs on our phones. Is it any wonder we are seeing more patients suffering with finger cramps, hand weakness, and shooting, shock like pains into fingertips. It might be carpal tunnel syndrome and your registered massage therapist (RMT) can help ease the pain.
How do you develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Between the small bones in your wrist lies the “carpal tunnel” in which a nerve travels that stimulates your hand. When the muscles in the forearm become too tight or the tissue around the space becomes inflamed and irritated, the nerve can easily be pinched causing pain and weakness in the hand. Typing for long hours and the repetitive movement of the fingers causes irritation as all the small tendons rub together. Sitting up straight in your chair and keeping your keyboard in a position low enough so that the wrists remain neutral can help prevent further irritation but will not help to solve the acute pain.
What can my RMT do?
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome or not, treatment with your RMT will be effective. In most cases, treatments such as surgery are suggested and include cutting the carpal ligament in order to relieve pressure on the nerve. While this course of action works in some people, in many cases symptoms return and patients often have recurring symptoms of numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand and wrist. Seeking treatment after already being diagnosed is highly recommended before trying surgery. Breaking down scar tissue from the area and elongating the forearm muscles is often the best route of treatment.
Even though massage is highly recommended for conditions such as prevention or treatment of carpal tunnel, it’s important to note that more often than not, one treatment will not be enough to completely alleviate symptoms of a condition that has been caused by repetition over many years, however subsequent treatments often prove very successful.
If you are are suffering from weakness in your hands, sharp pain in your wrists and forearms or if you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, consider booking an appointment with one of our Registered Massage Therapists. Your wrists will thank you.