Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) refers to compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist into the hand. This nerve controls feeling and movement for the thumb side of the hand. Compression causes numbness, tingling, weakness, and muscle damage. CTS commonly affects the dominant hand of middle-aged women but can occur in anyone.
While an exact cause is often unknown, contributing factors include anatomy, inflammation and tightness of irritated muscle, and repetitive hand use. Tight spaces through the wrist joint also raise risk for nerve compression over time. Common symptoms thus include:
Numbness/tingling in thumb, index and middle fingers
Wrist/hand pain that disrupts sleep
Weakened grip strength
Without proper treatment, symptoms can worsen and permanent nerve damage may occur.
The Active Release Technique Approach
Active Release Techniques (ART) serves as an effective hands-on treatment approach for carpal tunnel syndrome. This method focuses on relieving nerve compression contributing to symptoms.
ART uses precise manual pressure while moving the affected tissues through range of motion patterns. Key treatment goals include:
Releasing tension in muscles/tendons of the wrist, forearm and shoulder
Breaking down scar tissue adhesions constricting nerve passage
Restoring proper movement mechanics of the wrist and hand
Reducing inflammation related to tissue damage
This very effective technique reestablishes space within the carpal tunnel, takes pressure off the median nerve, and allows improved functionality.
The ART Treatment Process
ART treatment begins with an evaluation by a certified practitioner identifying problem areas, limitations, and reproduction of symptoms with provocative testing.
The provider then uses manual tools and tension through precise positions and movements to release adhesions in soft tissues from the shoulder down to the hand. This allows tissues to properly slide and glide while decompressing the median nerve.
Treatment may cause mild discomfort due to pressure and stretching sensations. However, pain should never be sharp or intense.
Combining ART with Rehabilitation Exercises
While ART can effectively treat current CTS issues, proper rehabilitation is key to maximizing outcomes and preventing recurrence of symptoms.
Targeted stretching and strengthening helps retrain normal motion, enhance nerve gliding ability, and stabilize the wrist. This might involve:
Wrist flexor/extensor stretches
Forearm supination/pronation efficiency
Nerve and tendon gliding exercises
Finger and grip strengthening
Following the recommended exercise program while avoiding aggravating activities facilitates full rehabilitation.
Keep Moving
Active Release Techniques serves as an effective manual therapy treatment for addressing carpal tunnel syndrome. This hands-on approach focuses on releasing tension in soft tissues constricting the median nerve as it traverses the wrist. Combining ART with proper post-treatment rehabilitation provides the best opportunity for resolving nerve compression issues for good.
Contact Performance Care Stretch Clinic to learn how Active Release Techniques can improve your symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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