At Agape Physical Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach to treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), aiming to alleviate symptoms, improve function, and prevent recurrence. Here's how we address CTS:
- Comprehensive Assessment: We begin by conducting a thorough evaluation to assess the severity of CTS, identify contributing factors, and tailor a treatment plan to the individual's needs. This assessment may include a review of medical history, physical examination, nerve conduction studies, and assessment of activities contributing to symptoms.
- Activity Modification: We identify activities and ergonomic factors that may exacerbate CTS symptoms and provide guidance on modifications to reduce stress on the median nerve. This may include adjustments to workstations, tool use, typing techniques, and leisure activities to minimize repetitive or forceful movements that can aggravate symptoms.
- Splinting: We may prescribe wrist splints to immobilize the wrist in a neutral position, relieving pressure on the median nerve during rest and activities. Splinting can help reduce pain, numbness, and tingling associated with CTS, particularly during nighttime sleep or activities that exacerbate symptoms.
- Therapeutic Exercises: We design a customized exercise program to improve flexibility, strength, and endurance in the wrist, hand, and forearm muscles. Exercises may include stretching to relieve tension on the median nerve, strengthening to support the wrist and hand, and nerve gliding exercises to promote optimal nerve function.
- Manual Therapy: Our therapists may employ hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and myofascial release to address muscular imbalances, reduce soft tissue restrictions, and improve joint mobility in the wrist and surrounding structures.
- Nerve Gliding Techniques: We teach nerve gliding exercises to gently mobilize and stretch the median nerve, promoting optimal nerve function and reducing compression within the carpal tunnel. Nerve gliding exercises can help alleviate symptoms and improve nerve mobility in individuals with CTS.
- Modalities: We may utilize therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and cold therapy to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling associated with CTS. These modalities can complement other treatment interventions and promote tissue healing and symptom relief.
- Education and Self-Management: We provide education on CTS causes, and contributing factors, as well as strategies for symptom management and prevention. This may include ergonomic principles, activity modification techniques, self-care strategies, and home exercises to support long-term management of CTS symptoms.
- Gradual Return to Activities: As symptoms improve, we guide patients through a gradual return to functional activities, work tasks, and recreational pursuits while monitoring for symptom exacerbation. We emphasize pacing, proper technique, and ergonomic principles to prevent recurrence of CTS symptoms.
- Collaborative Care: We collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as physicians, occupational therapists, and orthopedic specialists, to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for individuals with CTS. We may refer patients for further evaluation or interventions as needed to optimize outcomes and address underlying factors contributing to CTS.
At Agape Physical Therapy, our goal is to empower individuals with CTS to manage their symptoms effectively, improve function, and enhance their quality of life. If you're experiencing symptoms of CTS, don't hesitate to contact us for expert evaluation and personalized treatment tailored to your unique needs and goals.
