Living with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be tough. But regular massage therapy and bodywork sessions can provide effective, non-surgical relief for hand and wrist pain associated with this condition.
At Bodywork Masters, our licensed massage therapists specialize in treating carpal tunnel using customized bodywork techniques to reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist in the carpal tunnel area.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the wrist. It forms a tunnel that houses the median nerve and finger tendons.
When overused or inflamed, the tissues inside the carpal tunnel can swell and put pressure on the median nerve. This leads to:
Contributing factors include repetitive motions like typing, arthritis, pregnancy, anatomical susceptibility, past injuries, and diabetes.
Spotting and treating carpal tunnel syndrome early is key to prevent permanent nerve damage and loss of hand function.
The various techniques used in massage therapy and bodywork are very effective for relieving carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms by:
This full-body approach takes pressure off the median nerve and brings fresh blood to the area, providing quick and lasting relief from hand and wrist pain.
Proper assessment is important for tailoring massage therapy to each client’s one-of-a-kind needs. Carpal tunnel syndrome is rarely an issue just in the wrist alone. Our holistic approach looks at the whole body.
Our comprehensive assessment includes:
Looking at the whole body allows the bodyworker to customize the massage for your needs. They can find and treat all the areas causing tension and compression – not just the wrist. Releasing tightness in the muscles, fascia (connective tissue) and joints from your neck down to your hands provides more complete and longer-lasting relief.
At Bodywork Masters, our massage therapists use a combination of massage and bodywork techniques that help provide relief for carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Deep tissue massage uses slower motions and more pressure to reach deeper muscle layers and connective tissue. This helps in many ways:
Myofascial release uses gentle but firm pressure on the fascia tissue to bring it back to proper alignment. This technique helps by:
Trigger point therapy Trigger point therapy uses firm pressure on tight, painful knots in the muscles. This helps in a few ways:
Using these different massage techniques together is effective for relieving the numbness, tingling, and pain from carpal tunnel syndrome. We also educate clients on stretches, posture, and ergonomics to prevent re-injury after massage sessions.
Our client, Surya, a dentist, was struggling with worsening carpal tunnel symptoms for 3 months. Her hands would tingle and go numb during procedures, causing her to fumble instruments. At night, she had shooting pains in her wrists that made it hard to sleep. Over-the-counter meds weren’t helping anymore.
On a friend’s recommendation, she booked an appointment with Bodywork Masters. Her massage therapist did a thorough assessment and mapped out a treatment plan. Surya began coming in for weekly Deep Tissue Massage and Myofascial Release sessions, and was given advice on proper wrist stretches and ergonomics.
Within 4 weeks, Surya’s hand tingling and nighttime pains were virtually eliminated. She regained confidence handling dental instruments without fumbling. Regular bodywork maintenance sessions now keep her carpal tunnel symptoms under control so she can keep working comfortably.
Sessions are focused on the arms, wrists, hands and fingers, while also addressing related areas like the neck, shoulders and upper back.
Clients relax on the massage table while different techniques are applied using light and deep pressure based on comfort levels. Communication is very important, so clients should provide feedback to the therapist throughout.
Stretching, range of motion, and exercises may be incorporated to improve wrist mobility between massage sessions.
As the body continues healing over the first 2-4 weeks, some residual tenderness is common as inflamed tissues release. Resting, heat, stretching and hydrating will help manage this.
For severe numbness, tingling, and loss of function, more frequent therapy may be needed:
Starting bodywork early prevents prolonged nerve compression which can cause lasting damage.
At Bodywork Masters, our experienced therapists complete advanced training and stay current on the most effective massage and bodywork techniques for carpal tunnel relief.
We do a thorough assessment to create customized treatment plans based on each client’s unique needs and symptoms. You’ll never feel like “just another client” with us.
Our mission is to provide caring, patient-centered care. We listen to your needs and adjust our techniques to your comfort. No unrealistic promises – just honest, caring service.
Ready to experience the difference specialized bodywork makes? Book a carpal tunnel relief session today.
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