Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Kansas City
Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Kansas City
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) involves the median nerve that runs through your forearm and supplies sensory and motor function to the hand. As the median nerve enters the palm of the hand, it passes under a ligamentous band (the transverse carpal ligament). This ligament, along with the bones of the wrist (the carpal bones) together form the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel can become irritated due to hormonal factors, but is most commonly caused by repetitive work with the hands and wrists.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
- Pain in the hand, wrist or forearm
- Numbness and/or tingling in the thumb, index finger and middle finger
- Decreased grip strength
- Difficulty with holding a pen or pencil
- Inability to perform precise movements or activities with the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Stiffness and a limited range of motion in the wrist
Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
While the aim of carpal tunnel surgery is to release the transverse carpal ligament and remove the compression from the median nerve, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can also be effectively treated with conservative management. Treatment interventions involve soft tissue therapy, such as ART or dry needling, to the muscles of the forearm and hand to release pressure in the surrounding area; joint mobilizations of the elbow, wrist and hand; nerve glides to improve mobility and health of the nerve; and strengthening exercises to restore present muscular imbalances. Postural corrections, ergonomic changes, and activity modification are often required for lasting relief of symptoms.
Our Treatment Process
F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic doctors will focus your treatment first around decreasing your symptoms and improving your ability to perform your daily activities. This is also the stage where we will discuss workplace set up and modifications that may need to be made to reduce the stress place on the wrist joint.
Once your pain or discomfort is managed, the emphasis will shift to re-educating and correcting movement patterns of the arm, which will include stabilizing the shoulder, elbow and wrist, strengthening the proper areas, and releasing any tightness throughout the upper extremity. It is important to note that your symptoms may in fact be stemming from your neck, which can very closely mimics those of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The team at F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic are experts at fully evaluating your individual problem and getting you on the road to recovery quickly.
Possible Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome
For other treatment options, check out our chiropractic services for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Active Release Technique
Active Release Technique (A.R.T) is one of the leading soft tissue therapies for the treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
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Dry Needling
Dry Needling is the process of using a thin needle inserted into a trigger point to relieve a contracture within a muscle.
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Rehabilitation Exercises
Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Exercise that favors quality movements over quantity of reps is key to restoring proper function.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Is there a carpal tunnel test you can perform?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed based on a thorough evaluation, history of your condition, and the symptoms you are experiencing. Our doctors utilize certain research-based orthopedic carpal tunnel tests to help determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are truly from carpal tunnel syndrome or something else.
How do I know if I need carpal tunnel surgery?
Carpal tunnel symptoms can oftentimes be treated with physical therapy and chiropractic care. However, should your symptoms not respond to a normal course of conservative treatment, our doctors will refer you to a specialist in hand surgery who can work with you to determine if surgery is your best option for carpal tunnel syndrome.
What are some carpal tunnel syndrome causes?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can caused by some hormonal factors, however the majority of cases are caused by repetitive movement of the hand, wrist, and forearm.
What is carpal tunnel release?
Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure to help reduce the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. It is a procedure in which the surgeon will cut the carpal tunnel, creating more space for the median nerve so as not to irritate it further.
Tell us about your pain.
Take a couple of minutes to tell us about your symptoms and pain areas. Prefer to chat over the phone? Call us for a free phone consultation.
Visit your local F.I.T. Physical Therapist
Meet the team at any of our 10 locations: Lee’s Summit, Crossroads, Blue Valley, Olathe, Kansas City, Liberty, Leawood, Paola, Overland Park & Shawnee.
