Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What It Is and How Physical Therapy Can Help
Chances are, you’ve heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, or maybe you’re experiencing it yourself. That familiar tingling or numbness in your fingers, the wrist pain that flares up at the keyboard, or the hand that suddenly feels weak and clumsy? That’s not something to brush off. It could be carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and if left untreated, it can lead to chronic discomfort or even long-term nerve damage.
The good news? You can often manage and recover from carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery, and physical therapy plays a major role.
🧠 Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
To understand carpal tunnel syndrome, it helps to start with the anatomy of your wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by bones and connective tissue. It houses the median nerve and the flexor tendons that allow you to move your fingers and wrist.
When repetitive motions like typing, gripping tools, or even poor wrist posture create strain in this area, inflammation can develop and compress the median nerve.
Common symptoms include:
Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
Burning or electrical sensations in the hand
Wrist pain that radiates up the arm
Weakness or clumsiness in the affected hand
Difficulty gripping or performing fine motor tasks
If not addressed early, symptoms can become more intense and interfere with daily life.
🔧 How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?
Surgery is sometimes needed in severe or advanced cases. However, many people recover successfully with conservative treatment and physical therapy is often the first step.
Here’s what modern research tells us about how PT can help manage and relieve carpal tunnel syndrome:
👐 Manual Therapy
Manual techniques can reduce pressure on the median nerve and restore mobility. These include:
Wrist mobilizations
Nerve gliding techniques
Soft tissue work along the forearm and cervical spine
A study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that patients who received manual therapy focused on the wrist and neck showed significant reductions in pain and improvements in function.
💪 Exercise & Strengthening
Targeted exercises strengthen the hand and wrist, improve grip, and promote tendon health.
A study in the Journal of Hand Therapy demonstrated that progressive resistance training improves function and decreases pain - especially when tailored to the patient’s daily demands.
🔄 Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises
These specific movements allow the median nerve and tendons to glide smoothly within the carpal tunnel, which decreases irritation and restores mobility. Research published in Hand Therapy supports their use for symptom relief and prevention of recurrence.
🔊 Ultrasound Therapy
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It’s a non-invasive treatment shown to reduce CTS symptoms, as noted in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America.
🛠️ Ergonomics and Lifestyle Adjustments
Repetitive strain and poor mechanics are often what cause or worsen CTS. PT also involves:
Workspace evaluations
Keyboard and mouse adjustments
Bracing or splinting when needed
Education on wrist positioning and activity modification
These small changes can make a big difference in preventing flare-ups.
🟢 The Bottom Line
Physical therapy offers a comprehensive, non-surgical path to healing for carpal tunnel syndrome. By combining hands-on care, exercise, and ergonomics, PT helps patients:
Reduce pain
Improve function
Avoid surgery
Return to work, workouts, and life pain-free
Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse.
If your hand is tingling, aching, or feeling weak, it’s time to take action. At Tualatin Valley Physical Therapy, we’ll assess your condition, design a personalized treatment plan, and guide you toward lasting relief.
📞 Call or book online. Same-day appointments available!
