Do you spend your 40-hour work week tied to a desk and chair? If so, you’re like many Americans. The downfall of computer-based work is the compromise it subjects the body to. We’ve all seen headlines about the cardiovascular risks of prolonged sitting, but the musculoskeletal toll often goes overlooked.

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.