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Massage Techniques for Carpal Tunnel
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Massage therapy can be a very effective tool in treating Carpal Tunnel syndrome and often it is the missing link in conventional
treatment that leads to a cure. At the very least, massage is an excellent preventative measure that can reduce the advancement to a
more severe state. Treatment should not be limited to the wrist/forearm and should cover the area from the clavicles and scalenes, down
the arm past the wrist to the palm of the hand.
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Please note, caution must be used when massaging of muscles for Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Any techniques that simulate
or aggravate the pain for the client must be avoided. The following information should be only after consulting your medical practioner.
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There are several important factors to note when considering massage for Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Direct manipulation of the damaged nerve is highly detrimental and
can easily cause other problems. Direct pressure on the carpal tunnel region should be applied rarely and always with great caution.
In non-severe cases, myofascial stretching over the flexor retinaculum has proved helpful in reducing the aggravating
symptoms although this technique should not be used if it aggravates the symptoms. In some cases, overuse and hypertonicity of the flexors of
the wrist and fingers may be the main problem and attention to these muscles is essential (beginning with gentle pressure - too little
is better than too much). Deep longitudinal stripping and compression-broadening strokes can be used on the forearm flexors in an
attempt to regain optimum tone in these tissues.
As mentioned above, it is important to address all the regions of the upper arm and neck as the median nerve may be compressed
in a number of other locations. Indeed, in some cases the median nerve may be entrapped in one of these other locations and
not in the carpal tunnel though the symptoms may be identical. Too often, median nerve entrapment is not thoroughly treated because attention is
focused only on the carpal tunnel and not on those related areas.
Studies have shown that Carpal Tunnel syndrome symptoms are lessened following massage therapy (1). Massage lead to a significant reduction in
pain and reduced symptoms as well as improved functional capabilities such as increased grip strength.
(1). Touch Research Institute at University of Miami. T. Field, etc. Originally published in the
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2004, Vol 8, pp9-14.
Please note: if you are suffering from this condition (or think you may be) then you should consult your health care practitioner. The advice given here is only of a general nature and specific cases require specific treatment. Inner West Massage accepts no responsibility.
Any information, advice, recommendations, statements or otherwise contained herein, or in any other communication made by or attributed to Inner West Massage and its representatives, whether oral or in writing, is not intended to replace or to be a substitute for medical advice trained by a trained physician or healthcare practitioner.
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For more information about other specific injuries or conditions please click on the relevant link
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