Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is quite common and in fact statistics show that in the U.S., one in every 20 people suffers this condition. People with this condition initially experience pain in their wrists and hands however over time, the pain will eventually affect the entire arm.
What causes this pain? The pain occurs when a patient’s tendons and median nerve in their carpal tunnel experience pressure. As the pressure increases in this region, the patient experiences pain, weakness, numbness, and/or tingling in his/her fingers, hand, and wrist.
With the pain sometimes incredibly unbearable, some patients opt for surgery to relieve their pain. The good news is that with Fusion Physical Therapy, you need not undergo surgery. Our physical therapists are specialized in returning patients’ fingers, hands, and arms back to normal.
But what brings about CTS?
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
While CTS is common among people who spend most of their day in front of their computers, the condition has an even higher incidence rate among people who work in assembly line-related professions.
The following are the known causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
- Using tools that vibrate on your hands, e.g. steering heavy machinery
- Playing handball and other sports that very much use hands and arms
- Extended use of fingers, e.g. on a computer’s keyboard
- Playing the guitar, violin, and other stringed instruments
- Sewing
Symptoms and signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In its early stages, CTS signs are noticeable at night. However, over time, the signs and symptoms begin to manifest in the daytime.
The signs and symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:
- Burning pains
- Needle and pin-like pain
- Numbness in fingers and hands
- Unexplained weakness in hands
- Unintentionally losing your grip on things in your hands
- Difficulty with holding heavy things
- Tingling
With this understanding of the causes and signs of this condition, let us answer the question: how can the Fusion Physical Therapy experts help? How do physical therapists treat CTS?
How our physical therapists treat CTS
Physical therapists at Fusion Physical Therapy are certified and licensed. They work in tandem with qualified doctors, accurately diagnosing and treating people suffering from CTS.
Before treatment, our specialists take time to conduct extensive exams that give a clear and full picture of the condition, including its cause and the best way to treat it.
Among other things, the physical therapists conduct a neck examination, sensory tests, wrist flexion tests, electrical studies, x-rays, the strength and grip of a patient’s fingers and thumb, and tinel’s sign tests.
After the extensive evaluation the physical therapists at Fusion Physical Therapy will partner with you to create a customized treatment plan to help you alleviate the pain caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Contact us today at Fusion Physical Therapy and we will answer any question you may have regarding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.