Are you struggling with pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome? Fortunately, research shows that physical therapy can help alleviate many of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are seeking treatment for carpal tunnel look no further than Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Northport. Our dedicated team of therapists will ensure that you can put your pain in the rearview mirror!
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that stems from pressure on the median nerve, which runs through your forearm to the hand and wrist on the palm side. When the nerve is under pressure, it compresses, causing several uncomfortable symptoms. It is believed that several common daily activities like using a computer mouse or driving heavy machinery that vibrates can put excessive pressure on the nerve, and over time this can lead to the development of carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome triggers a few main symptoms in the wrist and hand. Some of these symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Tingling and pain that moves through the forearm up to the shoulder
- A sensation of electric shocks in the fingers
- A weakness of the hand and wrist
- Numbness of fingers
Treating Your Carpal Tunnel With Physical Therapy
The goal of any type of physical therapy is to restore the patient to their prior condition and maximize functionality by reducing symptoms without surgery. Although there is no single cure for carpal tunnel syndrome, physical therapy in East Northport can work wonders for mitigating the symptoms by reducing pain and restoring the mobility of your fingers. Specifically, “gliding” exercises that focus on the median nerve and the surrounding tendons have proven to be effective in treating carpal tunnel.
A study of 120 women, half of whom had surgery and half who opted for physical therapy found that those who engaged in physical therapy had less pain and better mobility than those who had surgery. Physical therapy will teach you countless valuable exercises that focus on strengthening the hand and wrist, as well as improving flexibility.
Once mastered, these exercises can often be done at home at your own leisure. A key aspect of rehabbing carpal tunnel syndrome is only doing what you feel comfortable with. The phrase “no pain no gain” doesn’t apply here, as doing exercises you find painful will only make your condition worse. It takes a skilled physical therapist to determine the fine line where you are pushing yourself, but not too hard to the point where it is counterproductive.
How Can Physical Therapy in East Northport Help?
Beyond learning exercises that can help mitigate your carpal tunnel syndrome, physical therapists are extraordinarily skilled at helping you make slight changes to your life that can make a world of difference. For instance, changing your posture and your wrist positioning as you do certain tasks can alleviate some of the pressure on the median nerve, decreasing the severity of your symptoms.
Oftentimes, it is recommended that you wear a brace at night to ensure that the wrist is straight and the pressure placed on the median nerve is limited. Simple lifestyle changes like these can go a long way in helping treat carpal tunnel syndrome, and you will receive the best advice and treatment by visiting Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Northport.
Contact Us At Island Sports Physical Therapy in East Northport!
If you are seeking physical therapy in East Northport to alleviate your carpal tunnel symptoms, there simply is no better choice than Island Sports Physical Therapy. To schedule an appointment, contact us using this link!