Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do you have carpal tunnel syndrome? I was recently contacted by someone who might have it who is experiencing a lot of pain in her hands. It's a nerve compression syndrome that can often be easily remedied with massage. The tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel can become inflamed from overuse, compressing the median nerve which they surround and often causing numbness in the thumb and first 2-3 fingers. If you have numbness only in the pinky & pinky side of the ring finger, it's a symptom of thoracic outlet syndrome, which is a different nerve compression. Call me to set up an appointment - 970-396-0102 - and try these self-care techniques in the meantime.

Self-care treatment

Hydrotherapy is used to get the blood flowing and decrease inflammation. It can either be done using clothing or a sheet - soak a thin long-sleeve shirt, gloves, or bed sheet in icy cold water. Wring it out, put on the clothing or wrap yourself in the sheet, then immediately cover yourself with something toasty warm - a heavy sweatshirt, gloves or blanket. Lay down, breathe deeply and relax. The initial icy cold can be a shock, but soon you start sweating & feel very relaxed. Compared to the ice-heat-ice method of decreasing inflammation, this is a more gentle way to do a vascular flush - pushing blood to your core then drawing it back as you warm up after it's been filtered through your body.

The most basic self-care you can do is drink plenty of water - dehydrated tissues are stiff & don't get the necessary nutrients to them; breathe deeply and imagine sending your breath to those areas of tension and pain; and take frequent short breaks to shake out your hands & arms and gently stretch. Click here for some stretches to help relieve carpal tunnel tension.