The light at the end of Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome results from increased pressure in the carpal tunnel and subsequent compression of the median nerve. The most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include genetic predisposition, history of repetitive wrist movements such as typing, or machine work as well as obesity, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy.[1] You are also more predisposed to get carpal tunnel after whiplash symptoms from a car accident.

Remedial Massage is a non-invasive and effective treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal Tunnel often presents as repetitive strain injury from administration work such as typing, combined with bad ergonomics, long hours and incorrect posture.

But what is 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome'? When muscles are strained during an activity the body sends cells to the area to heal the muscle fibres. This is called inflammation. Even slight swelling from inflammation can cause pain in the wrist as the median nerve becomes compressed. Immediate muscles in the area affected include: flexor carpi radials, palmarus longus, flexi carpi ulnaris (these muscles activate the fingers whilst typing), tendons of the fingers are generally affected and the adduction muscle of the thumb. But it doesn't stop there. Quite often there is referral to the neck. This is because the median nerve originates from the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus from (C5-C7-T1) vertebrae.

How to provide a Remedial Massage treatment for Carpal Tunnel:

Begin a deep tissue treatment on the back, yes, that's right the back. So often therapists go right to the source of pain and only treat that area, however a repetitive strain injury in the arms also affects the back such as rhomboids, levator scapulae, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, trapezius and so on. Also include the scalp pressure points for the trapezius attachment points and occipital pressure points. Long hours of administration will also be causing eye strain, so relieving pressure from the occipital trigger points will provide headache relief.. Once you have massaged the back thoroughly including the shoulders and trigger point therapy on the scalp, turn the client over, supine, now you can start with the forearms, wrist, hands and upper arms. Finish with scalenes, SCM and TMJ. Phew... and that takes about an hour. If your treatment time is less then this, book in with an experienced Remedial Massage therapist, you will notice the difference and also prevent surgery.