Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is an excruciating condition of the hand and fingers which originates from the compaction of a primary nerve and passes over the carpal bones through a path at the front of the wrist, alongside the flexor tendons of the hand.
Frequent repetitive movements in a lengthy duration can cause such condition. In some cases, fluid retention (or hydropsy) in which water and fluid accumulate too much on the said areas can also trigger the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
A condition similar and related to carpal tunnel syndrome is RSI or Repetitive Strain Injury. This condition happens when frequent and same movements causes inflammation and damage to the soft tissues (muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments) of the hands, fingers and wrist.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is defined by feelings of tingling, numbness, burning, and stabbing on your hands, fingers, and wrist area. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are usually felt in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. If you are having these issues with your fingers except the little finger, then it is likely that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. This is because the nerve that provides sensations to the little finger is different from the rest of the fingers.
Osteopathy Diagnosis and Treatment
Our osteopath will do an evaluation through questioning and diagnostic examinations so he or she can determine what levels of treatment will be provided on the patient. Some of the procedures to be done are the following:
- Aligning the bones, capillaries, and joints to make sure nerve passage is free
- Applying techniques used in myofacial therapy on the arm, forearm, wrist and hand for soothing and pain relief
- Recommendation of exercise for strengthening and stretching of the aforementioned areas which can be performed by the patient at home.
Not all patients will have the same exact reactions to the treatments provided by our osteopaths. In general, osteopathic solution to carpal tunnel syndrome will improve hand, finger, and wrist mobility because of better nerve connection brought about by the decreasing pressure on the middle nerve.
Osteopathy can also help in the prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome, coupled with enough rest from hand work, hand stretching exercises, and the application of proper hand posture and wrist orientation when working.
For further information or to consult with one of our skilled osteopaths, you can use the Contact Us or Appointment Request buttons at the top or bottom of this page,