Can Chiropractic Hand Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Help?

Hello and welcome! I'm Dr. Michelle Andrews, the principal chiropractor at ChiroHer, our bespoke chiropractic clinic in Oklahoma City. Today I’d like to talk about how chiropractor-guided hand exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome can help. If you have this condition, you might wonder if hand and wrist exercises can help you avoid surgery. While exercises alone might not fully relieve symptoms like pain and numbness, they can be very effective when combined with chiropractic care and other treatments.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

At ChiroHer, I've seen many patients over the years struggling with the painful symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy, affecting about 3% to 6% of the general adult population. This condition occurs when there's pressure and irritation on the median nerve as it goes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This pressure can cause symptoms like tingling, numbness, and pain.

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, including:

• Specific hand or wrist positions

• Repetitive activities

• Genetics

• Certain health conditions

Anyone who has experienced carpal tunnel symptoms knows how painful they can be. The discomfort often limits the use of your hand and wrist, making everyday tasks challenging. Fortunately, chiropractic care, which focuses on a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal health, is a great solution to help manage and reduce these symptoms effectively.

Nerve-Gliding Exercises

Nerve-gliding, also called nerve flossing, exercises help the median nerve move smoothly within the carpal tunnel. It's important that these exercises are done correctly to avoid further nerve damage, which could worsen symptoms. Working with a chiropractor (such as myself!) helps ensure you perform these exercises safely to ease discomfort.

Basic Nerve-Gliding Exercise

1. Start by extending your arm straight out in front of you.

2. With your palm facing up, gently bend your wrist and fingers back towards your body in a stretch to help relieve forearm and wrist tension.

3. Hold for a few seconds and then return to the starting position.

Median Nerve Glide

Wrist Flexor Stretch

Wrist Extensor Stretch

Tendon Gliding Exercises

1. Start with your hand in a neutral position, fingers straight.

2. Bend the top two joints of your fingers to touch the top of your palm, then straighten.

3. Make a fist, wrapping your fingers around your thumb, then straighten.

4. Bend your fingers at the middle joint, keeping the top joint straight, then straighten.

Benefits of Combining Chiropractic Care with Carpal Tunnel Exercises

Complementary Treatment

Carpal tunnel exercises can help with mild to moderate symptoms. However, exercises alone might not address underlying musculoskeletal issues, possibly limiting their benefits. At ChiroHer, we create personalized chiropractic care plans with adjustments specifically developed to improve carpal tunnel exercises, reduce nerve pressure, and promote wrist health.

Post-Surgery Recovery

After surgery, range-of-motion and nerve-gliding exercises can help with healing. Without proper guidance, there's a risk of improper healing and nerve scarring.  Proper chiropractic care supports your recovery by improving joint mobility, lowering inflammation, and providing specific rehabilitation exercises.

Delaying Surgery

Research shows that combining wrist splinting, patient education, and home exercises can delay surgery. However, these measures alone may not be enough to manage symptoms well. Chiropractic care, along with these methods, offers a non-invasive way to manage symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

Chiropractic Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If your healthcare team, including your chiropractor, suggests carpal tunnel exercises, start slowly and progress gradually. Improper exercise technique can worsen symptoms and delay recovery. Working with a hand therapist or a chiropractor experienced in treating carpal tunnel syndrome ensures you perform these exercises correctly, reducing the risk of your symptoms getting worse.

At ChiroHer, we understand the complexities of carpal tunnel syndrome and offer a range of chiropractic treatments customized to the symptoms you’re struggling with. Our comprehensive approach includes:

Chiropractic Adjustments

The median nerve is often pressed due to misalignment in the wrist and spine. Realigning the wrist and spine through chiropractic adjustments lowers nerve pressure and reduces symptoms.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Muscle tension can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms. Addressing muscle tension through soft tissue therapy improves blood flow to the affected area and reduces symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Ergonomic Advice

Improper ergonomics contribute to the development and worsening of symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. We provide ergonomic advice to help you modify activities and prevent further strain on your wrists. This might include adjusting your workstation, using ergonomic tools, and taking regular breaks to stretch and move.

Personalized Exercise Plans

Generic exercise plans may not address your specific needs. We create custom exercise plans to support nerve health and overall wrist function.

Next Steps

Carpal tunnel exercises can help relieve symptoms, especially when combined with chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments address underlying musculoskeletal issues, improving the effectiveness of exercises and possibly delaying the need for carpal tunnel release surgery. Always work with professionals to follow safe and effective practices, reducing the risk of worsening symptoms.

Ready to take the next step towards better health? Schedule your free consultation today!