Massage for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome typically include pain, numbness, cramping, muscle weakness, or tingling in the wrists and hands.  These symptoms are caused by a compressed nerve (median nerve) in the carpal tunnel and are thought to be the result of repetitive flexing of the hand.  Other factors contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome may include obesity, inflammatory conditions (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis), diabetes, and thyroid disorders.  Massage can help alleviate the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Trigger Point Massage breaks down the scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles or the wrist and forearm.  Hot Stone Therapy has also proven especially effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome as muscles relax under the direct heat of stones and allow the massage therapist to reach deeper layers of muscle tissue. Passive stretching techniques may also be used to stretch the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the wrist and hand to relieve pressure on the median nerve. As a massage therapist I often teach any client suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome stretching techniques that they can practice at home. As with any medical condition, you should always consult your doctor before receiving massage treatments if you are being treated for carpal tunnel syndrome or suspect that you may have the condition.