Massage for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Massage therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome can do wonders to alleviate pain. 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 compressed nerves (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.

Benefits of Massage for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Massage can help alleviate the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Trigger Point Massage helps break down the scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles of the wrist and forearm.  Hot Stone Massage has also proven 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 client suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome the stretching techniques that I use 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.