Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome With Better Posture

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hand. This happens when the main median nerve in the forearm becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel – a passageway of tissues and bones at the wrist and base of the hand.

Mild tingling in the fingers and is often a first sign of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Work which involves prolonged typing on the computer keyboard, mobile phone and tablets are some of the common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Nine times out of ten, someone with carpal tunnel syndrome has the improper posture of a forward head and shoulders and a bent upper back. Bad postural habits can also speed up the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome and lead to permanent damage to the median nerve. Physical therapy can improve posture and ease symptoms of carpal tunnel.

Posture Correction for Carpal Tunnel

Simply telling someone to sit up straight is a great idea in theory. However, the muscles and ligaments won’t physically be able to straighten because they have already tightened up and adapted to a poor posture. Therefore, we must stretch out these tissues before straightening our posture.

Our physiotherapists are dedicated to providing hands-on, quality care to patients suffering from every injury or complaint. Our staff is highly trained and will work with you to develop an individualized plan for your rehabilitation. If you’re experiencing pain in your hands book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists and they can determine the best action to help relieve your hand pains.

How to book an appointment?

Call 365-324-9291

Email: info@therapic.ca

Tips to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Let your wrists rest on the desk in a neutral position or use an ergonomic mouse pad to avoid flexing or extending your wrist for too long.

• Keep your shoulders and back relaxed. Do not slouch.

• Sit with your computer screen at eye level and your knees slightly lower than your hip joints.

• Avoid using a tight grip while working with a pen, computer mouse or other hand-held devices.

• Give your hands and wrists frequent breaks.

• Do regular hand- and wrist-stretching exercises.

• Have your computer in front of you rather than at the side, where you have to crane your neck.

• Let your feet sit flat on the floor, not tucked under your chair.

• Wear splints or braces to minimize the pain.