Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) symptoms can range from discomfort and numbness, to sharp pain with loss of function in the hands and wrists. This kind of pain and weakness can hinder day-to-day tasks such as opening jars, fastening clothing, or using keys. Without proper care, this condition can worsen over time. Fortunately, there are 3 treatments your chiropractor can use to assist the healing process. Many patients benefit from a treatment regimen involving Active Release Techniques, Cold Laser Therapy, and Ultrasound Therapy. These alternative treatments are effective at pain relief and can promote normal function of the wrists, hands, and fingers.
Your Chiropractor Can Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Your wrist contains tendons that generate hand and finger movements wrapped inside the carpal tunnel. These tendons surround the median nerve, which is essential for motor function and sensation. Tendon injury or overuse can result in swelling that compresses your median nerve. When the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel by inflamed tendons, it generates pain and numbness and causes weakness. This combination of persistent, and often debilitating symptoms is known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Typical treatments, such as local corticosteroid injections, splints, and surgery, can help relieve these symptoms. However, with complementary alternative therapies, your chiropractor can treat your carpal tunnel syndrome to provide additional relief from the pain and weakness in your hands.
Active Release Techniques (ART®)
Active Release Techniques (ART®) is a patented, soft tissue treatment used to treat soft tissue injuries and address the tendons involved with CTS. ART® is similar to an active massage, with the practitioner guiding the patient to shorten or lengthen muscles, tendons, and fascia. Through manual mobilization, your chiropractor will identify scar tissue and compression points by hand. Firm, strategic pressure is then used to break down and release problematic adhesions, and tension. ART® allows your chiropractor to assess the full length of your median nerve as it connects your spine, through your arm, down to your fingertips, otherwise known as a ‘kinetic chain’. This ensures that any signs of dysfunction contributing to your carpal tunnel syndrome are addressed, even if pain has yet to develop in some areas.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold Laser Therapy is a drug-free medical treatment that stimulates damaged tissues, supporting pain relief while treating the underlying condition for long-term results. This treatment is non-invasive, using light energy at a cellular level to encourage healing by triggering the body’s natural anti-inflammatory responses. “Cold” lasers emit various wavelengths and outputs of low-level light to stimulate the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) and encourage cell regeneration and repair. The cold laser penetrates deeply into the skin, increasing blood circulation in the underlying tissue, supporting vital oxygen and energy delivery into every cell. This creates positive effects throughout the whole body and speeds up the healing process. Your chiropractor may use Cold Laser Therapy on its own or in conjunction with other therapies.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound Therapy can provide short-term relief of moderate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms for up to six months. Your chiropractor will apply continuous or pulsed ultrasound waves to transmit energy to soft tissues to increase blood flow, encourage relaxation, and help with breaking up scar tissue. Long-term benefits can include an improved functionality in the wrist, and hand.
Your Chiropractor And Complete Care
Your chiropractic team at Performance Health & Wellness in Irvine, California is focused on complete health and well-being. There are many unexpected benefits of chiropractic care, including treatment of CTS-based nerve compression. Your chiropractor will carefully evaluate your overall health, and identify specific points of entrapment or muscle adhesions to create a plan to provide relief from carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, please call us 1-949-476-1250 or fill out the online contact form to book a complimentary consultation.
FAQ
Cold Laser Therapy at Performance Health And Wellness provides pain relief and accelerated healing for many patients especially those seeking treatment without the use of pharmaceuticals or surgery. Although you will feel the laser device touching your skin during the treatment, the procedure is painless and non-invasive. Cold Laser Therapy offers many benefits including:
- Rapid cell growth
- Faster wound healing
- Increased metabolic activity
- Reduced fibrous tissue formation
- Anti-inflammatory action
- Increased vascular activity
- Stimulated nerve function
Chiropractors are primary contact healthcare providers who specialize in the musculoskeletal system. Many chiropractors complete 4 years of pre-medical undergraduate college education and lab work before going to an accredited chiropractic college where they learn about orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis including laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition rehabilitation, and more. Many chiropractors also have areas of specialization or certain accreditations, such as those trained in Active Release Technique (ART®). To learn more about the extensive qualifications of our Irvine chiropractors, meet our team here.
When you bend your wrist, or wiggle your fingers, your tendons move at least an inch. Tendons are wrapped in a slippery sheath, intended to keep them lubricated. If you repeat actions excessively, the lubrication may not be able to support the normal, smooth motions of your tendons. This can create friction, swelling, and inflammation that put pressure on your median nerve. The outer ligament of the carpal tunnel does not expand to allow release, and fibrous tissue, or adhesions, form. This can prevent your tendons from functioning properly, and the median nerve can become entrapped, causing pain, tingling, and numbness.
Connect With Our Team, Connect With Yourself
If you are seeking solutions to find complete wellness and to feel empowered to live your healthiest life, Performance Health & Wellness is the ideal partner on your journey. With a spectrum of comprehensive services to help you find balance and to feel good, our expert team is here to guide you.
Connect with yourself by connecting with the team at Performance Health & Wellness. Call (949)476-1250.