All You Want To Know About Carpal Tunnel

What is Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an ailment of the forearm, wrist and hand, and it causes numbness, pain, tingling or weakness in these regions. Most noticeably the thumb, index and middle fingers are usually affected, since the main nerve (median nerve) that runs through the carpal tunnel is connected to these fingers and the thumb. Most people feel the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome most when they clench their hand into a fist, or are holding onto objects. Women are often affected by carpal tunnel during pregnancy. Later, after pregnancy carpal tunnel can be a problem after holding children for long periods.

Blausen.com staff (2014). "Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014". WikiJournal of Medicine 1

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is the name for a structure in your wrist, a narrow passageway made of bone and ligaments that protects the nerve and tendons that run to your hand and fingers. When the nerve running through the carpal tunnel is pinched or compressed, one begins to experience the pain, tingling or weakness of carpal tunnel syndrome. The anatomy of the carpal tunnel can be different in different people leaving those born with a narrow carpal tunnel potentially more susceptible to this problem. The width of the carpal tunnel can also be affected through wrist fractures or arthritic conditions which can cause a narrowing of the carpal tunnel, also increasing the likelihood of experiencing this condition.

​However often I find carpal tunnel syndrome is experienced after repetitive overuse of the muscles of the forearms and wrists. A type of repetitive strain injury (RSI) of the muscles and tendons in this area. Relaxing and softening the soft tissues in the area usually brings considerable relief.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be common in women who are pregnant or going through menopause because they tend to have fluid retention that can cause a narrowing of the carpal tunnel. Often the condition resolves on it's own once the pregnancy is over.

When to Seek Treatment for Carpal Tunnel?

As with any ailment it's best to begin treatment as early as possible to reduce discomfort and recovery time. Bowen Therapy treatments loosen the soft tissues that compress the nerves responsible for carpal tunnel pain, and increase blood flow to the area to facilitate healing for long lasting relief. We have been very successful in the past with relieving client's Carpal Tunnel pain with a range of different causes.

You can read some reviews from our clients on the Review page here. or Book Online here for a Bowen Therapy Treatment for Carpal Tunnel in Geelong. We're open till 9pm on weekdays and Saturday.