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Do you suffer from carpal tunnel? Are you searching for an alternative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Contrary to popular belief, carpal tunnel has no or very little relation to computer use. In fact, you are more apt to develop swelling of the feet and legs by continual computer use than you are to develop or aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. If ergonomically your chair, desk and posture are in correct position. What actually may cause carpal tunnel syndrome is heredity, diet, injury, repetition, force and duration, and included in that list expectant mothers suffer a higher rate of carpal tunnel symptoms. However, it is possible for the ligaments to become swollen with continual computer use, and thereby magnifying the pain and stiffness of carpal tunnel.
Latest studies indicate that the "static" position with what we hold ourselves in while using the computer is more damaging than the computer use alone. Our shoulders, arms and neck muscles become fatigued and eventually weak over a long period of time, thus causing injury to that area which over a set period of time, leads to a condition ripe for carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel?
At the base of your palm is a cluster of eight bones, they shape the U at the base of your palm. Over these bones is an arching ligament, tunnel roof, this is where the median nerve is located. This nerve connects to the spinal cord, while also controlling the sensations of the thumb and fingers along the palm. If the tunnel becomes constricted, pressure causes blood deficiency to the nerve. This in turn causes weakness, pain and a tingling sensation, especially while sleeping. As carpal tunnel worsens, it causes a weakness of fist and grasp, thus making some everyday duties harder for you to practice. Some sufferers of CTS eventually lose the sense of knowing hot from cold and holding objects in your hands.
You can take tests to determine if you suffer from carpal tunnel. There are also many different ways to reduce the symptoms and pain. One such alternative treatment for carpal tunnel is massage therapy. Massage therapy is a wonderful, natural alternative to use for CTS, most often given as a moderate pressure massage from the elbow to the fingertips. However, some message therapists also message the upper back and shoulder areas as well.
You can learn and practice stretches, exercises and self-massage techniques from you massage therapist to practice, by doing so you can rebuild the strength in your hands and wrists. Those who do choose message therapy to treat their carpal tunnel symptoms express much less pain and an increase of their strength of grip with lessened signs of other symptoms. Massage therapy also aids in eliminating depression and in lowering stress levels in those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Such techniques that a massage therapist may include are stretching and exercise to strengthen your wrists, hands and fingers: Here a short list of things that you can do.
- Holding your arms outstretched in front of you, while repeatedly lowering and raising your hands to stretch your forearms muscles.
- Clenching your fists, then slowly opening and spreading your fingers to stretch, while stripping the muscle of your forearm extensors.
- Slowly and repeatedly rotating your wrists
Simple things you can do to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel include:
- Correct positioning of posture
- Correct alignment of chair and desk
- Daily exercises and stretches
- Taking breaks often
- Be mindful of your health and deeds
- See a health care provider
- Follow the stipulations of your carpal tunnel treatments
Keep in mind, that no matter the treatment you seek for relieving the pain and swelling of carpal tunnel, you must always take care of yourself, taking particular care not to hurt yourself while doing your regular everyday tasks and practice the stretching and exercises recommended by your message therapist. |
