Determine Carpal Tunnel Massage

By Tom Nicholson

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve inside of the wrist becomes compressed and results in severe pain in the hand and the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also prevent a person from performing routine tasks as the pain becomes excruciating or the compressed median nerve, which assists in the action of the thumb and the next 3 fingers, causes a deficit in the movement and activity of those fingers. Besides pain, it is not unusual for a person to feel numbness in the wrist and fingers, making it very difficult to use their hands for even the most simple activities, such as writing or holding a beverage.

Caused by a variety of conditions including wrist injury, obesity, arthritis, pregnancy, or activities with repetitive movements, carpal tunnel syndrome can also be a side effect of smoking, as it reduces the flow of blood to the median nerve. Whatever its cause, however, most people afflicted with it experience intense pain and discomfort that can interfere with their daily lives. It is not unusual for individuals with carpal tunnel to seek the assistance of a medical professional. Some even opt for surgery in an attempt to relieve pressure and restore proper functioning of the nerve.

It is important for those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome to know that there are non-invasive measures that can be taken to relieve the pain of this condition and to prevent further damage to the median nerve. If a particular activity is aggravating the nerve, it is advised that the activity be stopped and the wrist allowed to rest. During rest periods, applying ice to the area can also help.

Perhaps one of the best methods for relief from carpal tunnel syndrome, however, is through massage. With just a few weeks of self-massage treatments that focus on the hand, wrist and forearm, the pain can be lessened. Within months of continuing carpal tunnel massage methods, full uninterrupted use of the hand and wrist can be restored. Because the median nerve can possibly be restricted closer to the spinal area, a massage of the upper back and shoulder regions may also offer substantial relief.

During a carpal tunnel massage, elongated rubbing or strokes along the forearm should be performed while the elbow, wrist, hand and fingers are extended. With this activity, the median nerve is encouraged toward decompression and is soothed into significantly reducing pain in that area.

Any exercise that employs resistance techniques along with aerobic activities are highly recommended since they can strengthen the arms, shoulders, and back in a way that will reduce weight which can cause undue strain on the median nerve.

While many also make use of a brace meant to support optimal posture for the hand while reducing stress and inflammation in that area, when this is accompanied with a daily carpal tunnel massage and carpal tunnel exercises of at least 20 minutes in length, surgery and further damage can often be avoided.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be an agonizing condition to endure. Because the pain indicates a damaged nerve, it should never be ignored and the activity causing the pain should be ceased as early as possible to prevent further damage. Carpal tunnel syndrome can interfere with proper motor functioning, but with proper care, carpal tunnel exercises and regular massages to the area, the median nerve can be restored as well as pain-free use of the hands.

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