CTS Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Wrist Pain Treatment Options

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition affecting the hands and wrists, often caused by repetitive movements that place pressure on the median nerve.

This nerve runs through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, and when compressed, it leads to symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers.

CTS is a common issue for people who engage in repetitive hand motions, such as office workers typing for long periods, athletes involved in high-intensity grip work, and manual laborers using tools like screwdrivers or vibrating equipment.

Research conducted in Ontario found that jobs in industries like manufacturing, textiles and food processing have higher rates of CTS due to repetitive tasks.  ​ [Canada.ca CCOHS Carpal Tunnel Syndrome].

At Core Wellness Centre, we understand how debilitating CTS can be, and our specialized treatments—ranging from chiropractic care, physiotherapy, osteopathy to RMT massage – help relieve symptoms and prevent further injury.

Here we’ll explore the causes, symptoms and treatment options for CTS, and how you can manage and prevent it in your everyday life.

• CTS is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, affecting many individuals, especially office workers, athletes and manual laborers.
• Common symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the wrist and hand, often worsening with repetitive motion.
• Repetitive hand motions, poor ergonomics, and occupations like manufacturing, sewing, and using vibrating tools increase the risk of CTS.
• Simple changes like improving ergonomic setups, taking frequent breaks, and incorporating wrist exercises can help reduce the risk of developing CTS.
• Non-surgical treatments such as chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy, osteopathy, RMT massage therapy, and ergonomic corrections are effective in managing CTS symptoms.
• Early intervention is crucial. If symptoms persist or worsen despite home care, professional treatment should be sought to prevent permanent damage.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) presents with a range of symptoms that often start gradually but can worsen over time if left untreated.  These symptoms mainly affect the hand and wrist but can extend up the arm in more severe cases.

Recognizing these signs early is key to preventing long-term damage.

Common symptoms of CTS

Tingling or Numbness

One of the hallmark symptoms of CTS is a persistent tingling or numbness in the fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

This sensation is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which controls these parts of the hand. Many people report feeling this numbness while holding objects, typing or driving.

The sensation often worsens at night, and individuals may wake up with the need to “shake out” their hands for relief.

Pain and Discomfort

Pain is a common symptom, often described as a burning, aching or throbbing sensation in the wrist or hand. The pain may radiate up the forearm toward the shoulder.

This pain tends to flare up during activities that involve repetitive wrist or finger movements, such as typing, playing a musical instrument or using a tool.

Weakness in Grip

As CTS progresses, people may notice weakness in their grip strength, making it difficult to hold onto objects, such as a cup, phone or even a pen.

This is due to impaired function in the muscles controlled by the median nerve. Dropping objects or struggling with tasks that require fine motor skills, like fastening buttons or turning keys are common complaints.

Clumsiness or Loss of Coordination

The loss of hand dexterity and fine motor skills can make everyday tasks challenging. Affected individuals may find themselves fumbling with small objects, struggling to tie shoelaces, or dropping utensils while eating.

This clumsiness results from the nerve compression that impacts coordination in the hand and fingers.

Worsening Symptoms at Night

Many CTS sufferers report that their symptoms worsen at night, which may be due to their wrist bending during sleep. The increased pressure on the median nerve leads to more severe numbness, tingling, and pain

Understanding the causes and risk factors for CTS can help in prevention and early intervention.

Repetitive Hand and Wrist Movements

One of the most common causes of CTS is repetitive motion, particularly movements that involve bending or flexing the wrist.

These repetitive actions can inflame the tendons around the median nerve, leading to swelling and increased pressure.

Jobs that require repetitive hand movements—such as typing, assembly line work, sewing and using tools—are common culprits.

Workers in industries like manufacturing, food processing, and construction are especially at risk​ Canada.ca / CCOHS.

In athletes, activities such as racquet sports (tennis, squash), golf and weightlifting can also lead to the development of CTS due to the repetitive strain placed on the wrist.

Poor Ergonomics

Poor ergonomics in the workplace, particularly improper desk setups, can contribute to the development of CTS.

A poorly positioned keyboard, mouse, or chair can cause undue strain on the wrists, leading to nerve compression over time.

Office workers who maintain awkward hand or wrist positions for long periods are at heightened risk.

Ensuring that your workstation is set up ergonomically can help prevent CTS by reducing pressure on the wrist and allowing for more natural wrist movements throughout the day.

Use of Vibrating Tools

Regular use of vibrating hand tools, such as drills, jackhammers and sanders, has been linked to an increased risk of CTS. The vibrations transmitted through the hands and wrists can damage the nerves over time, leading to nerve compression. Workers in construction, mechanics, and other manual labor industries are often exposed to this type of risk​.

Physical Conditions

Certain conditions increase the likelihood of developing CTS. These include:

• Diabetes – Nerve damage associated with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) can make people more susceptible to CTS.
• Arthritis – Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause swelling in the wrist that compresses the median nerve.
• Pregnancy – Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to fluid retention and swelling, which increases pressure on the carpal tunnel. CTS during pregnancy is usually temporary and often resolves after childbirth (CCOHS).
• Thyroid Disorders – Hypothyroidism can contribute to fluid retention and tissue swelling, which may lead to CTS.

How to Prevent and Treat CTS Without Surgery

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can be a painful and disruptive condition, but there are several effective ways to prevent it and manage its symptoms through manual treatment methods.

These strategies focus on reducing the strain on the wrist and promoting healing without the need for invasive interventions.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to prevention and treatment options:

Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Ergonomic Adjustments

One of the most important ways to prevent CTS is by improving ergonomics, particularly in the workplace. Office workers, athletes, and manual laborers who perform repetitive wrist movements are at a heightened risk, but these adjustments can help reduce pressure on the median nerve:

• Ensure your desk setup promotes neutral wrist positions. Your keyboard and mouse should be at a height where your forearms are parallel to the ground, and your wrists are not excessively flexed or extended. Consider using wrist rests to support your hands during typing.
• Adjust your chair so that your feet are flat on the ground, your knees are at a 90-degree angle, and your arms can rest comfortably at your sides when working. This helps maintain proper posture and reduces strain on the wrists.
• If you use tools regularly, such as those in manual labor or sports, choose equipment with ergonomic handles that minimize wrist strain. Avoid using tools that require excessive grip force or cause vibration, as these can contribute to the development of CTS

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Regularly stretching and strengthening the muscles in your wrists, hands, and forearms can reduce tension on the median nerve and improve flexibility:

• Simple stretches, such as extending your arm in front of you, bending your wrist upward (like a stop sign), and gently pulling your fingers back, can relieve tension in the wrist.
• Squeeze a stress ball or stretch your fingers wide and then bring them back together to improve strength in your hand muscles.
• Strengthening the muscles that support your forearms can help prevent the overuse of smaller wrist muscles.
• Exercises like wrist curls with light weights can improve endurance and reduce strain.

Frequent Breaks

Repetitive motions are a leading cause of CTS, so taking regular breaks from activities that strain your wrists is essential.

Whether you’re typing, playing an instrument, or using tools, frequent breaks allow the muscles and tendons to relax, reducing the risk of inflammation:

• Take 5-minute breaks every 30 minutes to shake out your hands, stretch your fingers, and rest your wrists. Use these breaks to step away from repetitive tasks and improve blood flow to your hands and wrists.
• Alternating between different tasks throughout the day can prevent overuse of the same muscles. Try not to perform the same motion repeatedly without switching to another activity for a period of time.

If you begin experiencing symptoms of CTS, early intervention with conservative treatments used at Core Wellness Centre can help manage the condition before it worsens.

These non-invasive treatments focus on reducing inflammation, relieving pressure on the median nerve and improving mobility.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic care can help relieve pressure in the wrist and address any alignment issues in the hand, wrist, or forearm that may be contributing to CTS. Gentle adjustments of the wrist bones can reduce tension and improve nerve function, promoting relief from symptoms like numbness and tingling.

Physiotherapy Techniques

Physiotherapy offers a variety of treatments that focus on restoring function and mobility to the wrist and hand. Some of the most common techniques for CTS include:

Soft Tissue Mobilization

This hands-on therapy helps release tension in the muscles and tendons surrounding the median nerve, reducing inflammation and improving flexibility.

Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to penetrate tissues and promote healing at a cellular level. For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, LLLT can reduce inflammation and stimulate nerve repair, leading to decreased pain and improved function in the wrist.

It is a painless option that helps accelerate recovery by boosting circulation and reducing nerve compression.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to promote healing and reduce inflammation in tissues. For CTS, this treatment helps break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and promote tissue regeneration around the compressed median nerve.

It is particularly effective in relieving pain and improving wrist mobility, especially in cases of chronic CTS.

Personalized Exercise Programs

Our physiotherapist can design a personalized program of stretches and strengthening exercises to alleviate CTS symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

Osteopathy for Structural Issues

Osteopathy, a holistic approach to treatment, focuses on the body’s system as a whole. Our osteopathy practitioner uses manual manipulation techniques to address structural issues that may contribute to CTS.

By improving alignment in the wrist and forearm, osteopathy can enhance circulation, reduce nerve compression and facilitate healing.

Rest, Ice, and Compression

For mild to moderate CTS symptoms, resting the affected hand and wrist is essential to prevent further irritation.

Using ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Additionally, applying a compression brace can support the wrist in a neutral position, which relieves pressure on the median nerve.