Everyone is too busy to read "how to" articles anymore - the reason for my creating of this top-5 list for eliminating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
If someone has Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I hope they spend the three minutes it will take to read this article. If they don't then they do not deserve to get any better, and believe me, I've a lot of people claiming they have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome but spend more time whining than doing anything to correct the condition...and therefore in my opinion, they deserve to suffer.
It is this same mentality that leads to Carpal Tunnel surgery. They talk, whine and complain but don't do anything to get better because they want someone to make it go away for them, the reason surgery and splints exist. It would just be too much if a person had to apply some form of effort regarding their own health and safety by performing research and implementing the necessary steps to initiate relief!
Okay, enough of the sarcasm, let's get down to the business of quickly and effectively eliminating Carpal Tunnel. And we all know people want quick and easy no matter what it is: Driving and eating vs. sitting at home with the family and eating, a car wash vs. using the hose in the driveway, email and text messaging instead if writing an actual letter, pills vs. a change in diet and exercise and the list goes on. The need for ease of use can be applied to a variety of muscle imbalances and repetitive strain injuries in the upper extremity; one of them known by everyone as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS for short.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is everywhere so how does someone get rid of it as quickly and easily as getting a hamburger at the drive-up window? Here is my top 5 ways (drive-up window) for individuals to prevent or eliminate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
1. Flextend / Restore Exercises: I really can't say enough about this simultaneous form of active exercise and stretching. If this doesn't work, which is not too likely, something else may be necessary or the co9ndition may not even be Carpal Tunnel. Other disorders are often misdiagnosed as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Surgery may be the final alternative, but these active exercises and stretches are certainly the first thing to try, and most often the only thing you will need!
2. Stretching Routine: Stretching is extremely important in eliminating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as it helps correct any existing muscle imbalance, stabilizes the joint and reduces compression of the median nerve. The key here is to stretch the muscles on the front of your hands and wrists. (The wrist and forearm flexors.)
3. Back Exercises: Many people have the hanging head and rounded shoulders, which equals poor posture. Poor posture increases the chances of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as it transfers stress to the hands and wrists more instead of allowing the shoulders and back to bear most of the workload.
4. Ergonomics: No matter what a person does for a living, they need to make sure the job fits their physical build. Customized workstations, ergonomic tools, task rotation and other strain reducing techniques must be used to prevent undo stress to workers. If a person is functioning in a non-ergonomic situation, they need to talk to their supervisor about implementing an ergonomics program to reduce injuries and increase productivity.
5. Massage Therapy and Rest: Relaxation massage is great as an adjunct to these other modes, but more specific site-therapy should be performed for those already experiencing symptoms of CTS. Working directly on the tight wrist and forearms flexor muscles can reduce compression of the median nerve and associated symptoms. Rest is also a good idea. People whom are always on the go are often more tense and subject to injury.
Note: Be sure to consult with your health care practitioner before implementing exercise or therapy programs. But, if you don't feel that they are addressing your needs, get a second or even a third opinion!
Jeff Anliker, LMT, is a practicing massage therapist, instructor and inventor of therapeutic exercise products that are utilized by corporations, consumers and medical facilities around the world for the prevention and rehabilitation of repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and tennis elbow.
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