Further therapeutic measures
Other measures in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome include electrotherapy, self-massage using a fascial roller, taping or wearing a wrist splint to relieve the affected area, and also treatment of the cervical spine. Carpal tunnel syndrome problems are often triggered in this area, where the median nerve exits between the vertebrae and runs in the direction of the hand. Mobilization in this area and postural exercises often bring improvement.
You can find exercises in the article Mobilization exercises. Nerve mobilization exercises are also appropriate. A doctor can inject cortisone to help reduce swelling, which has an anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effect on the body.
The taping and wearing of a splint is discussed in more detail below. Tapes are always applied with pre-stretching of the structures and, depending on the system, can relieve and relax them and also support the musculature. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, the initial focus is on relief and relaxation to alleviate pain.
Bring the arm into the following starting position: The elbow is stretched, the inside of the arm points upwards, the fingertips are stretched towards the floor, so that the back of the hand is folded down. Two tapes can be attached here. On the one hand, an I-bridle is glued across the carpal tunnel area using the so-called center technique, which creates space and relieves pressure.
The second tape should relax the flexor muscles. For this purpose, a longer I-bridle is applied along the underside of the forearm from the palm of the hand in the direction of the elbow. To stabilize the wrist, the same system can be applied to the back of the hand.
All tapes can be combined. A wrist splint is particularly useful for relieving the unpleasant nightly pressure pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. It keeps the wrist in a neutral straight position, relieves the structures and reduces the pressure. The carpal tunnel is narrowed in the wrist during flexion and extension, which further increases the pressure in this area. The splint is worn to prevent these movements, especially during sleep.
