Carpal tunnel release

Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure performed to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that protects the median nerve, which provides sensation and movement to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, this nerve is compressed, causing numbness, tingling, and pain. Following surgery, physical therapy at Excel Physical Therapy can help optimize recovery.

Causes

Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly caused by repetitive hand movements, such as typing or assembly line work, which can cause swelling and inflammation within the tunnel. Other causes include pregnancy, arthritis, diabetes, and wrist fractures.

Symptoms

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can range from mild to severe and include numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the thumb and fingers, particularly the index, middle, and ring fingers. As the condition progresses, you may experience pain or weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects.

Treatment and Physical Therapy

Following a carpal tunnel release, the integration of physical therapy is crucial to help you regain strength, flexibility, and function in your hand and wrist. Here's what to expect during your treatment at Excel Physical Therapy:

1. Pain and Swelling Management: We will use techniques such as cold therapy, compression, and elevation to help manage post-surgical pain and swelling.
2. Mobility Exercises: Gentle exercises will be introduced to improve your finger and wrist movement, helping you regain flexibility and reduce stiffness.
3. Strength Training: As your healing progresses, your physical therapist will include strengthening exercises to restore muscle power, enhance grip strength, and improve hand function.
4. Functional Training: To help you return to your everyday activities, your therapist will guide you through specific functional training exercises. These might include tasks that mimic typing, lifting objects, or other manual tasks relevant to your work or hobbies.
5. Education: At Excel Physical Therapy, we ensure our patients understand their condition and treatment. We provide comprehensive advice about recovery timelines, managing symptoms, and exercises to practice at home for continued improvement.