Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition we treat regularly at Hand Therapy Services NI. It is caused by compression of the median nerve within the wrist’s carpal tunnel, typically presenting as tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
CTS doesn't just hurt, it disrupts everyday routines: from losing confidence in handling a cup of tea to struggling at work or letting a beloved hobby slip away. It can interfere with self-care, professional responsibilities, and leisure activities, making it vital to address early and effectively.
Severity Levels
CTS can be broken into three main stages:
1. Mild CTS • Symptoms: Intermittent tingling, especially at night, mild numbness. • Goal: Relieve symptoms, prevent progression, maintain engagement in everyday activities.
2. Moderate CTS • Symptoms: Frequent waking at night, daytime discomfort, mild weakness, difficulty with grip or dexterity. • Goal: Relieve symptoms, Improve function and lifestyle adaptations to avoid further deterioration.
3. Severe CTS • Symptoms: Constant numbness, noticeable weakness especially with tasks that require pinch strength and at times, muscle wasting in the hand. • Goal: Prevent permanent damage. Often leads toward referral for surgery if conservative options fail.
Conservative Management
At Hand Therapy Services NI, we offer all the conservative management options you need to help reduce the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, helping you get back to the the things that matter to you as quickly as possible.
Our carpal tunnel syndrome clinic in Belfast and Hillsborough offers a wide range of modalities to help you quickly reslove these issues. Modalities include:
- Education & Activity Modification
- Wrist Splinting
- Targeted Exercises & Neural Gliding
- Hands on Modalities
- Steroid Injection
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
Sometimes, the nerve compression caused by carpal tunnel syndrome is too severe and conservative treatments don’t help enough to reduce the pain and functional difficulties it causes. For some people, surgery becomes necessary to relieve symptoms and alleviate pressure on the median nerve.
Post-Operative Hand Therapy
The main aim of hand therapy following carpal tunnel surgery is to reduce pain, and help each patient return to their everyday activities. We use a variety of modalities to help our patients achieve the outcomes they need including:
- Wound Management
- Scar Management
- Pain Management
- Nerve Gliding and Mobilisation
- Digit & Wrist Range of Motion
- Strengthening & Functional Use
- Gradual Return to Daily Life
Working together, we guide and assist a graded return to activity which includes assessment and treatment to improve: • Self-care • Work • Hobbies • Sports, and heavier lifting • Leisure activities • Driving
Real-Life Success Stories
We frequently share real life success stories on our social media platforms. Find us of Facebook and Instrgram to check these out for yourself.