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WRIST & HAND
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Physiotherapy in Richmond
Numbness, tingling, night waking — carpal tunnel can take over your hands. Physiotherapy helps you get them back.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist. This compression can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
Carpal tunnel is commonly associated with repetitive hand use, prolonged typing, and wrist positioning during daily activities. Many people first notice symptoms at night or when using their hands for extended periods.
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on reducing pressure on the nerve, improving wrist mechanics, and restoring normal hand function.
At Richmond Physiotherapist, we provide physiotherapy treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome in Richmond to help patients reduce symptoms and improve daily function.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome often develops due to repetitive strain or prolonged wrist positioning.
Common causes include:
• prolonged typing or computer use
• repetitive hand and wrist movements
• poor wrist posture
• gripping or lifting activities
• swelling or inflammation in the wrist
• pregnancy or fluid retention
• workplace or ergonomic factors
These factors can increase pressure within the carpal tunnel and irritate the median nerve.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may develop gradually and worsen over time.
Common symptoms include:
• numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
• hand weakness
• difficulty gripping objects
• dropping items
• pain in the wrist or hand• symptoms worse at night
• tingling during typing or repetitive activity
If left untreated, symptoms may become more persistent.
How Physiotherapy Helps Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on reducing nerve irritation and improving movement patterns in the wrist and hand.
During your physiotherapy assessment at Richmond Physiotherapist, we evaluate:
• wrist mobility
• nerve irritation and symptoms
• hand and forearm strength
• posture and workstation setup
• movement patterns during daily activities
Understanding these factors helps guide effective treatment.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on improving tendon capacity and reducing strain on the irritated structures.
Treatment may include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques to improve wrist mobility and reduce compression.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Exercises to improve wrist strength and nerve mobility.
Nerve Gliding Exercises
Specific movements designed to reduce irritation of the median nerve.
Dry Needling / IMS
Helps reduce muscle tension contributing to nerve compression.
Movement & Ergonomic Education
Advice on workstation setup, typing posture, and daily habits.
These treatments help reduce symptoms and improve function.
During your physiotherapy assessment at Richmond Physiotherapist, we evaluate:
• elbow joint mobility
• forearm muscle strength• wrist movement mechanics
• gripping mechanics
• contributing shoulder and upper limb factors
Understanding these factors helps guide the most effective treatment plan.
When to See a Physiotherapist
You should consider physiotherapy if:
• numbness or tingling persists
• symptoms worsen at night
• hand weakness develops
• gripping becomes difficult
• symptoms interfere with work or daily activities
Early treatment can help prevent progression.
If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, or hand pain, physiotherapy can help guide recovery and reduce symptoms.
Richmond Physiotherapist provides personalized physiotherapy treatment designed to improve wrist function and reduce nerve irritation.
Book your physiotherapy appointment today to begin addressing your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it’s carpal tunnel or something else?
Carpal tunnel gives numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle finger. The pinky is spared because it’s a different nerve. Night symptoms that wake you up shaking your hand are classic. Neck problems can mimic it but usually involve the whole hand and come with neck pain.
Will I need surgery for carpal tunnel?
Not necessarily. Night splinting, activity modification, and nerve gliding exercises resolve mild to moderate cases. Surgery is for severe cases: constant numbness, muscle wasting in the thumb, or symptoms that don’t improve after a proper trial of conservative care. Most of my patients avoid the OR.
Do night splints actually work for carpal tunnel?
Yes, especially early on. They keep the wrist neutral so the median nerve isn’t compressed while you sleep curled up. Most people notice fewer night wakings within a couple of weeks. It’s the single most effective conservative treatment we have for this.
Can carpal tunnel happen during pregnancy?
Yes, it’s common. Fluid retention increases pressure in the carpal tunnel. It usually resolves after delivery. Night splints and activity modification are safe during pregnancy. We keep everything conservative and avoid anything aggressive.
Book an appointment
Your recovery starts with one visit.
Every session is 1-on-1, built around your body and your goals. We bill your insurance directly, so you can focus on getting better.