Lately, due to the excessive use of computers, more and more people are developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome causes pain in the wrist area, with irradiation to the palm. Sometimes if Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is not treated early and correctly, individuals can develop more aggravated clinical pictures, such as the loss of ability to even hold a glass of water. In these extreme cases, surgical intervention might be necessary.

The carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal bones (in the wrist), bridged by transfer ligaments and covered by protective connective tissue. Inside of this small tunnel are 9 muscle tendons responsible for flexion, and the median nerve, which provides innervation to half the palm. When these flexor muscles become overloaded (through repeated motion, as in typing), pathological tension is accumulated. The ensuing inflammation of the tendons (swelling) not only produces local tendonitis pain, but also compresses the median nerve, which results in the development of the neurological clinical picture.

By unloading the flexor muscles, eliminating trigger points in carpal tunnel, and increasing arterial blood supply, we reduce the swelling of the protective membrane, which in turn decompresses the median nerve. In the first 5-6 treatments, patients experience usually a significant improvement. As you understand, gradual accumulation of tension in the flexor muscles is a main cause for carpal tunnel.

Medical Massage therapy can also play an important role in the prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome development. This is done by reducing the tension in the flexor muscles. Disorders such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, knee disorders, rotator cuff, tennis elbow, golf elbow, tensor fascia latae muscle syndrome, etc., can be successfully treated by connective tissue massage, myofascial tissue release, trigger point therapy, post-isometric relaxation, etc. In Volume 4 of Boris Prilutsky’s Medical Massage DVD series, Boris offers detailed discussions and hands-on demonstrations utilizing Medical Massage techniques in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Rotator Cuff Syndrome.