Carpal Tunnel

[Samantha Paranoia]

If I had it, how would it manifest? I am having strength issues in my right hand and there is pain in my 3 outer fingers when I push w/ my pointer finger...This is frustrating and a bit scary--I've been off for 3 days and it hurts worse today than yesterday...and I have a full week this week, too.Anyone want to 'diagnose' me??

 

[Iliana G]

Lanie, while you Know we're not qualified to diagnose, I would encourage you to go and get it checked out by a Doctor... or at least a chiropractor.I was having similar issues a while back and the chiropractor told me it was CTS and Brachial plexus syndrome.  I believe there are tests that they can do to determine if it is actually CTS or not.It did require rest on my part (it usually happened to me when I got very busy at the salon). The bad scheduling at the salon (Not enough rest time between appts - and of course I do a lot of deep tissue work) and the fact that I couldn't do my linens on site and had to carry them up and down stairs aggravated the condition.In addition, I've heard it said that most people who have a problem with CTS, have a problem higher up in their neck and shoulders. You might also look into this, as it definitely was the case for me.I'd suggest a good massage concentrating on the upper body, especially arms, shoulders, pecs and neck.  If you like aromatherapy, I found quite a bit of pain relief from using a blend of lemon, cypress and sandalwood.Anyway, after a couple weeks of rest / minimal work  and chiropractor adjustments the problem went away.I hope that's the case for you too! Let us know how it goes for you! CTS as you well know is a very scary thing for a MT to contemplate! :-X

 

[timmy7]

I have an issue off and on with pain that radiates into my thumb. آ I use my knobble and some arnica muscle rub and work out the muscles in my forearm.You could try massaging your forearm muscles (flexors and extensors) and see if the pain decreases. آ Also applying ice could help.Could be nerve impingement or trigger point that is causing your pain. آ I have worked on a lot of cases where the pain felt like CTS, but was trigger point pain.  There are two test for CTS that I am aware of.  The Tinel's sign and Phalen's test.Phalen's test you could try on yourselflace both wrists together with the top of hands resting against each other.  The wrists should be help in a postition of maximum flexion.  Press the wrists together and hold them in that postition for about 60 seconds.  If this produces pain, numbness, or paresthesia in the palm, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th fingers, this may indicate the presence of CTS. Do you stretch your forearms on a regular basis? آ This has helped me too (stretching pec also). You may also want to consider stretching your pectoralis muscles (major and minor) also.As Maestra said, Brachial plexus syndrome, which is often caused by a combination of a tight Pec minor and rounded shoulders.As always, you should get things check out with a Dr. also. آ These are just suggestions. آ Hope things clear up for you.

 

[Marinoska]

I've been having weakness and numbness off and on in the top of my left hand for the last 3 months (I'm left handed, too).  One of the therapists I work with just finished a class in Tui Na, and so far she's been the only one to help me with it.  After her initial session of an hour on my neck, shoulders, chest, and arms, she can work on just my wrist for 5 minutes and I won't feel symptoms for two weeks.Unfortunately, it's come back with pain for the first time and my therapist buddy is on vacation in Canada.  My symptoms usually start when I've had time off or work less and continue until I have work done on it.  My head and shoulders are way forward, and I do wonder if that has something to do with it.I think brachial plexus syndrome has a circulatory componant that goes along with it as well because it's an impingement of the nerves and blood vessels.  If I recall, one test is to raise your arms over your head for a minute to see if your hands get cold or blue.  Anterior neck work and stretching can help with that.Has anybody had wrist problems and had them get better, or does it mean we're on our way to a different career?Katykangaroo

 

[naveen a]

Phalen's test isn't always reliable.  Check out http://www.mrtherapy.com,  I took this course about a year and a half ago and it was amazing!  I was having wrist tingles, but no more!  Also I have helped several people using this technique who had carpal tunnel, but no longer have it.  There was even an article written up about me in the local paper about it.

 

[Fatindivid]

60 sec is a long time to sit like that.  No on all symptoms for me, thank goodness.  I am big boned, luckily.  I reckon that helps.  I too agree that CTS is TrP in the shoulder girdle.  Pecs, scalenes, SCM, SITS, all of em.  Everywhere.  Hard to convince a person of that though.....mk

 

[BettaFan]

I hope no one said those words out loud!  Bad Words!  Turn around three times, click your heels and go get your neck, elbows and wrists adjusted.  I wear wrist braces at night to keep them straight because I wake up with numb hands.  They help although they're not very attractive...  Myfacial release really helps also.

 

[Mom of 4]

I get my thumbs, wrists, and elbows adjusted regularly.  It does help.

 

[shefali b]

Carpal Tunnel

Outer 3 fingers.. meaning digits 3-5? That would be the ulnar nerve (if it is a nerve problem) which does not pass through the carpal tunnel. Digits 1-3 Would be the median nerve which passess through the  carpal tunnel.Don't like Phalens test or Tinels sign.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Carpal Tunnel

TOS is probably the most likely. I do feel better when I get my scalenes, pecs and all of their cousins worked on. My dh actually did some forearm work on me last night (he's such a good trainee!) and my arms didn't fall asleep last night. I'm doing ok this week--surprisingly since we've been so busy--I only have to make it through until Wednesday when I go in for my massage (finally! My mt has been horribly hard to get in to!). I'll have to get to the Chiro too...why is it that I can remember to advise clients to do that but I forget about me??? LOL!Thanks for all the input! Lanie

 

[Gonzo]

The bad words I was referring to were the one's that start with a C... and end with an ARPAL TUNNEL!Wearing the wrist braces while I sleep really do help, Lanie.  Especially if you like to squirrel (curl your wrists under your chin while you're on your side  ) while your sleeping.  My hands aren't numb in the morning anymore.