What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist, is compressed or squeezed. This causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.
Symptoms
CTS typically presents with numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, weak grip strength, pain that worsens at night or with prolonged wrist flexion (such as holding a phone), and dropping objects due to weakness.
Conservative Physiotherapy Treatment
Wrist Splinting
Wearing a neutral-position wrist splint, especially at night, reduces pressure on the median nerve and relieves nocturnal symptoms. Physiotherapists prescribe and fit appropriate splints.
Neural Mobilisation (Nerve Gliding)
Median nerve gliding exercises improve the nerve's ability to move freely through the carpal tunnel, reducing adhesions and symptoms.
Manual Therapy
Soft tissue release of the wrist flexors and carpal bones mobilisation reduce mechanical pressure on the nerve.
Ergonomic Modification
Assessing and correcting keyboard height, mouse position, and wrist posture during computer work addresses the root cause for most office workers.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
If conservative treatment fails after 3 months of consistent physiotherapy, or if there is significant muscle wasting or severe nerve compression on electrodiagnostic testing, surgical release may be necessary. Post-surgical physiotherapy then accelerates recovery.