Top 5 Ways to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Everyone is too busy to read articles anymore - the reason for my creating of this top-5 list, as I wouldn’t want people to have to apply too much effort for their own health and safety by performing some form of research on their own.
People want quick and easy no matter what it is: Driving and eating vs. sitting at home with the family and eating, a car wash vs. using the hose in the driveway, email and text messaging instead if writing an actual letter, pills vs. a change in diet and exercise and the list goes on. The want for ease of use can be applied to anything, including a variety of repetitive strain injuries; one of them known by everyone as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or CTS for short.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is everywhere so how does someone get rid of it as quickly and easily as getting a hamburger at the drive-up window?
Here they are, the Top 5 Ways to Reduce CTS: (I just got through saying that everyone is too busy to read much and I went and wrote a long article, somewhat defeating the purpose of the Top-5.)
So here is my condensed version, the A-E List, with the in-depth explanations of each below:
A – Flextend
B – Stretch flexor Muscles
C – Strengthen Back and Shoulders to create better posture.
D – Utilize good ergonomics, making sure your job fits your build.
E – Massage Therapy and Rest.
1. Flextend: I really can’t say enough about this product. Ten years on the market with a success rate of more than 90%. That’s huge. For the other 10% of the people still suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) after using Flextend, they may need to try something else or obtain alternative opinions, as maybe they do not even have CTS. Other disorders are often misdiagnosed as CTS. Surgery may be the final alternative, but Flextend is certainly the first thing to try, and most often the only thing you will need!
2. Stretching Routine: Stretching is extremely important in eliminating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) as it helps correct any existing muscle imbalance, stabilizes the joint and reduces compression of the median nerve. The key here is to stretch the muscles on the front of your hands and wrists. (The wrist and forearm flexors.)
3. Back Exercises: Many people have the hanging head and rounded shoulders, which equals poor posture. Poor posture increases the chances of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) as it transfers stress to the hands and wrists more instead of allowing the shoulders and back to bear most of the workload.
4. Ergonomics: No matter what a person does for a living, they need to make sure the job fits their physical build. Customized workstations, ergonomic tools, task rotation and other strain reducing techniques must be used to prevent undo stress to workers. If a person is functioning in a non-ergonomic situation, they need to talk to their supervisor about implementing an ergonomics program to reduce injuries and increase productivity.
5. Massage Therapy and Rest: Relaxation massage is great as an adjunct to these other modes, but more specific site-therapy should be performed for those already experiencing symptoms of CTS. Working directly on the tight wrist and forearms flexor muscles can reduce compression of the median nerve and associated symptoms. Rest is also a good idea. People whom are always on the go are often more tense and subject to injury.
Good Luck and I hope you liked the information!Author: Jeff Anliker, LMT