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Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Ottawa

Wrist painCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by repetitive motion, such as typing, texting, or performing assembly line work. Over time, such actions may produce pain and injury. Most people with CTS experience tingling or numbness in the fingers or hand or weakness in the hand.
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Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when a nerve in the forearm, called the median nerve, gets compressed and squeezed as it enters into the palm of the hand. The median nerve travels through a narrow passage called the “carpal tunnel”, which is where the compression occurs—hence the name, carpal tunnel syndrome.

To understand the symptoms of CTS, you should know the function of the median nerve. This nerve provides sensation and motor (movement) function to the forearm and part of the hand. With CTS, the symptoms include weakness of the thumb, index and middle finger, pain in the hand, tingling or numbing sensation.

In some cases, a condition called Pronator Teres Syndrome (PTS) closely mimics CTS. In PTS, the median nerve is compressed by the elbow, which results in symptoms that are very similar to CTS. Getting the correct diagnosis is crucial for your success!

Our Natural Approach

Our Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation chiropractors and physiotherapists are well-equipped to address and manage CTS and PTS. Proper diagnosis is paramount! Knowing where the nerve is entrapped is the key to managing either condition. We will often use soft tissue / fascial therapy, electroacupuncture, exercises, and sometimes wrist braces to manage either condition.

In complicated cases, our medical team can refer for nerve conduction studies or MRIs to better evaluate the condition, and we may potentially refer for surgery if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wear a wrist brace for my CTS?

A brace is sometimes prescribed to help protect the wrist and keep it immobilized. While it may alleviate some symptoms, wearing a brace doesn’t address the malfunctioning joints that are causing the problem. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy address the root cause.

How many visits will I need?

The cause and severity of the symptoms and whether it is carpal tunnel syndrome or pronator teres syndrome will determine the expected recovery time. We’ve had cases that resolve in one session, but we’ve also had cases that have required surgery. Every patient is unique, and your care plan will be customized for you based on our thorough evaluation.

I’ve previously had surgery for my CTS; can chiropractic still benefit me?

Yes, absolutely! After any surgery there are consequences that often result in things like stiffness, scar tissue, loss of muscle mass. Our chiropractors and physiotherapists can help with the recovery after your surgery. We can help rehabilitate the wrist and arm while also focusing on other areas that could still be affecting the median nerve, such as pronator teres syndrome.

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Contact us today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to doing everything we can to help you!
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Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Alta Vista, Ottawa ON | (613) 728-9414