Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Exercises
Carpal tunnel symptoms can be relieved with the help of different type of exercises and activity alterations. Physical therapists treat carpal tunnel with stretching exercise and strengthening exercise.
Stretching Exercise for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
1. Wrist Stretching Exercises: Hold your arm out straight at shoulder level in front of you and bend your wrist back facing your palm forward. Bend your wrist back as much you can with the fingers together and then spread your thumbs and finger apart. Hold for 5-10 seconds and release.
2. Forearm Stretching Exercises: Put your hand together in front of your chest (like praying) and then without letting your palms come apart raise your elbows. Shake your wrist out after hold that position for 5-10 seconds.
Strengthening Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Once your wrist swelling is decreased, physical therapists recommend isometric strengthening exercise. This exercise is based on the causes of your carpal tunnel. With your wrist straight, hold a tennis ball in your affected hand and squeeze it for 5-10 seconds. This exercise makes your forearm muscle contract.
Progressive strengthening exercises start when you have sufficient isometric strength in your wrist. These exercises are harder than isometric exercises. These exercises are performed by using a resistance band with the permission of your therapist.
Wrist Mobilization to Get Relief from CTS Pain
Wrist mobilization is the other way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. It increases the area where the median nerve passes through. These exercises consist of series of specific wrist joint stretches. Wrist mobilization increases the median nerve ability to move freely in the carpal tunnel.
Finger Dexterity
Finger dexterity exercises help to regain from your thumb and the first two or three fingers weakness. These exercises include touching each finger tips to your thumb pad. The physical therapist may add resistance using therapy putty or add rubber bands to your fingers.