Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a type of RSI (repetitive strain injury) that is more common now than ever before. RSIs are caused by overuse and repetition – such as typing, using a computer mouse, driving, video games, lifting heavy objects, and even sports and exercise if done incorrectly.
The pain from RSIs typically occurs in the upper part of the body. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome generally hurts in the wrists and forearms, but the problem actually originates from the shoulder area.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
“Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand. When the median nerve is compressed, the symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm.”
Signs of Repetitive Strain Injury
According to Moore Life Health and Healing Chiropractors: Evidence of RSIs typically begin gradually and become constant and more intense. Pain tends to start in the wrists and hands, forearms and elbows, or neck and shoulders. If you ignore early signs you may not notice or be slowed down by it until it becomes really bad or unbearable. But there is no need to get to that point. If left untreated symptoms may limit your ability to perform your usual activities.
Symptoms include:
- pain, ranging from mild to severe
- tenderness
- swelling
- stiffness
- tingling or numbness
- throbbing
- weakness
- sensitivity to cold or heat
Massage Can Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Massage therapy is an effective way to help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome-related symptoms. It can also be used to prevent developing RSIs. If you work in one of the professions or industries listed below you should consider adding massage therapy to your regular self-care routine. It could save you a lot of pain, medication, and surgery in the future.
Massage therapy helps treat CTS by reducing inflammation, pain, and numbness in the carpal tunnel. This happens by lengthening the muscles and fascia in the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, and hand.
Deep tissue massage can be used to stimulate trigger points and reduce the tension in the soft tissues of the shoulder, arm, hand, and wrist. It can also help increase joint mobility in those areas.
Related: What is Trigger Point Massage?
Myofascial tissue massage is also a wonderful technique to help with this sort of pain. cupping on the hand, used in combination with massage therapy, is another effective way to reduce muscle tension that may be contributing to symptoms associated with CTS.
All Body Kneads provides several types of massage therapy including Deep Tissue, therapeutic, and myofascial massage.
Book an appointment today!
Occupations Prone to Developing RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Many types of jobs require us to do the same thing over and over again. However, the following occupations seem to be more prone to developing RSIs:
- cashiers
- construction workers
- assembly line work
- dental hygienists
- butchering and cooking
- nail technicians
- tattoo artists
- knitters and sewers
- artists and musicians
- welders
- cleaners
- truck and bus drivers
- writers
Are You Interested in Massage Therapy?
We at All Body Kneads would love to talk to you about your work habits and RSIs so we can create a treatment plan that can best address your issues. Please contact us at:
Business Phone (517) 898-2899
E-Mail: bilky@allbodykneads.com
6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4
Lansing, MI 48911-6912
You can also schedule an appointment online at here.
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