Can Bodywork Help?
A recent study conducted at The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine looked at the efficacy of bodywork in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Researchers found that after the completion of four massage sessions, the participants experienced an improvement in grip strength and a decrease in pain, anxiety, and depression. Participants also showed improvement in specific medical tests used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. This landmark study verifies what bodyworkers have observed clinically for years: Massage — and especially deep tissue techniques, such as neuromuscular therapy, Rolfing, and Hellerwork — can reorganize the connective tissue fibers, break up scar tissue, and reduce or eliminate the cause of inflammation. Soft tissue work helps realign these tiny fibers of the tendons and sheaths, and the body can then heal itself — and ease or even eliminate carpal tunnel syndrome. Bodywork to the entire arm, shoulder, and neck will also free soft ti
