How Can Hand Therapy Help with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
People with repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), like CTS, often visit a hand therapist. Hand therapy can also benefit other patients who suffer from conditions like arthritis and some neurological conditions, because it helps, at the minimum, to decrease pain and improve movement. Some of the techniques hand therapists use to improve function of the hand and wrist include: • Braces and splinting: Provide support and rest to joints. Wearing wrist splints at night may relieve symptoms that interfere with sleep. • Massage: Increases circulation, relaxes muscles, and provides a sense of well-being. • Exercises: Stretch and strengthen tendons. • Hot packs and cold packs: Provide pain relief. Ice and cold packs can reduce swelling and inflammation. • Paraffin dips and contrast baths: Increases circulation and decreases pain and swelling.
