Surgery V.S. Physical Therapy
In some severe cases, surgery may be a necessary step in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, in most cases, physical therapy alone is enough to treat the condition completely. In a study titled, “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Physical Therapy or Surgery?” published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, that theory was thoroughly tested. Based on the known side effects and risks associated with surgery, in addition to the knowledge that over 1/3 of patients are unable to return to work within 8 weeks after receiving their operation, researchers decided to test whether physical therapy treatments could be used in replacement of surgical procedures. The results were overwhelmingly positive. 100 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were studied; 50 had received surgery, and 50 had received physical therapy alone. The physical therapy patients were treated with manual therapy techniques, focusing on the neck and median nerve, in addition to stretching exercises given by their physical therapists. After one month, the physical therapy patients had much better function during their daily activities than the surgery patients, and demonstrated stronger grip strength overall. At 3, 6, and 12 months, patients in both groups showed similar improvements with function and grip strength. How we can help: The study above proves that physical therapy works just as well, if not better, than surgery. With every surgery there are risks involved, not to mention the overwhelming expense and recovery time that comes along with it. Physical therapy is a safer, healthier, and more comfortable option for those experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome. At South Valley Physical Therapy, we will employ similar manual therapy techniques to help treat your condition, in addition to any other
treatments that your physical therapist deems fit after your evaluation. We will work closely with your primary care provider, in order to discover the best course of treatment for your specific needs. South Valley Physical Therapy is dedicated toward helping you achieve a pain- free life, with the least amount of discomfort possible. Why opt for surgery when there is another option that can help you return to the activities you need to much faster? Call our office today to schedule your initial consultation, and get started on your journey toward better health, pain relief, and overall contentment. Exercises you can do at home: • Spiders doing pushups: Begin with your hands clasped together in prayer position. Then spread your fingers apart as far as they can go. Next, create a triangle shape by separating your palms, but keeping your fingers together still. • Shake it off: Shake out your hands, as if you have just washed them and you’re trying to air dry them. • Deep wrist stretch: Begin with your arm stretched straight in front of you, elbow locked, and fingers pointing downward. Spread your fingers slightly and use your other hand to press down and apply gentle pressure to your wrist and fingers, slowly pushing them as far as they’ll go. When you’ve reached maximum flexibility, hold this position for 20 seconds. When you’re finished, repeat with your other hand. Sources: https://www.jospt.org/doi/full/10.2519/jospt.2017.0503 https://www. moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=9f3cdf74-3f6f-40ca- b641-d559302a08fc https://www.healthline.com/health/carpal-tunnel-wrist- exercises#stretch-armstrong
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