Give Your Carpal Tunnel a Helping Hand with Acupuncture Treatment

You’ve heard of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and may wonder if your aching wrist means you have it. But CTS is more than just a sore wrist; it’s a neurological condition that can cause symptoms in your forearm, wrist, hand, and fingers, such as pain, numbness, and tingling, and it calls for expert medical attention.

In Brooklyn and Queens, there’s no better place to seek help for CTS than Advanced Medical Care. Here’s what our board-certified neurologists want you to know about this common debilitating condition.

The 411 on carpal tunnel syndrome

• CTS occurs when your median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your palm, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.

You can develop CTS from many contributing factors that increase the pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in your forearm that houses the nerve. For example, you can get CTS from trauma or injury to your wrist, an overactive pituitary gland, rheumatoid arthritis, and mechanical problems in your wrist joint. 

However, the most common cause is repetitive motions, like typing, and it’s more frequent among women than men.

Symptoms typically start gradually, with burning, tingling, or numbness in the palm and fingers. Some people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome say their fingers feel useless or swollen, even though little or no swelling is visible.

Good news: Carpal tunnel syndrome is treatable

Traditional treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Cortisone injections
• Wrist splinting
• Surgery (in severe cases)
• However, at Advanced Medical Care, we prefer physical therapy and alternative treatments like acupuncture for CTS relief. Here’s why.

How physical therapy treats CTS

Physical therapy is an umbrella term for various treatments that address musculoskeletal problems that cause pain, function, and mobility problems. Our expert physical therapists use a range of modalities like:

• Ultrasound
• Stretching
• Strengthening exercises 

Even though these methods are helpful for some in relieving pressure on the nerve, improving mobility, and strengthening the hand and wrist, others need a next-level approach, which is when we turn to acupuncture.  

The benefits of acupuncture for CTS

Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and is another viable treatment option for CTS. 

Although it sounds painful, it’s actually quite comfortable. We insert ultra-thin needles at specific points in your wrist, hands, and arms to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes and increase blood flow.

Our Advanced Medical Care physicians know the benefits of acupuncture for CTS firsthand, but plenty of medical researchers agree. Studies show that acupuncture for CTS is safe and effective for mild-to-moderate symptoms and can significantly reduce inflammation. 

A study published in Brain showed that acupuncture may create new pathways for nerve signals between your wrist and brain.

Acupuncture also has a few more advantages over traditional treatments. Unlike medication, it has no side effects. It can also provide longer-lasting relief compared to splinting or exercises. Finally, acupuncture is an excellent alternative for those hesitant to undergo surgery.

If you’re suffering from CTS, physical therapy and acupuncture could be beneficial treatment options. To learn more, call Advanced Medical Care in Queens or Brooklyn, New York, or book an appointment online.