Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Post Rehab Goals and Objectives:
- Increase flexibility of the anterior shoulder girdle
- Improve or maintain neutral cervical and shoulder girdle posture
- Strengthen the posterior shoulder girdle musculature
Description
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a cumulative trauma disorder and is the result of compression of the median nerve. This compression causes loss of sensation, numbness and tingling, weakness, and pain. These symptoms occur in the first tree digits of the hand. The pain is usually present with a repetitive activity such as typing and other activities that require fine manipulation with the fingers.
The roof of the carpal tunnel is formed by the flexor retinaculum of the wrist. The floor is formed by the carpal bones themselves. The area between is termed the carpal tunnel. Through this tunnel passes the median nerve, a number of blood vessels and muscle tendons. Repetitive trauma will cause inflammation to produce swelling. This swelling, if chronic, will lead to compression on the median nerve. The compression turns into numbness, tingling and pain seen in carpal tunnel.
The treatment of carpal tunnel is aimed at decreasing pain, restoring normal function and improving function. Splints and braces may be used to maintain wrist in neutral posture to alleviate the compression on the median nerve. Surgery is sometimes used to reduce the compression.