Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common causes of wrist pain, numbness, and tingling. It occurs when the median nerve, which passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed. At Pain Free Health, our physiotherapists in Langley, Richmond, Ladner, South Surrey, Surrey, White Rock, and Queensborough regularly treat patients struggling with this condition.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a small passage in the wrist formed by the carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament. Inside this tunnel run the median nerve and several flexor tendons. When the tunnel narrows or swelling occurs, the median nerve becomes compressed, leading to the symptoms of CTS.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms, Treatment, and Physiotherapy Recovery
Signs and Symptoms
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often develops gradually and may include:
Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger
Wrist pain that is worse at night or after repetitive use
Weak grip and difficulty holding objects
In advanced cases: wasting of the thumb muscles (thenar atrophy)
Signs and Symptoms
Who Is at Risk?
Certain occupations and activities increase the risk of CTS:
Office and computer workers (typing, mouse use)
Assembly line and construction workers (repetitive or vibration tools)
Healthcare providers and service workers (nurses, dentists, hairdressers)
Musicians, gamers, and long-haul drivers
Women, people with diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid disease, and pregnant women are also more prone to CTS.
Who Is at Risk?
How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Physiotherapists and physicians use both clinical tests and diagnostic tools:
Phalen’s test (wrist flexion provokes symptoms)
Tinel’s sign (tapping over the median nerve reproduces tingling)
Durkan’s compression test (direct wrist compression)
Nerve conduction studies (NCS), EMG, and imaging when needed
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Treatment and Management
At Pain Free Health, we use a combination of conservative physiotherapy treatments and collaborate with physicians when medical management is needed.
Conservative Physiotherapy Options:
Wrist splints (especially at night)
Activity modification and ergonomics (workstation setup, posture)
Manual therapy for the neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist
Dry needling for associated myofascial trigger points
Shockwave therapy to stimulate tissue healing
Taping techniques for support and offloading wrist structures
Exercises: nerve glides, tendon glides, stretching, and strengthening
Medical Options:
NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories)
Corticosteroid injections
Surgical release if conservative care fails
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Rehabilitation and Prevention
Rehabilitation focuses on restoring wrist mobility, grip strength, and safe function.
Common rehab exercises include:
Median nerve glides
Wrist flexor stretches
Grip and pinch strengthening
Gradual return to repetitive activities with ergonomic adjustments
Prevention tips:
Use ergonomic workstations
Take regular breaks
Maintain neutral wrist posture
Incorporate strengthening and mobility exercises into your daily routine
