Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the Median Nerve (which supplies sensation to your thumb, index and middle finger and some of the muscles including the big one at the base of your thumb) gets compressed where it travels through a tunnel in the wrist that is formed of an arch of wrist bones connected by a structure called the Flexor Retinaculum (FR) or Transverse Carpal Ligament.

If the area becomes swollen it can compress the nerve as it passes through. This can be caused by repetitive strain, wear and tear, inflammatory or autoimmune conditions and fluid retention, it is also common in pregnancy.

The most common symptom is tingling or numbness in the fingers described above, although as it progresses it can also cause weakness in the hand and, if very severe, wasting of the muscles.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually responds well to manual therapy, particularly if it’s caused by degenerative changes, postural or repetitive strain.