Print Article for : Massage For Carpal Tunnel

Your Online Guide » Body Wellness » Complete Guide to Massage

[M299]Massage For Carpal Tunnel

by Simon Robert, Sim

Massage therapy eases the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and increases grip strength, according to a recent study.
"Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are lessened following massage therapy" was conducted by staff at the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain, tingling, burning and numbness of the hand. Sixteen people diagnosed with this syndrome participated in the study. All of them held jobs involving heavy word processing or computer work.
Subjects were randomly assigned to either the standard-treatment control group or the massage-therapy group. Those in the massage group received one massage per week on the affected arm for four weeks. They were also instructed in self-massage, which they were to perform each night before bed.
The massage routine consisted of stroking of moderate pressure from the fingertips to the elbow. A massage and pain log was kept by subjects in the massage group. In the log, participants recorded the times at which they began and ended self-massage, as well as their levels of pain on a scale from zero to 10.
Subjects in the control group received no intervention, but were taught the massage routine after the study ended.
Physicians evaluated participants' carpal tunnel symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, pain and strength, at the beginning and end of the four-week study. The Tinel sign, which tests to see if light tapping of the affected area elicits pain or tingling, was also used at the start and finish of the study. Physicians used the Phalen Test at the beginning and end of the study as well. The Phalen Test involves flexing of the wrists to see if numbness or tingling occurs.
A nerve conduction test was also performed at the start and finish of the study. This involved stimulation of the median sensory nerves through electrodes placed on each subject's index finger and wrist. Peak sensory latencies were recorded to test for nerve compression at the carpal tunnel. Median peak latency was the primary outcome measure.
Assessments were also made before and after the massage sessions on the first and last days of the study, including the Perceived Grip Strength Scale; VITAS, a pain assessment using a visual analogue scale; the state anxiety inventory; and the Profile of Mood States.
Results of the study showed that the subjects in the massage group had significantly less pain and reduced carpal tunnel symptoms, as well as shorter median peak latencies and increased grip strength.
"Functional activity also improved as noted in reduced pain and increased grip strength in the massage therapy group, both immediately after the first and last massage therapy sessions and by the end of the study," state the study's authors. "Finally, the massage therapy group reported lower anxiety and depressed mood levels both immediately after the first and last sessions and by the end of the study."

With so many people sitting at computers and doing other types of repetitive work, carpal tunnel is a common problem. Good news is, studies have shown massage is a safe, effective, and economical way to relieve carpal tunnel. (Touch Research Institutes.)
Symptoms of carpal tunnel include pain in the forearms and wrists as well numbness, tingling, and sometimes even burning. In severe cases, a sufferer can loose grip strength and even become disabled. The term "carpal tunnel" really describes a set of symptoms. There can be different causes. However, one of the major causes is nerve entrapment, also called nerve impingement or nerve compression.
When doctor's diagnose "carpal tunnel," they're really describing a set of symptoms. The cause may be unclear. However, nerve impingements, also called nerve compressions or nerve entrapments, are a common cause.
Nerve entrapments often happen because of muscular tension squeezing the nerves, pressing the nerves against hard tissue (bone), or pulling the body out of alignment, which places pressure on nerves. It's like tying a knot in a garden hose. Nerve conduction is restricted by tension and poor alignment.
The feeling can be similar to when your arm or leg "falls asleep," which is the feeling of trapped nerves, except that it goes on until it's treated.
When you relieve tension and return the body to better alignment, it frees trapped nerves and you'll feel the difference. Sometimes, while working with clients who have carpal tunnel, they'll feel a tingling sensation or "zap" go down their arm for a moment. That's the feeling of nerves opening up again.
Carpal tunnel surgery is often an expensive and effective or even makes matters worse, leading to more surgeries. Massage is a safer and more effective alternative. However, it needs to be used regularly for a period of time, like other types of therapy.

Article Source : Men Massage

About Author

Both Simon Robert & Bodhi Mcleod, Lmt are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Simon Robert has sinced written about articles on various topics from Massage, Acne Treatment and Massage. Author writes articles on different topics. To know more, visit:,. Simon Robert's top article generates over 880 views. to your Favourites.

Bodhi Mcleod, Lmt has sinced written about articles on various topics from Massage. I've seen the difference massage can make in people with carpal tunnel. Some massage therapists are more experienced than others to deal with medical issues like carpal tunnel, so do your homework. To read testimonials and find out more, go to. Bodhi Mcleod, Lmt's top article generates over 880 views. to your Favourites.