Healing Carpal Tunnel with Low Level Laser Therapy.  

As we get back to our routines at work, it’s important to prevent common work related injuries.  One such injury is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).  Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disease state in which patients feel pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and wrist.  The “carpal tunnel” is a narrow canal in the wrist with nerves and tendons traveling through it.  

Until recently, surgery was the primary option available to patients looking for long term relief.  At Brio, we have a protocol to heal CTS successfully using low-level laser therapy and acupuncture.  

How does carpal tunnel syndrome occur?  

We have a large nerve called the median nerve that travels through the carpal tunnel.  This nerve provides sensation to the fingers and also controls the movements of many muscles in the hand.  When the median nerve becomes compressed, pain and tingling results.  Many cases of CTS are caused by repetitive motion of the wrist and fingers.  It was once believed that too much typing on a keyboard was a cause of CTS, but a few recent studies are proving that that may not be the case.

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Many other factors can cause the development of CTS:
– Trauma to the wrist (sprain, fracture, etc)
– Hypothyroidism
-Rheumatoid arthritis
-work stress (repeated use of vibrating tools)
-fluid retention during pregnancy

Prevention and Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Prevention of CTS can be challenging for those who work with their hands all day.  Proper ergonomics and adequate rest will help improve the worsening of symptoms.  Dietary factors and the use of supplements can significantly reduce the swelling and inflammation in the wrist.  

Splinting of the wrist during sleep and activities is done by some practitioners, but we have seen that muscle atrophy can occur and splinting does not provide a permanent solution.

Steroid injections have shown to provide temporary relief (2-4 months) according to research, however, research shows that 18 months after the injection, only 22% of patients were still pain free.  We believe that steroid injections mask the underlying problem and should be reserved for temporary solutions in severe cases.  

Low Level Laser Therapy is the treatment of choice for Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.

At Brio Integrative Health Centre, we have success in treating carpal tunnel syndrome using low level laser therapy.   

 

The laser light reduces pain and swelling in the wrist area and there is clear evidence showing that laser therapy stimulates nerve regeneration.  

 

Not all laser devices are created equally, so be sure to find a practitioner that is knowledgeable about this technology.  

 

Call us today to you get rid of your carpal tunnel pain.