Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

This condition affects the wrist and hand. It occurs when pressure builds up near a nerve as it passes through a narrow passage in the wrist, known as the carpal tunnel. Many people get relief with specialized hand therapy. If you need surgery (carpal tunnel release), hand therapy after your procedure can help restore movement and optimize functionality.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can develop anytime there’s unusual pressure on the nerve that runs through your wrist.

A variety of everyday factors may raise your risk, including:

• Health conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues
• Fluid changes during pregnancy or menopause
• Arthritis that leads to swelling and joint irritation
• Past wrist injuries, such as sprains or fractures
• Regular use of vibrating tools or machinery
• Repetitive movements in jobs that involve typing or working on an assembly line
• Sports or hobbies involving regular gripping, like cycling, weightlifting or tennis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

As nerve irritation worsens, symptoms affecting hand and wrist comfort become more noticeable.

You may experience:

• Difficulty with tasks involving your hands, such as fastening buttons or cutting food
• Hand weakness, especially when gripping objects
• Numbness or tingling in your fingers
• Sensation of the hand falling asleep, especially at night
• Wrist pain that may spread to the hand or forearm

Treatments

Hand therapy, a specialized form of occupational therapy, helps you receive focused carpal tunnel syndrome treatment. At Brooks, therapists with additional training in hand, wrist and arm conditions deliver personalized care.

Hand therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome may include:

• Activity modification: We help you reduce wrist strain during daily tasks.
• Custom orthotics or splints: Therapists create devices that ease pressure on the nerve.
• Manual therapy: These techniques improve circulation, reduce stiffness and support smoother movement.
• Nerve and tendon gliding exercises: Therapists guide you through hand movements that help nerves and tendons glide properly through the wrist.
• Scar and swelling management: We use gentle techniques to reduce inflammation.
• Strength exercises: You perform targeted movements that restore hand and wrist strength.

Hand therapy after carpal tunnel release

If hand therapy is not successful, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon for a procedure called carpal tunnel release surgery. After the procedure, many people often come back to Brooks for post-operative hand therapy.

Hand therapists support your recovery with services that include:

• Scar tissue management, which prevents tissue build-ups that restrict motion or cause pain
• Nerve gliding exercises that help nerves move freely through the wrist without irritation
• Strength and mobility recovery to restore hand and grip strength
• Swelling and sensitivity control for ongoing inflammation or tenderness near the incision
• Daily use training to support a gradual return to daily tasks involving your hands

Why Choose Brooks Rehabilitation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment?

Brooks offers advanced hand therapy that’s not widely available. Our highly regarded team offers personalized care that fits into your busy schedule.

Highlights of our program include:

• Certified hand therapists: Brooks is home to occupational therapists who are Certified Hand Therapists. Our providers have advanced training and deep experience in treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist and arm, like carpal tunnel syndrome. We help people with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and we can help you, too.
• Personalized care: We tailor a hand therapy plan for carpal tunnel syndrome around your unique needs. Hand therapists take time to perform a thorough assessment and listen carefully as you talk about what’s important to you. Whether you want to return to work, daily tasks or sports, our team develops a plan that helps you achieve your goals.
• Convenience: Brooks makes it easy to find hand therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome close to home. Certified hand therapists are in locations throughout Florida And you might not need a physician referral to start treatment, depending on your insurance. Become a patient.

FAQs About Hand Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

How long does hand therapy take to improve carpal tunnel symptoms?

Many people get symptom relief within a few weeks of starting hand therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome. Therapy may last up to eight weeks, depending on symptom severity, daily activity demands and treatment response. Our therapists adjust the plan as your care progresses.

Why do I need hand therapy after carpal tunnel release surgery?

Hand therapy plays a key role in helping you recover quickly and efficiently. The goal is to help you return to daily tasks comfortably and avoid setbacks. Brooks hand therapists give you expert guidance on how to move, stretch and strengthen your wrist safely.

How do hand therapists help prevent carpal tunnel symptoms from returning?

Hand therapists at Brooks focus on prevention to support your long-term nerve and wrist health. This may include teaching you new methods for performing daily activities or improving wrist positioning to reduce pressure on your nerves.