Phsyiotherapy for carpal tunnel

What are the physio exercises for carpal tunnel surgery?

Why Is Physical Therapy Crucial After Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

Physical therapy is a critical component of the recovery process after carpal tunnel surgery for several reasons. It plays a vital role in helping patients regain strength, flexibility, and function in the wrist splint and hand, ensuring a successful return to daily repetitive activities and work. Here are the key reasons why physical therapy is crucial after carpal tunnel surgery:

  • Reduces Swelling and Pain: It helps manage post-surgical swelling and discomfort.
  • Prevents Scar Tissue Formation: Physical therapy minimizes scar tissue, promoting better movement.
  • Restores Range of Motion: It aids in regaining wrist and middle finger flexibility lost due to surgery.
  • Improves Strength: Manual Therapy strengthens the muscles around the wrist and hand, which is essential for repetitive wrist movements.
  • Enhances Functional Abilities: Therapists tailor exercises to improve the ability to perform everyday activities.
  • Educates on Ergonomics and Injury Prevention: Offers guidance on preventing future issues through ergonomic practices.
  • Customizes Recovery Plans: Therapy programs are personalized, ensuring optimal recovery based on individual needs. 

In today’s fast-paced world, where repetitive hand and wrist movements are common due to the extensive use of computers and smartphones, carpal tunnel syndrome has become a prevalent issue. Undergoing surgery to alleviate this condition necessitates a well-structured rehabilitation plan prominently featuring physiotherapy exercises. 

At Proremedy Physio in Streetsville, we recognize the importance of a personalized recovery plan, particularly following procedures as delicate as carpal tunnel surgery. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that each individual’s body responds differently to surgery and rehabilitation. Therefore, we emphasize creating a recovery strategy tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Our expert physiotherapists in Streetsville are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your rehabilitation journey. We employ a comprehensive assessment method to understand your post-surgery challenges and limitations. Based on this assessment, we craft a customized treatment plan to restore strength and flexibility in your wrist and hand and focus on preventing future strain and injury.

What is Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

Carpal tunnel surgery, or carpal tunnel release surgery, is performed to relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is a condition that causes acute pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when the median nerve, one of the primary nerves to the hand, is compressed or squeezed as it travels through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist.

The surgery aims to reduce pressure on the median nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. This increases the tunnel’s size and decreases pressure on the median nerve, alleviating CTS symptoms.

Below are two main types of carpal surgery as follows:

  1. Open Carpal Tunnel Release: This traditional procedure involves making a small incision in the palm of the hand near the wrist, allowing the surgeon to see the transverse carpal ligament and cut it to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
  2. Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: This is a less invasive procedure that involves making one or two smaller incisions in the wrist joint or palm. A tiny camera (endoscope) is inserted through the incision to guide the surgeon in cutting the transverse carpal ligament. This method typically results in less pain and a quicker recovery time than open surgery.

What are the physio exercises for carpal tunnel surgery?

After carpal tunnel surgery, physiotherapy exercises are crucial for recovery, helping to restore wrist function, reduce stiffness, and improve strength. Here are some common exercises recommended for patients:

  1. Wrist Flexion and Extension:

     

    • Flexion: Gently bend your wrist forward, holding for 5 seconds.
    • Extension: Gently bend your wrist back, holding it for 5 seconds only.
    • Perform 10 repetitions of each, 2-3 times a day.
  2. Median Nerve Glides:

     

    • Start with your fingers and thumb together, palm facing you. Extend your fingers up, then stretch your wrist back gently. Hold each position for a few seconds.
    • Repeat 5-10 times, ensuring smooth, gentle movements without forcing the nerve.
  3. Tendon Gliding Exercises:

     

    • Fist to Fan: Make a fist, then fan out your fingers, stretching them as wide as possible.
    • Hook Fist: Bend only your knuckles, keeping the rest of your fingers straight.
    • Perform each exercise 5-10 times to improve tendon movement and flexibility.
  4. Grip Strengthening:

     

    • Use a soft stress ball or sponge. Squeeze the ball gently and hold for 5 seconds before releasing.
    • Repeat 10 times, 2-3 times a day to enhance grip strength.
  5. Wrist Turns:

     

    • With your elbow at your side and bent at 90 degrees, turn your wrist slowly from palm up to palm down positions.
    • Perform 10 repetitions, 2-3 times a day to improve wrist mobility.
  6. Thumb Stretch:

     

    • Gently stretch your thumb across your palm towards the base of your little finger. Hold for 5 seconds.
    • Repeat 5-10 times to increase thumb mobility and reduce stiffness.
  7. Finger Extensions:

     

    • Place your hand flat on a table, then lift each finger off the table one at a time, holding each lift for 5 seconds.
    • This exercise helps improve finger control and strength.

 

Conclusion

Recovering from carpal tunnel surgery is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and the right guidance. Incorporating these physio exercises into your rehabilitation plan can enhance your recovery and regain your wrist’s functionality after carpal compression. 

Remember, each individual’s recovery timeline may vary, and it’s essential to consult with your physical therapist to tailor the exercises to your specific needs. With the right approach, you can recover successfully and confidently return to your daily activities.

In conclusion, addressing the questions raised at the beginning, physical therapy is an essential component of the recovery process, offering a range of exercises and Conservative treatments to improve mobility, strength, and function post-surgery. Whether it’s your knee pain , hip pain , shoulder pain , or lower back causing trouble, physiotherapy is there to help.

By following a personalized physical therapy program and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, individuals can navigate their recovery journey effectively, ensuring a return to health and preventing future issues.

Physiotherapist Arpan Hundal

Physiotherapist Arpan Hundal

Arpan has been practicing as a physiotherapist since 2010, starting her career in a trauma center in India where she worked with post-traumatic and post-operative cases. She moved to Canada and continued her independent practice, specializing in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic issues, sports injuries, and pelvic health physiotherapy. She has experience dealing with MVA and WSIB clients and has been working in the Mississauga community since 2015.

Physiotherapist Arpan Hundal

Physiotherapist Arpan Hundal

Arpan has been practicing as a physiotherapist since 2010, starting her career in a trauma center in India where she worked with post-traumatic and post-operative cases. She moved to Canada and continued her independent practice, specializing in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic issues, sports injuries, and pelvic health physiotherapy. She has experience dealing with MVA and WSIB clients and has been working in the Mississauga community since 2015.

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