• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Flex Physical Therapy in Council Bluffs

Fast Pain Relief and Physical Therapy in Council Bluffs and Omaha

  • New Patient Portal
    • Request an Appointment
    • Insurance/Prices
    • FAQ
    • Guarantee
    • Getting Started Video
  • Meet Our Staff
  • Locations
    • West Council Bluffs Clinic
    • East Council Bluffs Clinic
    • West Omaha Clinic
  • Success Stories
You are here: Home » Self Treatments » Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel

By Mike Uhrlaub

Components Of Wrist

The Carpal Tunnel is the passage in the wrist created by the carpal bones on three sides with a ligament covering as the roof.  Through this crowded tiny space, nine tendons pass, as well as the median nerve.  Acute pain in a women wristThese tendons help you bend your wrist and fingers.    Any inflammation in the carpal tunnel will cause the median nerve to be compressed, thus resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome.  The median nerve goes on to the thumb, forefinger, middle finger and half of the ring finger.  This is the reason for the burning, tingling feelings and for the numbness and the pain.

It is important to know that the wrist is the slimmest part of the human body.  Slim wrists have been considered a sign of beauty for centuries, but people with smaller wrists, it is now known are at higher risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The degree of the nerve compression will dictate how long it can take for someone to respond to treatment.  Some patients have mild problems and can be fixed in 1-4 weeks; others take longer.

Repetitive Strain

Avoid Repetitive Strain Injuries while working at the computer.  The best thing you can do is make sure you take adequate breaks.  A break every thirty minutes can do wonders.  This is especially important if you have any tingling or pins and needles sensation in your palm, because these are the first signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  There are specific stretches to do during these breaks.

Wrist Stretches

The first stretch is called the Prayer Stretch.  Simple start with your hands in a prayer position and slowly as tolerated bring palms down and hold for 10 seconds, 3x a day.wrist

The second stretch is wrist extension.  It is holding your arm out straight and slowly bringing your palm back with the opposite hand as tolerated for a 10 second hold, 3x a day.

One of the most effective home treatments, is the median nerve glide, which involves gentle bending and straightening of the fingers without bending or straightening of the wrist.  This may help because it moves the median nerve and tendons that go through the carpal tunnel.  This helps to reduce swelling and some of the pressure on the nerves because it pumps out fluid from the carpal tunnel.

CarpalTunnel2

Surgery May Not Be The Answer

Surgery does not always fix the problem of carpal tunnel syndrome.  “Only 23% of all Carpal Tunnel Syndrome patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery.”  Source: NIOSH

“Carpal Tunnel Syndrome surgery has about a 57% failure rate following patients from 1-day to 6-years.  At least one of the following symptoms re-occurred during this time: Pain, Numbness, Tingling sensations.”  Source: Nancollas, et al, 1995. J. Hand Surgery.

Steroid (Cortisone) Injection Statistic: Failure rate (Including “partial success” as failure) is 72.6% after 1-year follow up.  Source: Irwin, et al. J Hand Surgery.

Try the home exercises first.  If you continue to experience pain, numbness, and tingling contact us.  There is a break through treatment available for carpal tunnel syndrome.  At Flex Physical Therapy we implement a revolutionary treatment method for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that offers immediate wrist and hand pain relief using no needles, no drugs and no surgery!  This treatment is so cutting edge, you will not find this anywhere else in the Council Bluffs area.  Call us today at 712-256-1800 to learn more!

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedintumblrmail

Filed Under: Self Treatments, Wrist and Hand Pain

About Mike Uhrlaub

Head physical therapist and leader of Flex PT in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mike's a unique kind of therapist that believes everyone should be treated like they are a VIP regardless of insurance or financial status.

Primary Sidebar

AILMENTS WE TREAT

Arthritis
Low-back pain
Carpal Tunnel
Shoulder/Neck
Knee
Fibromyalgia
Headache/Migraine
and more...

FIND YOUR AILMENT
CLICK HERE>>>

Our Council Bluffs Location

What is 830laser?

830Laser
830Laser

The 830Laser stimulates healing and reduces pain at an accelerated rate. No heat is generated so it is safe for use anywhere* on the body. It successfully treats most muscle, joint, tendon, and nerve pain associated with Arthritis, Back Pain, Bursitis/Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Heel Spur/Plantar Fascitis, Migraines, Osteoarthritis, TMJ, and more. It’s even safe on children. Learn more>>>

Why Massage Therapy?

  1. Speeds healing
  2. Improves circulation
  3. Relieves pain
  4. Decreases stress
Learn more>>> Ask for it today!

SportsMetrics

drills3

SPORTSMETRICS™ is a comprehensive jump training program that combines polymetrics, strength training and flexibility.

Don't be left on the sidelines this season!

REMEMBER: Most who suffer an ACL injury do not return to their sport.

Train your body to be stronger and more resilient to injury

Increase your speed and agility by as much as 30%

Build confidence and enhanced performance

Avoid future injury

Helping the 30 and Over Get More Active and Pain-Free!
East Council Bluffs Clinic | West Council Bluffs Clinic | West Omaha Clinic

Schedule Your Free Screening Now: (800) 930-8803

Facebooktwitterlinkedinyoutubemail

What Do Our Patients Have to Say?

Footer

830laser

Finally, a True Healing Device The revolutionary 830Laser is stopping pain around the world. How does it work? The 830Laser sends light (photons) into your injured tissues and can penetrate up to two inches without … More about 830laser

Why Choose Us?

Our revolutionary treatments may change your life. Our licensed therapists will provide care that is specifically designed for fast relief from ailments such as arthritis, low-back pain, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, … More about Why Choose Us?

careermain

Meet Our Staff

It matters WHO you get your care from.It can make all the DIFFERENCE in the world.We believe nothing is impossible!Mike Uhrlaub, PT, Director, CEOMike believes, “In life its not how hard you can hit, but how much you … More about Meet Our Staff

Follow Us

Facebooktwitterlinkedinyoutubemail
Copyright © 2023 Flex Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine

3 Locations: Call (800) 930-8803

Physical Therapy Omaha - 3537 N 162nd Ct, Omaha, NE 68116

Physical Therapy East Council Bluffs - 928 Valley View Dr #7, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Physical Therapy West Council Bluffs - 2200 W Broadway #500, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Sitemap