Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Posted on: Feb 20 2019
Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) are the most common job-related injuries and are responsible for
the highest number of days lost. One of the most well-known types of repetitive stress injuries is
carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) which accounts for over 2 million doctor’s office visits and greater
than 460,000 carpal tunnel release surgeries annually.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel repetitive stress injury include tightness, stiffness, pain, tingling,
numbness, coldness, and weakness in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome refers
specifically to the inflammation of a specific ligament that puts pressure on the median nerve.
Acupuncture is extremely effective in treating repetitive stress injuries including carpal tunnel
syndrome. It often eliminates the need for surgery or anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.
One of the most common reasons people get acupuncture for is repetitive stress injuries.
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually develop gradually and become worse over time
especially if the same motions are repeated on a daily basis. Symptoms may include frequent
burning, tingling, or numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the index,
middle and ring fingers. Pain can sometimes travel up the arm and affect the shoulder. The
symptoms often first appear during the night. As symptoms worsen, people might feel pain,
weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm during the day. Decreased
grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp objects, or perform other manual tasks. If
not properly treated CTS can cause irreversible nerve damage and permanent deterioration of
muscle tissue.
From an Oriental medicine perspective, a repetitive stress injury is seen as a disruption of the
flow of Qi (chee) and Blood within the affected area and is associated with cold, dampness, or
wind penetrating the muscles and sinews. Acupuncture points for CTS are located on the wrists
and hands in the Pericardium and Triple Heater meridians with supplemental points on the
arms, legs, feet, and ears, The person is usually treated lying face up on a massage table for
20-30 minutes while listening to relaxing music.
If you or someone you know suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome or a repetitive stress injury
make an appointment today.
Posted in: Elbow/ Wrist/ Hand
