Going through the motions of our daily lives can lead to numbness, weakness and pain in the hands and arms. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by repetitive movements, such as typing on a keyboard or turning a wrench. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be severe enough that pain shoots all the way up the arm to the shoulder. People with carpal tunnel syndrome may eventually find it difficult to grasp or squeeze objects.
Find out more about computer injuries and massage.
The carpal tunnel of our hand has eight bones called “carpals” and tendons that control our finger movements. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pinched.
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is another repetitive strain injury (RSI) that causes inflammation, irritation and swelling of the forearm. Some of the symptoms of tendonitis of the forearm are tenderness that gets worse with movement, swelling, and stiffness.
A study by Statistics Canada has estimated that 2.3 million Canadian adults have experienced a repetitive strain injury at home or in the workplace that is serious enough to limit normal activities.
How Can Massage Therapy Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Tendonitis?
“Massage therapy is very effective at helping people with carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis of the forearm,” says Angela Mackenzie, a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and HealthChoicesFirst.com partner. “We're seeing a lot of that with the amount of time that people are spending on computers.”
How can carpal tunnel massage relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel massage involves stroking and rubbing the forearm while the hand, fingers, wrist and elbow are extended. This enables the median nerve to decompress and reduces strain.
“We treat the forearm musculature, we relieve adhesions in the muscle, improve the circulation, and relieve trigger points and pain,” says Mackenzie. “This improves mobility and gets people back to work.”
A massage technique called Manual Lymph Drainage can also be effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis of the forearm. Manual Lymph Drainage is a light form of massage that softens the lymph – clear fluid found in lymph vessels and nodes - and stimulates the removal of waste products from the tissues. During Manual Lymph Drainage, a massage therapist will focus on lengthening the muscles, allowing patients to improve their range of motion and release tight muscles.
Don't suffer sitting at your computer desk! If you're experiencing the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, find out how massage therapy can ease your symptoms without surgery and improve your quality of life.
Find out more about another common office injury - computer eye syndrome, and how computer glasses can help.