5 physical therapy exercises you can try to reduce wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome

Maybe your hand is numb or full of tingling, painful sensations from your fingertips to your wrist. The pain or numbness may be concentrated in your thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger, with your little finger unaffected. No matter how carpal tunnel syndrome is affecting you, you deserve relief. You may find that some of your pain resolves with carpal tunnel physical therapy exercises. REPAIR SI provides hand and wrist pain treatment, which often include targeted exercises.

5 exercises for your hand and wrist

Carpal tunnel physical therapy exercises should be simple, quick and relatively comfortable. Be gentle with your hand and wrist. Making progress may take time. Here are five simple exercises you can try: 

• Wrist rotations—Gently move your hand in a circular motion, rotating it clockwise and counterclockwise while keeping your forearm still and bending only at the wrist. 
• Wrist flexion stretches—Hold your hand out, palm facing up, then bend your hand downward.
• Wrist extension stretches—Hold your hand in front of you, palm facing down, before bending your hand downward.
• Thumb touches—Touch your thumb with each of your fingers, one at a time.
• Grip exercises—Squeeze a rubber ball or stress ball.

Each of these exercises can be repeated several times, as long as you are comfortable. If your pain or numbness worsens, stop and consult a health care provider.

Are you having carpal tunnel surgery?

If your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are becoming more frequent or intense, your doctor might recommend surgery. A surgeon may cut your transverse carpal ligament, which is part of the carpal tunnel’s encasement, to relieve pressure on your nerves. Surgery is followed by rest, bracing and a gradual return to your normal activities. When your hand and wrist no longer need to rest, physical therapy can help you feel better and regain strength and mobility.

REPAIR SI can provide physical therapy treatments

Whether you’re addressing carpal tunnel syndrome with or without surgery, our physical therapists can assist you. We’ll design a treatment plan to target your hand and wrist pain, tingling or numbness. We can also help you with other hand and wrist issues.

Contact our team today for more information about how we can support your carpal tunnel syndrome recovery or to schedule an initial evaluation.