Hand Surgeon Questions Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Occupational therapy for carpal tunnel?

I was just diagnosed with carpal tunnel, and while it isn't severe enough for surgery (yet), I don't want to have surgery for it in the future. I'd much rather look at other options for therapy. Can occupational therapy actually help my carpal tunnel?

5 Answers

YES - a few sessions to show you what to do then you need to be good about doing the therapy on your own at home from then on.
Nighttime bracing has proven to be very effective for some patients.
Occupational therapy is not usually helpful for CTS. Nighttime bracing is useful. And a cortisone shot could be considered if symptoms are severe enough.
Occupational therapy can be helpful for relieving symptoms of CTS, and success might depend on what specific treatments the therapist uses.
We teach a series of stretches, and also offer a needle-based hydrodissection procedure.
https://blatmanhealthandwellness.com/areas-of-practice/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/ <https://blatmanhealthandwellness.com/areas-of-practice/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/>
Best,
DrB
The answer is that, in general, occupational therapy has not been scientifically proven to provide long-term relief from carpal tunnel syndrome. Although it may provide short-term relief, occupational therapy is unlikely to make a long-term difference. That being said, you are not going to lose anything by trying. Other treatments that you should consider are carpal tunnel splints, particularly at night and possibly cortisone injections.