If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and would like to speak with one of our Seattle massage therapists at Thrive about how massage can relieve carpal tunnel syndrome, please call us at (206) 547-5677 and a therapist will get back to you shortly or click here to schedule an appointment.

Did you know that carpal tunnel syndrome is growing to become one of the most costly occupational health problems? In 2002, studies indicated that workers involved in repetitive motion (typing, grasping tools, scanning groceries) were absent from work a median of 23 days.

In fact, 5% of the working population must undergo this type of repetitive hand and wrist use in their daily lives. The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that hundreds of thousands of American workers are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. This has cost nearly $20 billion in workers compensation.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by cell waste products that get deposited in the ligaments of the wrist. Repetitive finger motions (like typing on a keyboard), impede the draining capacity of the lymphatic system. The lymph system runs out of places to move the fluids and waste, allowing the muscles to push the fluid out of the tissue. When the waste starts to build up inside of a muscle, it reduces that muscle’s ability to contract and stretch through its full range of motion. This causes the muscle to begin to break down, limiting range of motion and causing carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome due to work or sports, then it’s important to understand all of your treatment options. Carpal tunnel syndrome treatments usually depend upon how severe the carpal tunnel is, and whether or not there is any disease that may be causing the symptoms.

First and foremost, the irritated area needs rest, immobilization, and ice application. If you work in conditions that will aggravate the carpal tunnel syndrome, then you may have to consult with a supervisor to modify your schedule. Ergonomically correct keyboards and chairs may help prevent some of the pain initially when used in conjunction with resting and range of motion exercises.

Conditions That Can Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

However, if you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome due to an underlying disease or condition, then other measures will need to be taken. Underlying conditions that may cause carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include obesity, rheumatoid disease, arthritis, and pregnancy. Medications like Vitamin B6 and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been reported to relieve some of the pain and inflammation caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Corticosteroids are also commonly injected into patients complaining of carpal tunnel syndrome. These injections bring pain relief medication to the affected area. However, there are side effects with both oral medications and injections that should be taken into account before use. For example, corticosteroids are not recommended for patients with diabetes.

Carpal Tunnel Relief at Our Seattle Massage Therapy Center

Thrive Healing Massage offers massage therapy in Seattle for carpal tunnel syndrome, which works to ease the symptomsof the condition as well as increase grip strength overall. Symptoms of carpal tunnel that can be alleviated with our Seattle massage include tingling, burning, and numbness of the hand. Here at Thrive Healing Massage, we can offer you thorough and frequent massage therapy of the hand, wrist and forearm. We also recommend self-massage exercises between treatments.

How Is Massage Therapy Beneficial to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Our Seattle massage therapists works to warm and soften the lymph. As the lymph softens, it gets pushed out of the tissue. While it may sound traumatic, this type of massage is not painful. In fact, the lymph system in your wrist is very delicate, so a wrist massage for carpal tunnel syndrome is very light.

In addition to softening the lymph system, a massage therapist will work to correct the muscle imbalance between your wrist and hand. This secondary type of massage helps to activate the forearm muscles and put them back into balance. Through continued massage, your forearm muscles will strengthen and lengthen, eventually returning to their full range of capabilities. Exercises may also be recommended for you to help complete this step.

When medical massage is combined with proper splints, retraining exercises, and medication, carpal tunnel syndrome can be controlled. Commonly carpal tunnel syndrome patients can expect to reduce their pain in just a few weeks at our Seattle massage therapy center with full restoration happening in about three months. If your nerves have been constricted in any way, the professionals at Thrive Healing Massage can isolate those areas and work to recuperate.

Treatment for Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be painful and irritating, but it is usually treated as a minor medical problem. However,there are some cases in which the pressure put on the median nerve is so great that surgery is required to restore nerve and muscle function. In surgery, the bands of tissues surrounding the wrist will be severed. This allows for the pressure placed on the median nerve to desist. The actual surgery is referred to as carpal tunnel release, and it should only be used as a last resort.

About Thrive Healing Massage and Our Seattle Location

Thrive Healing Massage is located at 701 N 36th St, #420 in Seattle Washington. Our hours are 8am – 9pm Monday through Sunday. Whether your initial issue is carpal tunnel syndrome, acute pain, poor posture, stress injuries, sports injuries, or work injuries, we can help. We know how physically and mentally draining pain can be, which is why our Seattle massage therapists work hard to give you the most beneficial therapeutic massage in Seattle possible.

Customized Medical Massage Treatment in Seattle

Our Massage treatment plans can be customized based on a number of factors, and we also provide preventative exercises, stretches, and strengthening routines. We have a good reputation in the Seattle area community, and have worked with professional athletes and teams for over ten years. Our most popular therapies include relaxing Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, pregnancy massage, and sports massage for athletes.  If curious about a specific massage treatment that you do not see listed please do not hesitate to call, our friendly staff can answer any of your questions.

Other Areas of Massage Therapy at Thrive

Thrive Healing Massage is also experienced in helping people who need massage due to an auto accident, accident on the job, or surgery. If one of these scenarios describe your situation, then Thrive Healing Massage in Seattle can work to alleviate your stress and pain immediately. Give us a call at (206) 547-5677 to schedule an appointment today