Recent studies show that massage therapy eases the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and increases grip strength. Other studies show that physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment are also effective treatments alternatives. Medical procedures and surgery are usually a last resort for treatment.

Definition
Carpal Tunnel is a channel in the wrist surrounded by the 8 carpus bones and the transverse carpal ligament. Nine flexor tendons and the median nerve (supplying sensation to the thumb and first three fingers of the hand) pass through this tunnel.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the entrapment or compression of the median nerve.

Causes
Constant flexion and extension of the wrist causing irritation of the tendons which leads to inflammation and pressure on the median nerve.

Symptoms
Tingling, burning, pins and needles feelings, weakness in the thumb and first three fingers; pain may occur in the wrist radiating up the arm. Extreme cases can cause loss of grip strength, muscle atrophy and constant wrist pain in which the client will drop things.