What We Treat

The Carpal tunnel is a small area in the wrist, through which go many of the tendons and blood vessels passing into the hand.

There is one nerve passing through it as well, the Median nerve.

Problems such as increased tension in the forearm muscles or restricted movement of the wrist can cause irritation and swelling in the Carpal tunnel leading to an increase in pressure which can compress the Median nerve.

This is often associated with repetitive hand or wrist movements, or excessive use of a computer keyboard or mouse.

Symptoms are felt in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and the thumb side of the ring finger.

A Median nerve compression will never give symptoms in the little finger, or that side of the ring finger.

Physiotherapy can help to reduce the pressure within the Carpal tunnel, restore wrist mobility and reduce the tension in the forearm muscles. Advice on sitting posture, work station layout of the use of different keyboards & mice can then help to prevent the problem from recurring.

In some instances an operation called a carpal tunnel decompression may be necessary. Post operative physiotherapy can help to maximise the benefit of having this done.