Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually a nerve entrapment, more commonly known as a ‘pinched nerve’ at the wrist.  The nerve can be ‘pinched’ by scar tissue, excess fluid and inflammation or structural problems.  When the nerve is trapped, it is not allowed to move freely and then gets stretched.  Stretch is irritating to nerves, and if this happens on a repetitive basis, it can cause symptoms such as pain, tingling and weakness in the hand, and eventually can cause nerve damamge. 

It is common in carpal tunnel syndrome that other areas of the same nerve will also be trapped in the forearm, elbow, shoulder and neck.  It is important to diagnose nerve entrapments correctly.  There are three nerves in the hand.  Carpal tunnel syndrome is only caused by one of them.  There can be other nerve entrapments as well, in the hand, forearm shoulder, legs and feet.

Treatment

The sites of entrapment must be determined in order to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, and any nerve entrapment, effectively.  A.R.T. and Graston technique are very effective in freeing the nerve and allowing it to move freely.  Special nerve mobilization exercises are also very helpful in keeping the nerves moving freely without restriction.