Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Faridabad
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve compression disorder in the body, affecting the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel -- a narrow passage in the wrist formed by wrist bones and a thick ligament. Compression of the median nerve causes characteristic hand numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness that significantly impacts daily life and work.
At Realign Rehab Clinic in Faridabad, we treat mild to moderate CTS with highly effective physiotherapy, enabling most patients to avoid surgical intervention entirely.
Why Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Common in Faridabad
Faridabad's large IT sector, manufacturing industries, and growing desk-worker population make CTS one of our most frequently presented conditions. Prolonged keyboard use, mouse work, assembly line tasks, and repetitive wrist flexion in manufacturing all significantly increase CTS risk.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger
- Pain in the hand, wrist, or forearm -- often worse at night
- Waking at night with hand tingling, requiring shaking of the hand to relieve symptoms
- Weakness of grip and pinch -- difficulty with buttons, keys, or picking up small objects
- Dropping objects due to reduced hand sensation
- In severe cases: permanent numbness and visible wasting of the thumb muscle (thenar eminence)
Causes and Risk Factors
- Repetitive wrist and hand movements (typing, mouse use, assembly work)
- Prolonged wrist flexion during sleep or work
- Pregnancy -- fluid retention increases carpal tunnel pressure
- Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Obesity and older age
- Previous wrist fracture or injury
Physiotherapy Treatment for CTS
1. Splinting
A neutral wrist splint worn at night (and during provocative activities) is one of the most effective initial treatments for CTS. Keeping the wrist in a neutral position eliminates the sustained flexion that increases carpal tunnel pressure and allows the median nerve to recover.
2. Median Nerve Mobilisation
Neural mobilisation (nerve gliding) exercises specifically designed to improve the mobility of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel are among the most evidence-supported physiotherapy treatments for CTS. These gentle exercises reduce neural adhesions and improve blood flow to the nerve.
3. Carpal Bone Mobilisation
Manual therapy targeting the carpal bones can increase the cross-sectional area of the carpal tunnel, directly reducing pressure on the median nerve. Our physiotherapists use specific wrist joint mobilisation techniques to achieve this.
4. Tendon Gliding Exercises
Specific finger and wrist movements that mobilise the flexor tendons through the carpal tunnel reduce adhesions and improve tendon-nerve relationships within the tunnel.
5. Workstation Ergonomics
For office and IT workers, comprehensive workstation assessment and modification is essential. Keyboard height, mouse position, wrist support, and chair height all significantly affect carpal tunnel pressure. We provide detailed ergonomic recommendations specific to your work setup.
6. Electrotherapy
- Ultrasound therapy over the carpal tunnel to reduce inflammation and promote neural recovery
- TENS for pain management
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to support nerve regeneration
Physiotherapy vs Surgery for CTS
Research shows that physiotherapy achieves outcomes equivalent to surgical carpal tunnel release for mild to moderate CTS at 12 months. Surgery provides faster initial relief but physiotherapy avoids surgical risks (infection, scar tissue, nerve damage) and is preferred for mild-moderate cases.
We refer for surgical assessment when: symptoms are severe with constant numbness, there is significant muscle wasting (thenar atrophy), or physiotherapy has been fully optimised without adequate improvement.
Pregnancy-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects up to 62% of pregnant women due to fluid retention and hormonal changes. Physiotherapy with splinting, neural mobilisation, and specific exercises provides effective management. In most cases, symptoms resolve completely after delivery -- making surgery unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can physiotherapy cure carpal tunnel syndrome?
For mild to moderate CTS, physiotherapy resolves symptoms completely in the majority of patients. Results depend on symptom severity, duration, and presence of contributing health conditions.
Q: How long does physiotherapy for carpal tunnel take?
Most patients see significant improvement within 6-10 weeks. We will provide a personalised timeline at your initial assessment.
Q: Should I have carpal tunnel surgery?
We recommend trialling physiotherapy first for mild to moderate CTS. Surgery is appropriate for severe CTS with muscle wasting or when physiotherapy has not provided adequate relief after 3-6 months.
Q: Can CTS come back after treatment?
It can recur if the underlying causes (ergonomics, activity patterns, health conditions) are not addressed. Our programme includes comprehensive ergonomic advice and a maintenance exercise plan to minimise recurrence risk.