How to Use Iontophoresis for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Many carpal tunnel patients want the relief that corticosteroids can provide but they don't want to get an invasive injection into their wrist. You can use iontophoresis for carpal tunnel syndrome and get corticosteroids into the wrist by using a tiny amount of electricity. Read on to learn more about how to use iontophoresis for carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Instructions
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Ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist for iontophoresis treatment. This procedure is very common and should be practiced by most hospital-based physical therapists.
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Set up a weekly time for your iontophoresis treatment. In the first two weeks, you may need to have the procedure done two or three times, but eventually it will just be once a week. Treatment initially lasts about 30 minutes and gradually gets shorter with subsequent visits.
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Place the negative end of the electric charge on your upper back. It should be a small disposable pad that is naturally adhesive. The therapist will put positively charged cream (usually the corticosteroid) on your wrist and then put another pad on it for the positive electrical charge.
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Prepare yourself for a mild sensation on your wrist. The therapist will turn on the electrical source and the positive charges of the medicine and electricity will push the corticosteroid into the area around your median nerve. The therapist should start with a very mild electrical charge so that you aren't uncomfortable.
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Expect to feel relief from your carpal tunnel syndrome within two weeks of the treatment. As you become used to the sensation of iontophoresis, the physical therapist might increase the electrical charge so that the procedure takes less time.
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Work with the physical therapist to rehabilitate your wrist after you use iontophoresis for carpal tunnel syndrome. He should help you regain the strength and movement of your hand and give you a list of exercises that you can do while at home or the office.
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Tips & Warnings
Iontophoresis often uses a weaker corticosteroid than you would get in a direct injection. This difference in strength means that you are less likely to develop a long-term tolerance to the drug, but the treatment might not be successful for severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you are unreceptive to iontophoresis treatment, you might have to consider laser therapy or surgery.
Ask the therapist to turn down the electrical source if you experience any discomfort during iontophoresis.
This treatment can reduce inflammation and obstruction around the median nerve, but overuse of your hand and incorrect posture can make you symptoms return.
