How to Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Self-Massage

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By giantsteps
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve. This nerve runs down the arm to the hand passing through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.

When the nerve gets compressed it causes numbness and tingling in the hand. It can even cause pain and if left untreated long enough can lead to lose of grip strength and atrophy of the muscles in the hand.

There are some simple self-massage techniques you can use to lessen the compression of the nerve and give you some much needed relief from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Use the fingers of your opposite hand to massage the palm of your hand using small circular motions. Start at the base of the hand and work your way up.
Step 2

Squeezing Palm of Hand to ease Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Wrap your fingers around the base of the palm and squeeze gently. Hold this for a few second to increase the space in the carpal tunnel. Doing this usually gives you immediate relief from your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Step 3

Use your thumb to massage between the two bones in your forearm using moderate pressure and circular strokes. Massage all the way up your forearm to the elbow several times. Remember to massage both the front and back.
Step 4

Massage your upper arm by grabbing the muscle and squeezing it. Do this on all sides of your arm and all the way up to the shoulder.
Step 5

Grab the large muscle in the shoulder and squeeze. Let your hand slide off it naturally. Entrapment of the median nerve in the shoulder can cause the tingling in your hand associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Step 6

Use your fingertips to massage the back of your neck in a circular motion.

Tips & Warnings

Massaging down entire arm should and neck region will ensure that the median nerve is free down all points.
If you like you can use massage oil or lotion, but it isn't necessary in this type of massage.
This massage daily coupled with stretches will relieve your symptoms.
Don't massage in the crease of the elbow. This area contains a lot of nerves and blood vessels that are close to the surface.
Don't massage directly over the spine.
Don't ignore your symptoms. If left untreated carpal tunnel syndrome can cause permanent damage.