Research Looks at Massage Therapy in Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

It is ironic that among the ailments that clients come to you seeking relief is one that you may well have yourself. We are talking about carpal tunnel syndrome and among the list of occupations at risk for the condition is massage therapist.

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you are not alone. An entire range of jobs that require repetitive hand or wrist movement or extended periods of time gripping tools and equipment puts someone at risk. Think of assembly line workers, mechanics, house painters, secretaries, computer programmers, graphic designers, and the list goes on. The condition is common, affecting about 14 percent of the global population.[1]

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist, which is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. Stressed tendons cause the condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, burning, shooting electric shocks and weakness in the thumb and fingers.

Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome

To avoid damage to the median nerve, early diagnosis and treatment are important. A physical exam by a physician usually is sufficient for a carpal tunnel diagnosis. Examining the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck will help determine if the problem is related to daily activities or another disorder. For example, a feeling of numbness or tingling sensation from tapping or pressing on the median nerve could indicate carpal tunnel syndrome.

A doctor may order lab tests or x-rays to see if the problem results from fractures, arthritis, or nerve-damaging diseases, which would include diabetes. They may order others if a physical exam alone cannot determine the condition. These may include a nerve conduction study, electromyography which gauges severity of muscle damage, or ultrasound to see if the median nerve is swollen at the carpal tunnel. [2]

Conventional carpal tunnel treatments

Once diagnosed, you want to start treating carpal tunnel syndrome as soon as possible. Early on, taking the following steps may make the symptoms go away:[3]

·         More frequent breaks to rest the hands

·         Use cold packs to reduce swelling

·         Avoid activities that make symptoms worse

Other carpal tunnel syndrome treatments include:

·         Wrist splinting at night to hold the wrist may relieve nighttime symptoms of tingling and numbness. Even wearing splints just at night can help prevent daytime symptoms.

·         Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may help relieve pain in the short term.

·         Corticosteroids injections can help decrease inflammation and swelling, which reduces pressure on the median nerve.

 

If symptoms are severe or they do not respond to other carpal tunnel syndrome treatments, surgery to relieve the pressure by cutting the ligament pressing on the median nerve may be in order.

Massage carpal tunnel syndrome

In addition to the conventional carpal tunnel syndrome treatments, there has been research on the application of massage therapy in treating the condition. Among the research:

A study, published in 2008,[4] explored the effectiveness of two distinct massage therapy protocols on strength, function, and symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.  The pilot, conducted at a wellness clinic at a teaching institution in the U.S., included 27 subjects clinically diagnosed with carpal tunnel diagnosis. The pilot lasted six weeks during which time researchers randomly assigned participants to receive twice weekly massage consisting of either a general (GM) or CTS-targeted (TM) massage treatment program.

Researchers found that both GM and TM improved subjective measures associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, but only the TM protocol resulted in improved grip strength. Researchers concluded that massage therapy might be a practical conservative intervention for compression neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and advised conducting more research.

Another study published in 2013 in the Journal of Bodywork Movement Therapies explored the benefits of remedial massage therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome.  Researchers identified the locations of trigger-points that refer neuropathy to the hand. Their research involved 21 participants who received 30 minutes of massage twice a week for six weeks. The results demonstrated a significant change in the severity of symptoms and functional status from the two weeks of massage. Based on the study, researchers concluded that combining massage therapy and trigger-point therapy is a viable option for treating carpal tunnel syndrome, offering a new treatment approach. [5]

Research also includes a 2023 study on massage as a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome in which researchers looked at the effectiveness of soft tissue massage along with mobilization techniques on intensity of pain and functional status. Their research involved a randomized controlled trial with 60 patients who had mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. In group A, researchers combined soft tissue massage with joint and median mobilization sliders. In group B, they only used joint and median nerve mobilization sliders. Based on results, the researchers concluded that massage along with joint and nerve mobilization is effective in managing the severity of symptoms, improving functional status and in reducing pain in both groups with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. They recommended further investigations of the treatment to consider it before surgical intervention. [6]

While conventional therapies can address symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, studies indicate massage may improve outcomes for people with the condition. Although additional research is warranted, clients may benefit from massage therapy and you may, too.