Exploring the Benefits of Kinesiotaping for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Charlotte NC

Natalie Otoya — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 20:56:14 +0000

Kinesiotaping & CTS - A Journal Review

I recently came across an insightful study on kinesiotaping for carpal tunnel syndrome that I believe could greatly benefit my practice and patients here in Charlotte. The study, titled “Participants’ perceptions of Kinesio tape for carpal tunnel syndrome: A qualitative study,” conducted by Krause et al., explores the effectiveness of Kinesio tape in managing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms.

About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that I often treat at my practice, causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm due to a pinched nerve in the wrist. Traditionally, we have approached CTS treatment with a combination of manual therapies, including adjustments, Active Release Technique (ART), exercise rehabilitation, and ergonomic adjustments. I’ve always been keen on exploring additional non-surgical methods to enhance patient outcomes and reduce discomfort.

The Study in Detail

The study by Krause and colleagues(1) involved a limited phenomenological design embedded in a randomized controlled trial. It aimed to investigate the experiences of individuals using dorsal Kinesio tape application for carpal tunnel syndrome. Participants were purposefully recruited and randomly allocated to the intervention group of a single-blind randomized controlled trial. They used Kinesio tape dorsally on the affected forearm, wrist, and digits for two weeks. The results were quite encouraging, showing positive perceptions of Kinesio tape in decreasing pain, increasing self-efficacy, and improving daily functional performance on tasks previously avoided or abandoned due to CTS.

The findings align with my practice’s philosophy of providing comprehensive and personalized care to each patient. Incorporating Kinesio tape into my treatment plans for carpal tunnel syndrome could offer a new dimension of care, potentially enhancing the outcomes for my patients in Charlotte, NC. The positive impact on pain reduction and functional performance noted in the study is particularly compelling, as these are primary concerns for individuals suffering from CTS.

One of the challenges highlighted in the study was maintaining the tape on hands and fingers. This is an area where my expertise in manual therapies and personalized care can play a significant role. By providing tailored guidance and hands-on assistance in tape application, I can help ensure that my patients reap the maximum benefits from this treatment approach.

How This Study Can Help You

In addition to Kinesio taping, my practice offers a range of treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, including Active Release Technique, chiropractic adjustments, and lifestyle modifications to address the root causes of the condition. I invite those struggling with CTS to explore these options and learn more about our holistic approach to treatment on our website.

In summary, the study by Krause et al. offers valuable insights into the potential benefits of Kinesio taping for carpal tunnel syndrome management. As a chiropractor dedicated to providing the best possible care to my patients in Charlotte, NC, I am excited to incorporate these findings into my practice. By combining Kinesio taping with other effective manual therapies and individualized care plans, I aim to help my patients achieve optimal relief from carpal tunnel syndrome and improve their overall quality of life.

1. Krause D, Ryan S, Krpalek D, Roll SC, Javaherian-Dysinger H, Daher N. Participants’ perceptions of Kinesio tape for carpal tunnel syndrome: A qualitative study. Hand Therapy. 2019;24(2):37-47. doi:10.1177/1758998319841646

Carpal Tunnel

Natalie Otoya — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 16:01:15 +0000

CARPAL TUNNEL TREATMENT IN CHARLOTTE NC

Carpal Tunnel Anatomy Overview

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition caused by the compression or pinching of the median nerve. This nerve runs from the forearm through a narrow passage between multiple bones in the hand (the carpal tunnel).

The nerve supplies sensation and motor function for the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. When this nerve is compressed in CTS, it can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the fingers listed above.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of CTS

Pain, tingling, or numbness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger
Pain or a dull ache in the wrist and forearm
Weakness in the hand or fingers
Difficulty gripping objects or dropping them
Reduced coordination and sensitivity in the affected hand

Pain associated with CTS is typically worse at night and in the morning. In severe cases, the pain may be constant and may extend up the arm. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause a loss of grip strength and even atrophy or loss of thumb muscle.

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is generally diagnosed through patient history and general orthopedic exams. Your doctor may examine your wrist, hand, and fingers for signs of swelling, tenderness, or deformity. They may also test your hand grip strength and your ability to bend and straighten your wrist and fingers.

Currently, the most widely accepted and used diagnosing tool is the nerve conduction test called the Combined Sensory Index. During this test, electrodes are placed on your hand and wrist to measure the speed and strength of nerve impulses. X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound are not normally effective in diagnosing carpal tunnel, but high-resolution ultrasound is starting to look more promising.

Options for Treating Carpal Tunnel

Alter Activities of Daily Living

Altering the suspected activity that may have caused CTS is the first step. If the symptoms of CTS are mild, simply changing how you use your hands or taking frequent breaks may be enough to relieve the pain and prevent further damage.

Using flatter keyboards can help prevent long-term wrist extension that is often associated with CTS. Ergonomic keyboards, wrist pads, and other wrist supports can also help reduce the stress on your hands and wrists.

Splints

A splint may be recommended by your doctor to help immobilize the affected wrist and hand. Wearing a splint at night can help prevent you from sleeping with your wrist bent, which can exacerbate CTS symptoms. During the day, a splint can help support your wrist and reduce the amount of pressure on the median nerve.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors can help with carpal tunnel syndrome by using a combination of manual therapies, including adjustments, Active Release Technique (ART), and exercise rehabilitation. I specialize in helping determine lifestyle modifications and ergonomic adjustments to help reduce the pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.

By addressing the underlying issues causing carpal tunnel syndrome, chiropractors, like myself, can provide natural and effective relief from symptoms and help prevent the need for more invasive treatments like surgery.

Dry Needle Therapy

This technique involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific areas of the body, known as trigger points or tight muscle bands, without injecting any substance. For carpal tunnel syndrome, dry needling can be targeted at muscles in the forearm and wrist that may be contributing to the compression of the median nerve, which is the underlying cause of CTS symptoms.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. NSAIDs are available over-the-counter or by prescription, depending on the strength and dosage.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections are a non-surgical treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome. They involve the injection of a corticosteroids into the carpal tunnel to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the median nerve. This treatment can provide temporary relief.

However, it is important to note that corticosteroid injections are not a long-term solution and may need to be repeated.

Surgery

There are two types of surgical approaches to carpal tunnel surgery. Open carpal tunnel release and endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Open carpal tunnel release allows the surgeon to see the entire area clearly, but it requires a larger incision, has a longer recovery time, and is associated with more postoperative pain. The endoscopic carpal tunnel release requires a smaller incision, has a shorter recovery time, and is associated with less postoperative pain, but it may not be suitable for all patients and can have a higher risk of complications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are various treatment options for carpel tunnel in Charlotte, NC available, and early intervention can improve the outcome. Working with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs can help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. And remember, taking preventative measures can help reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome in the first place.

Carpal Tunnel | Simply Move Chiropractic