Carpal Tunnel Exercises After Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome is observed, when the nerve that runs through the forehand and wrist, is pressed. This nerve is called the median nerve and controls the sensation in fingers and thumb. Carpal tunnel is a narrow passage that allows the thumb and fingers to move. Many a times, the tendons near the carpal tunnel narrows this passage. Or, even swelling in that region can cause strain on the median nerve. As a result, the hands become numb and you experience pain and weakness in the hands. Usually, carpal tunnel syndrome is treated by medicines and splinting. However, a splint can help you only in mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. If severe carpal tunnel symptoms persist for more than 6 months, surgery is recommended by many doctors. After the carpal tunnel surgery, doctors recommend exercises that will help you increase the strength in your hands. Let us take a look at the carpal tunnel exercises after surgery.

Initially, after removing the stitches, the pain and swelling in hands is reduced using various techniques. These techniques are massage, hot and cold packs, electrical stimulation and ultrasound. Massage is often effective to reduce the swelling on the hand and the wrist. The carpal tunnel exercises after surgery are useful to reduce the sensitiveness of the incision.

Tapping

The tapping exercise will help to reduce the tenderness in the area of incision and is often called percussion. For doing percussion, tap lightly on that part of your hand that has become sensitive or tender. Tapping is done with the fingertips of your other hand. While you are tapping, find the area on hand that is most tender. After finding out the point on the hand that is tender, note down the time and tap that area rapidly which can be 2-3 times per second. This tapping must be done lightly and continuously on the tender area. Tap the area continuously for 3 minutes. You can even continue to tap, until you feel the change in the sensation in that particular area. Take a break after this session (for about 1-2 minutes). Again start tapping your hand, this time you will find that some different area is more tender than the previous one. This exercise must be repeated for many times during a day. This tapping will help you reduce the tenderness in the sore area of the hand and helps to comfort your hand.

Friction Massage

Friction massage is done to reduce the scar marks on the hand and helps improve the contour of the skin. This exercise must be done along with tapping exercise. Place your fingertip on the scar and press against the scar and without sliding your finger, push the skin in a particular direction. You must decide four directions, from the center of the scar, viz., near, far, left and right for this purpose. When you push the skin in a particular direction, hold it for a few seconds. After this relax for some time and then go for a new direction. It is recommended that this exercise must be done before applying any cream, ointment or antibiotic lotion to the scar.

Strengthening Exercises

These exercises are performed to stabilize the muscles and joints. These exercises are designed so, that the hand movements are done according to the daily tasks and sports activities. These exercises are suggested to the patient by their physical therapist. The intensity of these exercises is increased after regular time intervals.

These are the carpal tunnel exercises after surgery. It is strongly recommended that these exercises must be done under the supervision of your physical therapist. This may avoid any injuries during the exercise session.