Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: OT Treatment
Cheryl Zwerenz
Introduction
If you are considering occupational therapy as a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, we want you to be as informed as possible—so we, as OTs, can truly partner to create the best course of treatment for YOU.
In occupational therapy, we tend to work from “menus” of evidence-based assessments and treatments. This gives us the flexibility to meet the specific needs of each patient. Below, you’ll find the assessment and treatment options your therapist may use, along with the evidence supporting them.
If your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are new (i.e., they began within the last two weeks) and mild enough that they are not occurring every day, you may want to first try some nerve gliding at home.
We’ve also included self-assessments to help you determine how much your carpal tunnel syndrome is impacting your quality of life—and whether it’s time to seek out therapy.
Please note that this page is for educational purposes and does not substitute advice from your medical provider. At the bottom of this page, you’ll find therapists near you who can support you in your carpal tunnel syndrome treatment.
A quick note on why to pursue therapy first
This article focuses on therapy treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. As with most conditions, conservative treatment like therapy is typically the first course of care. That is because therapy is safer and much more cost-effective compared to invasive options like surgery (which come with a host of risks and potential complications—not to mention long recovery times).
Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome can cost between $4,755–$8,923, whereas therapy typically costs $75–$150 per session.
About 90 percent of people who have undergone carpal tunnel surgery say they are happy with that decision. Depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms prior to surgery, it can take 3 to 4 months to recover—and up to 1 year before full hand strength returns. The amount of recovered hand strength will vary from person to person—and may also depend on how long symptoms were present prior to surgery (i.e., how compressed your nerve has been over time). Research indicates a quicker return to normal when therapy is part of the care process—ideally pre- and post-operatively.
The number and frequency of therapy sessions needed will vary based on your initial evaluation. In general, the higher your initial disability score, the more frequent your sessions. Ultimately, our goal as OTs is to move you toward self-management with a personalized prescribed program. (Read more about this in the discharge section below.)
Related Assessments
Assessments are powerful tools to help us partner in your care. They establish a clear baseline, direct our treatment efforts, and give us a reliable way to track your progress over time. Your team may select some specific measures that fit your unique situation. Here are some examples:
Core Occupational Therapy Measurements
More Possible OT Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Assessments
Core Occupational Therapy Measurements7, More Possible OT Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Assessments1-10
Evaluation Notes for Clinicians
Provided in a possible order of completion.
Patient Rated Outcome Measure → Administer at evaluation, re-evaluation, and discharge.
Patient Rated Wrist Hand Evaluation (PRWHE)
MCID = 24 points1
QuickDASH
MDC = 11 points2
Observations
Posture → rounded shoulders, head forward and palms facing backwards at rest suggest proximal weakness. Please also note scapula position on ribcage.
Muscles in the thenar eminence, which are innervated by the median nerve can can present with wasting in advanced Carpal Tunnel
Upper Quarter Screen → Median nerve arises from C5-T1
Dermatomes, Myotomes and Reflexes
Level | Dermatome | Myotome | DTR |
|---|---|---|---|
C1 | Top of Head | Occiput flexion | |
C2 | Occiput | Occiput extension | |
C3 | Behind Ear | Cervical side bending | |
C4 | Supraclavicular | Shoulder shrug | |
C5 | Deltoid insertion | Shoulder abduction | Biceps |
C6 | Dorsal aspect of first web space | Elbow flexion | Brachioradialis |
C7 | Dorsum of middle finger | Elbow extension | Triceps |
C8 | Ulnar border of the hand | Thumb Extension | Digit flexors |
T1 | Medial Elbow | Digital intrinsic muscles |
Neurological Assessment
Median Nerve Tension (ULTTa)
Semmes West Monofilaments to assess light touch3
Monofilament Range (Minikit Bolded) | Functional Level | Common Functional Deficit Reports |
|---|---|---|
1.65-2.83 | Normal | Normal |
3.22-3.61 | Diminished Light Touch | Close to normal |
3.84-4.31 | Diminished protective sensation | May report dropping objects, difficulty with manipulation, weakness |
4.56 | Loss of protective sensation | Difficulty picking up objects, unable to find objects in pocket, slowed response to sharp or hot objects |
6.65 | Loss of residual deep pressure | High risk for burns and injury |
Price for Full Semmes West starting at $258
Price for Semmes West Minikit starting at $51
Static 2-Point Discrimination → Pressure should be provided using just the weight of the instrument, on the longitudinal orientation of the digit. Recommend testing Thumb, Index, Middle and Little digit, leaving out the Ring finger as this digit is innervated by both the median and the ulnar nerve.
Distance | Functional Rating | Common Functional Deficits |
|---|---|---|
2-5mm | Normal | |
7-10mm | Fair | Diminished protective sensation |
11-15mm | Poor | More severe loss of protective sensation |
There is some evidence suggesting that two-point discrimination greater than 4 mm has high probability of Carpal Tunnel4
Starting at $49 on Amazon
Range of Motion
Norms according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Please always measure both sides of the body, and consider this comparison for goal setting versus sole reliance on norms. Standardized goniometric measurement techniques from the American Society of Hand Therapists can be found here to assist with inter-rater reliability (ASHT.org member cost $100, non-member $145).
Shoulder ROM all planes
Elbow ROM all planes
Forearm ROM all planes
Wrist ROM all planes
Kapandji Score for thumb opposition6
Thumb Composite Flexion
Finger goniometer starting at $29 on Amazon
Strength
Grip Strength bilaterally7
Grip Dynamometer costs roughly $275 on Amazon.
Pinch Strength including tip-to-tip, palmer, and lateral pinch.
Costs roughly $123 on Amazon.
MMT
Thenar eminence muscles
Wrist Flex/Extend
Elbow Flex/Extend
Shoulder Flex/Abduct/ER/IR
Special Tests8
Durkan’s aka Carpal Compression Test (sensitivity 89%, specificity 91%)
Document length of time for symptom onset/increase.
Phalen’s Test for Carpal Tunnel (sensitivity 68%, specificity 73%)
Document length of time for symptom onset/increase.
Scratch-Collapse Test at Median Nerve Compression Sites in Upper Extremity:9
Brachial Plexus Cords, Trunks
Ligament of Struthers
Biceps Aponeurosis/Lacertus Fibrosis
Pronator Teres
Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Arch
Carpal Tunnel
Berger’s Test → when positive suggests that the lumbricals are compressing the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.10
Differential Diagnoses
Anterior Interosseous Nerve → test with OK sign, generally presents as non-specific pain in the forearm
Pronator Syndrome → pain at proximal volar forearm increases during resisted pronation. May present with weakness and some abnormal sensation- although notably the abnormal sensation is not typically at night.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Cervical Radiculopathy
Ganglion cyst
CMC arthritis
Double Crush
Possible Goal Areas
Therapy works best when there is buy-in from the patient. It is important that you work with your therapist to set treatment goals that truly reflect what’s important to you.
Goal Bank for Clinicians
Each goal is intended as a starting point. The functional motivation behind each goal should be identified collaboratively with the client.
Patient will report a decrease in (QuickDASH vs. PRWHE) outcome score to (at least MCD) demonstrating increased activity tolerance in affected functional tasks like *** without symptom increase within 2 weeks.*
Patient will comply with HEP and as a result, tolerate [activity that brings on symptoms] for at least *** minutes prior to symptom onset demonstrating improved activity tolerance within 4 weeks.
Patient will report fewer than *** items dropped, demonstrating improved functional dexterity and sensation within 4 weeks.
Patient will have increased tip-to-tip and/or palmar pinch strength to [use contralateral side as gauge when possible] to assist with [ADL like dressing or pill management or meal prep] within 2 weeks.
Treatment Interventions
After a thorough evaluation and goal-setting process, it is time to start making progress. Below are treatment interventions that can be implemented as part of a holistic therapy program.
Aerobic warm-up for endorphin release and to enhance axonal growth in adult dorsal root ganglion neurons when completed for a recommended 30 minutes, 4x/week 11
Nighttime orthosis for 3–4 weeks in a neutral position
One prefab option starting at $21: Med Spec Wrist Lacer
One prefab option starting at $23: Rolyan D-Ring Wrist Brace
Manual therapy: A neuropathic approach is recommended to improve space, movement, and blood flow for the nerve 12
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) 13,14, 15
Joint mobilizations: Mechanical interface approach following the nerve pathway 16, 17
Therapeutic exercise
Finger and thumb extension
Thumb opposition with a focus on “O” shape
Wrist AROM
Neurodynamic techniques that mobilize the nervous system and surrounding tissues 18 (more effective than surgery at improving pain)
Median nerve mobilization 19
Median nerve gliding 20
Exercise to challenge nerve position/activity tolerance, focusing on provocative positions in the patient’s activities of daily living (ADLs)
Neuromuscular re-education to address coordination, proprioception, and motor planning
Sensory re-education
Stereognosis challenges
Strengthening muscles innervated by the median nerve
Putty exercises for tendon glides; opposition and pinch
Puttycise tools
When available, Upper Body Ergometer (UBE) for prolonged isometric grip
Functional strengthening
Wrist isotonics
Scapular stabilization and postural control
Core exercises
Self-care home management and activity modification
Lifting mechanics
Ergonomic positioning and setup
Energy conservation techniques
Minimizing vibration impact
For driving, the following options are recommended:
Gel-padded bicycling gloves starting at $20
Padded steering wheel cover (like this one for $15)
For tool use, consider anti-vibration gloves, starting at $25
Incorporating functional tasks based on patient goals
Additional pain management tools
Kinesiotape for carpal tunnel
Modalities (ultrasound, e-stim, iontophoresis, TENS)
Home program
Listed below in the general order used by this CHT. Current evidence suggests that circulation and movement are critical to nerve health (references)
Aerobic Warm Up for endorphin release and to enhance axonal growth in adult dorsal root ganglion neurons when completed at a recommended 30 minutes, 4x/week11
Nighttime Orthosis for 3-4 weeks in neutral position. Please note many prefabricated wrist braces are set into extension, so you may need to take out and adjust the angle of the metal stays. These orthoses should be loose enough to fit 2 fingers comfortably under each strap. The goal is to avoid end-range wrist motion, not full immobilization.
One prefab option used by this CHT starting at $21: Med Spec Wrist Lacer
One prefab option used by this CHT starting at $23: Roylan D-Ring Wrist Brace
Manual Therapy → recommend a neuropathic approach to improve space, movement, and blood flow for the nerve12
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) → recommend 4-6 treatment sessions, 3 minutes per area.13,14 The tool will vibrate over tissue problems, giving more information than hands alone while protecting finger joints from the wear and tear of frequency soft tissue mobilization.
Recommended Multi-Tool from Hawkgrips can be used on full body
Cost: $595
Evidence-based support:
Nerves: Pilot study showed that both STM and IASTM increased nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve in carpal tunnel patients.15
Joint Mobilizations → Mechanical Interface Approach following the nerve pathway.16, 17
The Mechanical Interface Approach is defined as strategies to mobilize the tissues and structures that surround a nerve in order to impact its ability to move and function.
Consider including Cervical (First Rib, Scalenes), Brachial Plexus (1st rib, clavicle, pec minor), Elbow, Forearm, and Wrist/Hand.
Consider techniques like Pin & Stretch, Strain Counterstrain, Strumming, Myofascial Release
Therapeutic Exercise → In the carpal tunnel the Median Nerve shares space with 9 tendons that flex the fingers and thumb. We need to ensure appropriate gliding and movement for all structures in the space.
Finger and thumb Extension
Thumb Opposition with a focus on “O” shape (many patients struggle with hyperextending their thumb IP joint.)
Wrist AROM
Neurodynamic Techniques that mobilize the nervous system and surrounding tissues18 → more effective than surgery at improving pain
Median Nerve Mobilization19
Median Nerve Gliding - Coppieters et al (2009)20 found the sliding technique to have the most effective excursion (See Figure 1) compared to tensioning the nerve.
Recommended dose at 2 sets of 20 reps.
Exercise to challenge nerve position/activity tolerance focusing on provocative positions in their ADLs.
Progression recommended as follows: AROM, Isometrics, Concentrics, Eccentrics.
Neuromuscular Re-education to address coordination, proprioception, motor planning.
Sensory Re-Education → the median nerve has both motor and sensory branches, so it is important to address both functions.
Stereognosis challenges
My favorite is to have the patient locate objects in rice with vision occluded. Upgrade by requesting they find 3 objects at a time which effectively adds palmar translation and ulnar storage
Strengthening muscles innervated by the median nerve
Putty exercises for tendon glides, locating beads in putty using opposition
Recommend having Yellow, Red, and Green putty on hand
For 1 lbs of putty, cost starts at roughly $30 on Amazon
Puttycise Tools for functional eccentric challenges that progress to Therapeutic Activities
Costs roughly $53 on Amazon
When available, Upper Body Ergometer (UBE) for prolonged isometric grip (great for mimicking driving) - may use the traditional way or have the patient stand at the side and complete one-handed. Please note: this intervention can easily be justified as Therapeutic Activity once wrist and body postures are appropriate and no longer require cuing.
UBE cost ranges from roughly $4,000-7,000 depending on the model.
Functional Strengthening
Wrist isotonics
Scapular stabilization and postural control
Core Exercises
Self-Care Home Management and Activity Modification
Lifting mechanics → “Thumbs Up” cue, strategies to keep wrist neutral using corner-to-corner hold on boxes
Ergonomic positioning and setup → Avoid extended extremes of wrist flexion and extension, ensure any wrist rests are keeping the wrist in neutral.
Incorporate frequent rest breaks to decrease extended and/or repetitive forceful gripping tasks - consider integrating nerve sliders into these breaks.
Minimize vibration impact
For driving, this CHT likes the following options:
Gel-padded bicycling gloves starting at $20
Padded steering wheel cover, like this for $15
For tool use, consider anti-vibration gloves, starting at $25
Incorporate Functional Tasks based on patient goals and affected ADLs
Challenge sustained postures they need to maintain throughout their day
Consider the pace of exercises to match functional tasks once mechanics are
Sound.
Additional Pain Management tools
Kinesiotape for Carpal Tunnel
Starting at $14 on Amazon
Modalities (ultrasound, e-stim, iontophoresis, TENS)
Home Program → recommend selecting between 1-3 priority exercises for the best chance of patient compliance with program.
Patient Education on Disease Pathology
Nerves do not act like the rest of the structures in our body. While a muscle will tell you in the moment if you overstress it, nerves may wait minutes to hours later to start symptoms. It is not uncommon for nerve symptoms to be the worst when you are sitting around doing nothing or trying to go to sleep. This can be frustrating when trying to identify what task was irritating.
Keep in mind nerves are like a hose – if you kink it or step on it, it stops working efficiently. The length of time it is compromised matters, too. If you drive over a hose, it recovers pretty quickly. However, if you park on a hose all winter, it takes longer to forgive you.
Red Flags 21
If the patient loses strength within the first 2-4 weeks of care, please refer to a surgeon.
Recommend taking blood pressure and pulse with every patient
Symptoms of any kind that present bilaterally
Fever
Unexplained sweating
Nausea
Fatigue
Weight loss
Dizziness/fainting
Pain that is constant and unchanging regardless of position/loading
Pain at night
CAUTION mnemonic for Cancer (also, previous history of cancer is a flag!)
C - change in bowel or bladder
A - a sore that doesn’t heal in 6 weeks
U - unusual sore or discharge
T - thickening or lump in breast tissue or elsewhere
I - indigestion or difficulty swallowing
O - obvious change in a wart or mole
N - nagging cough or hoarseness
Discharge Suggestions
Every person is unique, so your individual response to therapy will also be unique. For some, it is not appropriate to continue therapy until the condition completely resolves. For others, pain may resolve before the entire rehabilitation program is established. In the latter case, it is important to remember that pain is a symptom—not a diagnosis—and that strength and endurance deficits must be addressed to prevent recurrence. We also recommend that you:
Follow your therapist’s discharge recommendations to maintain progress made in therapy.
Continue to use self-management and empowerment strategies to control any remaining symptoms.
Follow a home exercise program with a proximal posture component for an additional 3 months to help establish good habits for body mechanics, even if you feel like you’re back to 100% function.
Consult your therapist immediately if your condition worsens, or if you continue to have difficulty with your daily activities after 3 months.
Education Resources for Clinicians
Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation A Practical Guide, 4th Edition. This is a useful, efficient reference text for anyone treating upper extremity.
Starting at $86 on Amazon.
American Society for Hand Therapists (ASHT.org)
Annual Membership is $275.
Hand Therapy Academy (They have great content on Instagram as well.)
Choosing a Therapist
Both occupational therapists and physical therapists can treat carpal tunnel syndrome. In less severe cases, a generalist therapist from either discipline should be able to help.
It is important to note that both OTs and PTs can pursue advanced certification as a Certified Hand Therapist. To achieve this rigorous specialization of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, therapists must log 4,000 hours of experience treating the upper extremity and pass a formal examination. They also must complete various recertification requirements every 5 years.
Below you can find occupational therapy professionals, who have tagged “hand therapy” as a focus area. The ones with a “CHT” in their credentials are Certified Hand Therapists.
Jennifer Beasley
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Christus Oschner lake are hospital
Lake Charles, Louisiana
ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Hand Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurodiversity, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Rare Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Spinal Cord Injury, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome
Emily Claire Gorshe
OTD, OTR/L, BCPR
St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Hand Therapy, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI
PJ Bhakta
OTR, OTD, PCES, CSOT
Consultant
TheraSolutions Consulting, LLC
Cedar Park, Texas
ADHD, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Depression & Mood Disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Industrial Rehabilitation, Insomnia & Sleep, Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Leadership, Maternal Health, Neurodiversity, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Population Health, Sexuality/Intimacy, Social Determinants of Health, Sports Medicine & Performance, Trauma & PTSD
Kathleen Davidson
MA, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Kathleen Davidson - Occupational Therapist
Los Angeles, California
ADHD, Anxiety, Aquatic Therapy, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dystonia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Multi-tiered System of Supports, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Paul Pettyjohn
OTR/L, CPAMS, MLD/CDT, CAPS
Monterey Park, California
Aging in Place, Burns, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Fitness, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Home Modifications, Lymphedema, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention, Stroke, TBI
Hailey Edinger
OTR/L
Colorado Springs Therapy Center
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal
Calvin Lee
OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Cedars-Sinai
Los Angeles, California
Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Health Promotion
Corrina Holcomb
OTS
Student
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Hand Therapy
Julio Castro
COTA/L
Peekskill, New York
Aging in Place, ADHD, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Autism, Burns, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, CIMT, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Drivers Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Lymphedema, Mitochondrial Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rare Diseases, Rheumatic Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome
Karen Welch
OTR/L
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Drivers Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Sexuality/Intimacy, Social Determinants of Health, TBI, Trauma & PTSD
Jamie Boldig
MOT, OTR/L
Appleton, Wisconsin
Aging in Place, ADHD, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Anxiety, Aphasia & Communication Disorders, Assistive Technology, Autism, Burns, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Dystonia, Ergonomics, Fitness, Feeding and Eating, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Hippotherapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Leadership, Medication Management, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Population Health, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rare Diseases, Rheumatic Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome, Voice & Fluency
Kathy Soseman
OTD OTR/L CHT
Occupational Therapist
Pathways Hand Therapy & Wellness
Nevada, Iowa
Coaching, Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention
Cortni Krusemark
OTD, OTR/L, CLA
Educator
Augustana University
Dakota City, Nebraska
Chronic Pain, Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal
Gretchen Bachman
PhD, OTD, OTR/L, MBA, CHT
Northern Arizona University
Phoenix, Arizona
Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Social Determinants of Health
Lauralee Gordon
OTR/L
Flow Therapeutics, LLC
Richmond, Virginia
ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Maternal Health, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Rare Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Sexuality/Intimacy, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Tourette syndrome
Salmin Chacha
OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
AL NOOR TRAINING CENTRE
dubai
ADHD, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Aquatic Therapy, Aphasia & Communication Disorders, Assistive Technology, Autism, Burns, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, CIMT, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Developmental Delays, Dystonia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Emergency Department, Feeding and Eating, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, ICU/Critical Care, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Maternal Health, Medication Management, Mitochondrial Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Pelvic Health, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rare Diseases, Rheumatic Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Sexuality/Intimacy, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, Swallowing & Dysphagia, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Amanda M Fonner
OTR/L
Educator
Mercy Hospital Jefferson
Festus, Missouri
Anxiety, Burns, Cancer, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Lymphedema, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Social Determinants of Health, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Sanchala Sen
OTD, MSc, BSc (OT), OTR/L, BCPR, FAOTA
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, CIMT, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Rheumatic Diseases, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI
Rachel Egan
OTR/L, MS, CHT, COMT-UE
NovaCare Rehabilitation
Blaine, Minnesota
Aquatic Therapy, Cancer, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Industrial Rehabilitation, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rheumatic Diseases, Stroke
Haley Van Escobar
MOTR/L, CHT, PMP
Occupational Therapist
Hand Therapy Learning Lab
Seabeck, Washington
Coaching, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Knowledge Translation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Trauma & PTSD
Lana Hoke
OTR/L
West Tennessee Healthcare - Sports Plus Rehab Centers
Milan, Tennessee
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Insomnia & Sleep, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Prevention, Stroke, TBI
Madeline Dommel
OTR/L
Advanced Therapy Solutions, LLC.
Middletown, Connecticut
Aging in Place, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Burns, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Lymphedema, Maternal Health, Mitochondrial Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Jessica Lopez
COTA
Los Angeles, California
Aging in Place, ADHD, Aquatic Therapy, Autism, Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Nature-based
Ashley Elma
OTS
Student
Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Lifestyle Medicine, Lymphedema, Maternal Health, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Prevention, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome
Conclusion
Hopefully this article helped you understand what therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome entails—and whether you’re a good candidate for this type of treatment.
This article is updated once per month based on newly released research. If you have any research you would like us to consider, please contact us!
OT Potential does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or therapists referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking medical advice should consult their medical provider.
Contributors
Cheryl Zwerenz
References
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