Carpal tunnel syndrome means you have pain, nervy sensations or numbness in certain parts of your hands, wrists or arms. There are many different ways to help reduce your uncomfortable sensations.
One self-help therapy which can be very helpful is water or aquatic therapy.
When you move your arms through the water, it’s a lot like getting a massage. The water is your “massage therapist.”
Because muscles are involved in your carpal tunnel syndrome, using your muscles can be the key to relieving your carpal tunnel pain.
You can do movements in the water that may be harder for you to do on “dry land.” You can do more in the water because part of the weight of your body and arms is being held up by the water.
The water causes resistance to your movement. This helps you build muscle and strengthen muscles which have grown weak (and are part of the cause of your carpal tunnel pain.)
For carpal tunnel syndrome, the swimming pool water should ideally be on the warmer side, like 92 degrees. Some pools are therapy pools and have water that’s easier to get into.
With carpal tunnel syndrome, making movements with your arms–swish-forward and swish-backward–uses the muscles you need both to relax or strengthen. These movements will help balance your arm muscles.
You might find a community swimming pool or a local school with a pool.
Some hotels have aquatic programs for people with chronic pain, like carpal tunnel syndrome. You might have a nearby athletic club with a pool or even a hot tub.
So, what about hot tubs?
It’s worth a try. If you can get to shoulder depth, you will be able to warm your arms and move them through the water.
Sometimes heat is too intense for carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers.
You will know the first time you try a hot tub whether it will be beneficial or not. You will feel better or a little worse.
Worse means it’s not the correct therapy for you. Better instead would be cooler water in a swimming pool.
There are many self-help therapies for carpal tunnel syndrome. The whole goal is to get rid of the causes of your pain, and not just treat your symptoms.
“Because You Deserve to Feel Better!”