Here’s an explanation of why the cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is not usually only in the wrist. We’ll talk about chiropractic treatment and massage therapy for carpal tunnel pain relief, too.
The cause of your symptoms can also be in your lower arm, your neck, or your chest or back muscles. You may have one or more things causing symptoms. It could even be a vitamin deficiency.
There are many schools of chiropractic and as in any other field, many doctors treat their patients depending on their own advanced training, personality and unique way of seeing and treating bodies.
Some doctors of chiropractic adjust fingers, wrists and other joints but
some don’t. Some only adjust necks and backs. Some use a lot of force and others are more gentle. I am much more in favor of the more gentle techniques. There are a variety of adjustment techniques and actual tools which can be used. If you have questions or preferences for treatment, talk to the doctor before your adjustment.
I am often asked about the difference between chiropractic and massage therapy.
Most chiropractors move bones although a few do some soft tissue (muscle) therapy. To the best of my knowledge, the philosophy is that if you move the bones, eventually the muscles will catch on. The ones who incorporate massage do so because it works.
On the other hand, massage treats muscles. Muscles move bones. If you take the pressure off the bones by relaxing the muscles, the bones will move into and stay in the neutral positions where they should be.
Many chiropractors work with massage therapists or have them in their office. If a patient has massage prior to a chiropractic adjustment, the adjustment will be easier for the patient and for the chiropractor.
I’m highly biased about the value of massage therapy but some people find that chiropractic helps, too. Depends on the training and beliefs of the chiropractor.
I’m Kathryn Merrow, The Pain Relief Coach