Today on Carpal Tunnel Radio we talked about the benefits of natural therapies. We also talked about sleeping positions that can cause or help carpal tunnel symptoms and how to find a massage therapist who can help you.
Some of the benefits of natural therapies for CTS include: no surgery, no anesthesia, no recovery, no recurrence, and no side effects.
Natural therapies include ice, heat, Vitamin B6 and other supplements, natural anti-inflammatories, correcting your posture, diet and habits, massage and possibly night braces to prevent curling your wrists.
Sleeping on your back can help relieve symptoms and we talked about the best type of pillow to use. Something that supports the natural curve in your neck is good. If you need a little height under your head to create comfort, then do that, too.
You can even make your own neck roll/pillow from a fiberfill batt. You can get fiberfill batting at a fabric store. It’s very inexpensive. Take the batt out of the package, roll it to a size that feels right for your neck, and place it in a pillow case.
Massage can be very valuable for carpal tunnel symptom relief but every massage therapist is different. We have different personalities, training, skill levels, etc.
We talked about 7 questions that you can ask your potential massage therapist to determine whether they are the one you might like to work with to help relieve your symptoms.
The questions are:
- What are the most common
causes of carpal tunnel syndrome?
- Will you be able to determine why I have pain?
- What is your pain treatment strategy?
- What type of massage training did you have? (What did you learn in school or advanced training?)
- What muscles are most likely involved in my specific situation? (Easiest for the therapist to answer if they can see you.)
- How long do you think it will take for me to feel better?
- Will there by any discomfort from the massage?
You know, it’s amazing how much difference a small change in position can make in your comfort.
We also talked about the possibility of discomfort with massage. Yes, there may be some and the reason is simple. Tight muscles just aren’t used to being pressed into.
It may be just a little uncomfortable, or feel like “good pain” (good pain means your body likes it–that it’s the appropriate place!) or it may be quite intense. Sometimes discomfort during or after therapeutic massage is unavoidable, but a good therapist will work within your tolerance level.
Always give your massage therapist feedback. He or she wants to know how you are feeling, and they also want you to have carpal tunnel pain relief, naturally.