[Monica3]

Hi! I was recently referred for physical therapy after I completed nerve conduction tests and was told I had mild carpal tunnel syndrome. Started PT about 6 weeks ago and while the therapy felt good at the time (massage, ultrasound, nerve glide exercises), my hand/wrist/finger symptoms that night were worse than before I went! The pain was worse the next day too. My doctor encouraged me to give it time, but everytime I went, things got worse and people looked at me like, "Geez, we've never seen this happen here!" I eventually told the PT that I would'nt continue with the wrists because it was aggravating. Felt a bit bad for the person, but chalked it up to a flare for reasons why the inflammation was getting worse, not better.

Anyone else have PT for related ills that responded?

I actually got some pT for my neck too after a couple of minor disk bulges were found and I found relief for that area. Weird!

 

[lazylegs]

Hi Monica,

I've undergone physical therapy numerous times. It usually hurt worse for a time but I always saw improvement in the long run.

Do you wear a brace? I found the brace helped keep my wrist at the correct angle thus decreasing the pain.

You might also investigate your daily actions. There were things I did that definitely made things worse. Eliminating those activities helped with my recovery.

Take care,
Lazylegs

 

[Monica3]

Hi Lazylegs (does that sound weird?)!

Thanks for your reply. I do wear braces at night and the physiatrist I saw just suggested compression sleeves, which I will be fitted/measured for on Jan.6.

I am trying to be aware of what I do and how it contributes to my pain. Definitely, typing on the computer is not helpful for my pain, but it's good for my heart! Can you wear braces and type at the same time? Also notice that I grip the steering wheel of the car and tighten up incredibly everytime I drive. Working on being conscious of that and trying to relax (but traffic in VA is crazy-making for sure).

Hope I gave the PT enough time. Just couldn't handle more pain as the holidays approached--selfish I guess.
Will keep your experience in mind next time!

 

[Lily]

Hi Monica,

I was just recently diagnosed with carpal tunnel in both hands. No physical therapy was suggested but a wrist brace especially for CT was. I have had a lot of relief from it but find I need to wear the brace day and night, not just at night. I have not found it too awkward and can do most things. Like you, mine were really bad whilst driving, the brace has helped that also. Be wary of what sort of brace you get, some are not sufficient enough for carpal tunnel, get the ones recommended specifically for that.

Good luck and hope you get some relief as I seem to be. If I go without the brace during the day I am in a lot of pain all up my arm.

love
Lily

 

[Monica3]

Dear Lily,


So sorry to get back to you so long after writing. I forgot I wrote here and am just now seeing your response! Thanks for your reply and suggestions. I may try the brace all day if I feel things getting worse.

Hope yours is manageable right now too!
Monica