Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve at the wrist that causes numb fingers, tingling hands and a weak grip, often worse at night. Physical therapy can help mild to moderate cases and supports recovery after surgery. Xcelerate Physical Therapy treats carpal tunnel in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Which fingers it affects and why nights are worse
Carpal tunnel affects the thumb, index and middle fingers. Many people notice hand numbness at night because we curl our wrists in sleep, which squeezes the nerve. Others notice dropping things or a weak pinch during the day.
Common causes and risk factors
- Repetitive hand work, including wrist pain from typing
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Arthritis in the wrist
- Awkward wrist positions held for long periods
What physical therapy can do before you consider surgery
Nerve and tendon gliding
Gentle movements help the median nerve and the tendons slide through the tunnel.
Ergonomic and workstation training
We adjust how your wrist sits at the keyboard, mouse and tools, and how you hold your phone.
Hands-on care and grip strengthening
Manual therapy eases tight tissue in the forearm and hand, and grip exercises rebuild strength.
Carpal tunnel without surgery, and carpal tunnel release recovery
Many people with mild to moderate symptoms improve with therapy and workstation changes and do not need surgery, but some do. If your doctor recommends a release, we guide carpal tunnel release recovery after surgery with motion, scar care and graded strengthening, following your surgeon’s protocol. See post-surgical rehab.
When tingling comes from your neck, not your wrist
A pinched nerve in the neck can cause tingling in the same fingers. We check your neck and wrist so we treat the right place; see Neck Pain. General wrist pain without numbness is on hand and wrist pain, and wrist injuries at your job on Work Injuries & Workers' Comp.
Carpal tunnel care in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Xcelerate Physical Therapy treats carpal tunnel at our Newtown Square clinic, 214 S. Newtown Street Road.
In Pennsylvania you can see a physical therapist without a physician’s referral, but your insurance may require one: call the number on your insurance card to check, or call us before your first visit.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.