Re: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

puglet1 · ‎03-31-2011

OP, please research Active Release Technique (ART). It is a physical therapy specifically designed to address carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and other soft tissue and joint problems. It is virtually painless.

Years ago, my ortho said I needed shoulder surgery. I accidentally discovered ART. After 5 sessions (about 15-20 minutes each), I was fine. No surgery needed. Carpal tunnel is particularly curable with ART. It is short of a miracle. I only had to pay an insurance co-pay, but it is well worth whatever the full price might be.

ART practitioners have to have specialized training and be certified or licensed in ART. Don't go to anyone who claims they know it, but are not certified.

I realize yours seems like a more severe case than most, but if it were me, I'd still look into ART. Best of luck!

F1wild · ‎11-30-2011

On 7/29/2014 bettybatwing said:
On 7/29/2014 F1wild said:
Thank you, Bettybatwing!

I'm actually a dental hygienist whose been not working for several years due to back problems. I mentioned my hand usage now compared to when I was doing clinical dentistry and my hand surgeon said studies now show repetitive hand movement isn't a cause. I'm sure there are many who would disagree.

Lol, I would definitely beg to differ! It's possible some people are more likely to develop nerve issues than others but I do believe my work attributed to the CTS.

Do you have disc issues as well?

Yup, cervical, thoracic & lumbar disc, facet, arthritis...blablabla!

F1wild · ‎11-30-2011

On 7/29/2014 puglet1 said:
OP, please research Active Release Technique (ART). It is a physical therapy specifically designed to address carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and other joint problems. It is virtually painless.

Years ago, my ortho said I needed shoulder surgery. I accidentally discovered ART. After 5 sessions (about 15-20 minutes each), I was fine. No surgery needed. Carpal tunnel is particularly curable with ART. It is short of a miracle. I only had to pay an insurance co-pay, but it is well worth whatever the full price might be.

ART practitioners have to have specialized training and be certified or licensed in ART. Don't go to anyone who claims they know it, but are not certified.

I realize yours seems like a more severe case than most, but if it were me, I'd still look inThto ART. Best of luck!

Thanks, puglet1! I'll certainly look into this. If not my hands maybe for my back.

Pianomama · ‎03-10-2010

I had carpal surgery on both hands (6 weeks apart) in 2005. I wouldn't say it was a piece of cake, but the surgery wasn't bad. I had it outpatient but was put to sleep. The worst part was the soft cast and the inability to use both hands to do normal tasks. That is just an inconvenience. The surgeries were successful, and I have had no trouble until a few months ago. I have mild arthritis in one of my thumbs which is unrelated to the carpal. I am a pianist and play nearly everyday and feel that repetition at least had something to do with the carpal tunnel problems. Yes, I would definitely have it again if needed. I would not be playing at all now if I hadn't.

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

My mother had the surgery two years ago. She had numbness and tingling in both hands. She was going to have each hand done separately. The Dr said surgery may not work and it didn't. They decided not to try the other hand. The surgery and recovery were uneventful. She had a little trouble doing everyday things and showering for a couple weeks, as she lives alone. Her had is exactly the same. She continues with numbness and tingling.

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

Whatever you decide to do, the best of luck to you. Stay well. Lots of good advice/suggestions here.

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

okiebug · ‎04-05-2010

Don't judge your surgery by surgery done even 5 years ago. The surgery has become less. Invasive and recovery faster. The problem with delaying it is you can cause permanent damage to your nerves and lose some use of your hand.

bettybatwing · ‎03-09-2010

On 7/29/2014 F1wild said:
On 7/29/2014 bettybatwing said:
On 7/29/2014 F1wild said:
Thank you, Bettybatwing!

I'm actually a dental hygienist whose been not working for several years due to back problems. I mentioned my hand usage now compared to when I was doing clinical dentistry and my hand surgeon said studies now show repetitive hand movement isn't a cause. I'm sure there are many who would disagree.

Lol, I would definitely beg to differ! It's possible some people are more likely to develop nerve issues than others but I do believe my work attributed to the CTS.

Do you have disc issues as well?

Yup, cervical, thoracic & lumbar disc, facet, arthritis...blablabla!

A lot to deal with! Wish you the best...

F1wild · ‎11-30-2011

Thank you all!!! I know some surgeries done, even a few years ago, are totally different. The experiences still help with my peace of mind.

My surgeon is going to do both hands at the same time. He says I'll only have little band-aids and that I'll have almost full movement right after, with only a few limitations (no getting wet for 3 days, no heavy lifting).

Your wishes of luck are so appreciated!!!

allthatsgood · ‎11-19-2011

As a nurse I suffered with Carpel Tunnel for 20 years. It became unbearable to the point I could not hold a pen, steering wheel and the list goes on. Had the newer surgery on both hands. Recovered beautifully. Best thing I ever did. Why I tried to put up with it as long as I did I don't know. It has been lasting relief for me, thank God.