Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Wrist Sprain and Stretching
One important cause of wrist pain including carpal tunnel syndrome, is
sprain of the delicate ligaments holding the 12 wrist bones together.
These 12 small bones connect the hand to the arm and have many tiny
ligaments, which limit the range of motion. During a sprain, the range
of motion of the bones is exceeded and the ligaments are stretched. This
is then followed by inflammation (tenderness, swelling, heat, altered
function, redness). The same way an ankle or neck can sprain, this also
occurs at the wrist.
It's important to get the sprain reduced (adjustments and sometimes
bracing or taping) and tension on the sprained ligaments minimized. For
this reason, certain movements and stretches will be helpful and others,
which move the joint into the direction of injury, can even be harmful.
Make sure your chiropractor carefully explains the nature of your
injury so you don't re-injure the joint.
In chronic/long-term cases, you will need to stretch the wrist in
directions that promote mobility and loosen shortened tissues. Your
doctor of chiropractic can guide you through a specific wrist stretching
plan that promotes function and minimizes the risk of re-aggravation.
Although complex office procedures need to be done in-office, there will
be important home stretches and attention to wrist hygiene so that
quality of life is maximized. You will need to be an active participant
in your rehabilitation. A wise motto, is "your wrist will behave as well
as you do."
It's also important to not move the wrist in an unprotected way. You
will need to pay attention to where your wrist is injured and avoid
moving it into that direction. You also should not lift heavy objects
(grocery bags) with the hand during the acute phase of a wrist injury.
In general, wrist stretches should be uniplaner. This means you move
the wrist from side to side and, up and down, but not combinations of
these movements. The wrist is not a "ball and socket" joint like the
shoulder, and should not be moved around like it is. You may also need
to address the shortened tissues of the arms and various muscle
attachments. "Pin and stretch" techniques and trigger point therapy may
need to be used to more intensely address the muscular components.