Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Wrist Pain and De Quervain Tenosynovitis

Do you experience tingling in your hand or fingers? Pain that radiates from your wrist to your shoulder? Maybe even difficulty holding small objects? If so, you could suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), an uncomfortable and sometimes disabling condition. The good news is that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help achieve quick pain relief and regain muscular strength.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that protects the median nerve that innervates the hand and tendons that control the fingers. This nerve controls sensation and muscle movements in the hand. The nerve is compressed and impinged if the carpal tunnel becomes narrowed from swelling or injury. As a result, the compression can cause numbness, pain, and severe weakness in the hands. CTS has several causes, but the main culprit is repetitive flexion and extension of the tendons in the hands and wrists, mainly when performed for long periods, leading to Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). Symptoms usually start with dull wrist pain that gradually worsens. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of feeling in the fingers
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the fingers or hand
• Pain extending from the wrist up to the arm to the shoulder or down into the palm or fingers
• Weakness in the hands and difficulty holding objects

What is De Quervain tenosynovitis?

De Quervain tenosynovitis is a type of tendinitis which is an inflammation of the tendons in the thumb side of the wrist. The condition is because of overuse of the thumb and wrist. Repetitive thumb usage leads to irritation and inflammation of the tendons and sheaths. Symptoms of De Quervain tenosynovitis include pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb, swelling, difficulty moving the thumb, and a creaking or snapping sensation when moving the thumb. The condition is more common in women than men and is most common in people between 40 and 60.

How can acupuncture help?

Typically, treatment for CTS depends on how severe the symptoms are. It may include immobilising the wrist and hand, using anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids to reduce swelling, and surgery in extreme cases. Acupuncture and TCM can safely integrate with Western treatments to relieve CTS symptoms.

Acupuncture is an effective and fast-acting treatment for CTS. It works by releasing the pressure on the median nerve and increasing blood circulation to the area. This therapy helps to reduce swelling and inflammation and relax the muscles and tendons. In addition, acupuncture can help to prevent RSI by strengthening the muscles and tendons in the hands and wrists.

Chinese herbal medicine can work in conjunction with acupuncture to relieve symptoms further. Herbs such as Sichuan peppercorn, ginger, turmeric, and white willow bark can reduce inflammation and pain.

Herbal formulas can be tailored to the individual to provide the best results.

If you suffer from CTS, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer a safe and effective way to achieve quick pain relief and regain full use of your hands.

How Can City Acupuncture Pain Clinic Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Wrist Pain or De Quervain Tenosynovitis?

Our expert acupuncturists at the City acupuncture pain clinic will develop a personalised treatment plan to relieve your wrist pain. We will use a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and relax the muscles and tendons. Our goal is to help you quickly relieve symptoms and regain full use of your hands.

If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist pain or De Quervain tenosynovitis, call us at (08) 8221 5880 to book an appointment or make a booking online. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan to provide fast and effective relief from your symptoms.