Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: How Occupational Therapy Can Support Healing and Restore Function

As occupational therapists, we deeply understand how essential our hands are to living life to the fullest and impact our independence. They allow us to care for loved ones, cook meals, clean, carry babies, create art, write, type, drive, and connect with others. When hand function is impaired — particularly due to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) — even the simplest daily tasks can become overwhelming or painful.

At A Touch of Hope OT, we are committed to supporting clients who are living with carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether you’re early diagnosed, managing chronic symptoms, or recovering from surgery, our team is here to walk beside you. We provide individualized care that blends clinical expertise with heartfelt support, helping you regain comfort, function, and independence.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common and often progressive condition caused by compression of the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is formed by bones and ligaments, and inflammation or swelling in the area can create pressure that irritates the nerve.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Repetitive wrist or hand movements (typing, assembly work, hairstyling)

• Prolonged wrist flexion or poor ergonomics

• Health conditions such as:

  • Diabetes

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Pregnancy-related swelling

• Hereditary predisposition (smaller wrist canal anatomy)

• Past wrist injuries or fractures

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS symptoms often begin gradually and may initially be brushed off. Over time, however, the discomfort becomes harder to ignore.

You might experience:

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger

• Burning pain in the palm or forearm

• Weakness or loss of coordination in the hand

• Difficulty gripping objects or completing fine motor tasks (such as buttoning a shirt, putting on earrings, or opening jars)

• Waking up at night with hand discomfort or tingling

• Symptoms worsening with use, especially after repetitive or forceful activities

Left untreated, CTS can lead to permanent nerve damage and loss of function, but with early intervention, most individuals experience significant relief.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in CTS Treatment

Occupational therapy is essential in both conservative management and post-surgical rehabilitation of carpal tunnel syndrome. At A Touch of Hope OT, our mission is to not only reduce your symptoms, but to help you get back to doing what matters most — whether that’s caring for your children, returning to your job, or enjoying your hobbies again.

Here’s how we guide our clients every step of the way:

1. Comprehensive Functional Evaluation

We begin with a detailed assessment that helps us fully understand your symptoms and goals. We explore:

• Your typical daily routines (home, work, recreation)

• Aggravating tasks or postures

• Sensory loss or altered sensation

• Grip and pinch strength

• Range of motion and hand coordination

• Impact on occupational roles (parenting, work performance)

This holistic evaluation allows us to build a personalized care plan rooted in your daily life.

2. Education: Joint Protection & Body Mechanics

Preventing further injury is a cornerstone of care. We provide education on:

• Neutral wrist positioning during tasks (avoiding excessive flexion/extension)

• How to alternate hand-intensive activities with rest breaks

• Using larger joints to take strain off the wrist (for example, using your shoulder rather than your wrist to lift)

• Adapting daily routines to minimize flare-ups

This kind of education gives clients practical, immediately usable tools — both at home and in the workplace.

3. Ergonomic Modifications for Daily Life

Many clients don’t realize how much their desk, tools, or sleeping habits aggravate their condition. Our team makes custom recommendations, including:

• Adjustable keyboards or ergonomic mice

• Forearm supports and wrist pads

• Chair height and monitor alignment

• Kitchen tools with built-up handles

• Techniques to modify caregiving, lifting, or other repetitive tasks

A few simple changes can often lead to noticeable improvements.

4. Recommendation on Splints / Orthosis / Braces

Wrist splints or braces worn at night — or sometimes during repetitive tasks — help keep the wrist in a neutral position, relieving pressure on the median nerve. At our clinic:

• We recommend splints/orthosis/braces that are supportive yet comfortable

• We teach patients how to wear, clean, and monitor them

• We follow up to adjust or replace them as needed

Keeping the wrist in a neutral position often leads to better sleep and reduced morning symptoms within a few weeks.

5. Therapeutic Exercises

Movement is medicine! Targeted therapeutic exercises can:

• Promote nerve mobility and reduce compression

• Improve blood flow to promote healing

• Maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness

• Gradually rebuild strength

We include:

• Tendon gliding exercises to prevent adhesions

• Median nerve glides to reduce irritation

• Stretching of wrist flexors and extensors

• Grip strengthening using Theraputty, therapy balls, or light resistance tools

Exercises are always tailored to your current condition and never forced through pain.

6. Modalities and Hands-On Interventions

To further support recovery, we may incorporate:

• Manual therapy and retrograde massages to release tight fascia or muscles

• Kinesio-taping for postural correction and pain modulation

• Moist heat or cold packs to manage inflammation

• Therapeutic ultrasound (if appropriate) to promote tissue repair

These methods complement active therapy, enhancing comfort and progress.

7. Return-to-Work and Life Role Training

Occupational therapy is about helping people participate fully in life. For our patients with CTS, this may involve:

• Work simulation exercises (typing, lifting, using tools)

• Activity pacing strategies to prevent overuse

• Communication with employers about job accommodations

• Adaptive devices to ease strain

• Family education to promote a supportive home environment

We empower patients not just to heal, but to thrive again.

A Real-Life Story: Miriam’s Journey to Healing

Miriam, a 52-year-old elementary school teacher, was referred to us two weeks after undergoing carpal tunnel release surgery on her dominant hand. She had experienced years of increasing symptoms: burning pain while grading papers, numbness during class, and nightly tingling that left her exhausted.

After surgery, she felt hopeful but overwhelmed. Tasks like brushing her hair, buttoning her blouse, putting on earrings, and writing on the chalkboard were suddenly difficult.

At A Touch of Hope OT, we built a recovery plan tailored to her specific needs:

• Splinting: We recommended a daytime splint to support her during work and a soft nighttime brace to aid recovery.

• Therapeutic Exercise: Her regimen included gentle nerve glides and progressive grip strengthening, along with manual therapy massages.

• Work Simulation: We practiced chalkboard writing with adaptive grips and evaluated her classroom ergonomics.

• Emotional Support: Miriam expressed fear about returning to work. We coached her through the process and offered reassurance every step of the way.

After 8 weeks, Miriam returned to the classroom full-time. She reported minimal symptoms, improved confidence, and even began doing Pilates again.

Her journey was one of healing, hope, and empowerment — and we were honored to support it.

Is Surgery Always Required?

No. Many individuals benefit greatly from non-surgical occupational therapy interventions, especially when treatment begins early. Conservative therapy is especially effective for:

• Mild to moderate CTS

• Cases related to pregnancy or inflammation

• Individuals with multiple contributing factors (diabetes, poor posture, arthritis)

However, in cases of severe compression or persistent symptoms, surgery (typically carpal tunnel release) may be the best option. Post-surgical OT is then vital to maximize healing and restore hand function.

Why Choose A Touch of Hope OT?

We believe in treating the whole person, not just the wrist.

• We take time to listen — truly listen — to your story

• We design every plan of care to fit your lifestyle, not a generic template

• We offer compassionate, hands-on therapy that empowers and educates

• We value collaboration with your doctors, your family, and you

• We celebrate every milestone with you, no matter how small

With us, therapy is not just about exercises. It’s about hope, healing, and renewed independence.

Final Thoughts

Carpal tunnel syndrome can affect every corner of your life, from your work to your hobbies to your ability to connect with loved ones. But with the right guidance and care, recovery is possible.

At A Touch of Hope OT, we don’t just treat hands — we treat people. We meet you where you are, walk with you through your recovery, and celebrate your return to the things you love most. You are not alone on this journey — we’re with you, every step of the way.

How to Get Started

If you’re living with hand pain, numbness, or weakness, don’t wait to seek support. Early intervention can prevent further damage and often avoids the need for surgery altogether. To schedule a comprehensive evaluation, contact A Touch of Hope OT. Let’s begin your healing journey—because recovery starts with a touch of hope.