A New Way to Treat Carpal Tunnel
If you read our last post about the anterior ankle retinaculum you’re about to get a repeat of what a retinaculum actually is. Retinaculums are thick fascial wraps or bands of tissue that guide our tendons into the appropriate areas for optimal function and provide stability to the joint. Without our retinaculums we wouldn’t be able to wiggle our fingers or type on the computer like I’m doing now. They not only guide the tendons, but they redistribute force similar to a cable and pulley system. If these structures were allowed to move around freely our bodies couldn’t function.
In the wrist we have two retinaculums, the flexor retinaculum is also known as the transverse carpal ligament and the extensor retinaculum known as the dorsal carpal ligament. These retinaculums often cause pain in the wrist. When a tendon become inflamed where they receive compression from the retinaculum it is considered tenosynovitis.
If you’d like to treat carpal tunnel conservatively you can try soft tissue therapy techniques such as myofascial release, sports massage and stretching techniques to release tension in the muscles that control the wrist and hand. This in turn reduces pressure on the tendons and ligaments of the wrist and improves circulation to the affected area.
At Clearwater Sports Massage, our therapists are trained in medical massage techniques and are qualified and experienced in treating injuries and chronic pain conditions. Improper application of techniques can exacerbate the symptoms. Share this with someone you know needs help with their wrist pain.
If you are experiencing any of these issues check out the links below!
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