Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is more than an inconvenience—it’s a condition that can disrupt your daily life with persistent pain, numbness, and weakness in your hands and wrists. While traditional treatments like wrist splints, steroid injections, or even surgery can provide temporary relief, they can fail to address the root cause or cause side effects. Many patients feel frustrated, unsure of where to turn next when conventional treatments don’t bring lasting results.
At Bodhi TCM Acupuncture, we take a different approach. In this blog post we will review what you need to know about CTS, recommendations for relief at home and how acupuncture helps to get lasting relief.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed or irritated. This compression can lead to:
Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, or middle fingers, often making it difficult to perform simple tasks like typing or holding objects.
Weakness in the hand or difficulty gripping objects, which can affect daily activities like cooking, driving, or writing.
Pain that radiates from the wrist up the forearm, leading to discomfort that disrupts work or leisure activities.
Worsening symptoms at night or during repetitive activities, leaving many patients feeling fatigued and frustrated by poor sleep.
Left untreated, CTS can result in permanent nerve damage and reduced hand function.
Women Are More Prone to CTS
Unfortunately women are three times more likely to develop CTS than men. Here’s why:
Anatomy: Women generally have smaller carpal tunnels, making the median nerve more susceptible to compression.
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and menopause can lead to fluid retention and swelling, increasing pressure on the median nerve.
Repetitive Movements: Jobs and hobbies that require frequent hand and wrist motions, like computer work.
Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis—more prevalent in women—can heighten the risk of CTS.
Western Medicine Approach to CTS
Traditional treatments include:
Wrist Splints: These can provide temporary relief by stabilizing the wrist, but many patients find they don’t address underlying inflammation or circulation problems. Patients often worry about relying on devices without a long-term solution.
Steroid Injections: These reduce inflammation but may come with side effects like tissue thinning and only provide short-term benefits. Patients frequently express concern about recurring symptoms once the effects wear off.
Surgery: This aims to release pressure on the median nerve but involves risks, downtime, and the possibility of recurrence. Even for patients who have undergone CTS surgery, acupuncture is a great tool to recover and ensure ongoing relief, offering peace of mind without invasive follow-ups.
How Acupuncture Relieves Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Acupuncture for CTS is a natural and effective treatment that not only alleviates symptoms but also targets the root causes. At Bodhi, our treatment focuses on addressing the root cause. Here’s how:
Reduces Inflammation and Nerve Compression By stimulating specific acupuncture points, we reduce swelling and inflammation in the wrist, relieving pressure on the median nerve. Patients often describe noticeable improvements in both pain relief and mobility.
Enhances Circulation Improved blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to the wrist and hand, speeding up the body’s natural healing process. Many patients report their hands feeling “lighter” and less stiff.
Releases Muscle Tension Acupuncture helps relax tight muscles in the wrist and forearm, which often contribute to nerve compression. Patients frequently mention feeling more at ease during repetitive tasks or daily activities.
Promotes Nerve Repair Studies, such as one published in the Journal of Pain Research, have shown that acupuncture can stimulate nerve repair and improve median nerve function, reducing symptoms like numbness and tingling over time (source). Another systematic review concluded that acupuncture can significantly improve pain and functional outcomes in CTS patients (source).
Balances the Nervous System Stress can exacerbate CTS symptoms. Acupuncture calms the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Patients often find that treatments improve not only CTS symptoms but also their overall mental well-being.
Home Remedies to Support Relief
While acupuncture offers a comprehensive solution, incorporating these at-home strategies can further support your recovery:
Wrist Stretches: Gentle stretches for the wrist and forearm can help alleviate tension. Try flexing and extending your wrists or rotating them in small circles.
Hand Exercises: Squeeze a stress ball or perform finger stretches to strengthen hand muscles.
Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensure your workspace is wrist-friendly. Use a keyboard and mouse that minimize strain.
Mindfulness Techniques: Practice deep breathing or meditation to manage stress levels, which can worsen CTS symptoms.
Why Choose Acupuncture at Bodhi TCM for CTS Treatment?
At Bodhi TCM Acupuncture, we combine ancient wisdom with modern science to deliver superior results. Here’s what sets us apart:
Drug-Free, Non-Invasive Approach: No medications, no surgery, just natural healing.
Root Cause Focus: We don’t just mask symptoms; we address the underlying issues.
CBMT Integration: Our exclusive Cellular BioModulation Therapy enhances acupuncture’s effects by promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation.
Personalized Care: We tailor every treatment plan to meet our patients specific needs. CTS treatment requires different approaches for men and women of all ages.
Whole-Body Benefits: Beyond symptom relief, many patients experience better sleep, improved energy, and reduced stress.
Real Results from Bodhi TCM Patients
Many of our patients have experienced life-changing relief from CTS through our specialized protocols. Common outcomes include:
Reduced pain and numbness
Improved grip strength and mobility
Ability to resume daily activities without discomfort
Overall better quality of life
Click here to see our patients testimonials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture for CTS
Is acupuncture safe for CTS?
Yes, acupuncture is a safe, minimally invasive treatment with no significant side effects. It’s a proven method for reducing pain, inflammation, and nerve-related symptoms.
How soon will I see results?
Everyone is different, during our consultation Dr. Andrea will be able to provide a personalized recommendation that will let you know how soon you can start feeling relief.
Can acupuncture prevent CTS from returning?
Yes, often times we recommend maintenance acupuncture treatments to prevent the recurrence and keep not only your hands but also your body healthy. Just like we maintain our cars, we recommend being proactive with our health.
Why Choose Bodhi TCM for CTS relief?
If you’re in Melbourne, FL, and looking for a natural way to relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, our personalized acupuncture protocols can help. It’s a safe, effective approach to addressing the root causes and restoring function, so you can get back to doing what you love.
Call us at 321-312-0771 to schedule your consultation today.
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