Description

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Treatment of Double Crush Phenomena-Synopsis

This course is an adjunct to the workshop on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Treatment of Brachial Neuralgia, which highlighted treatment from the cervical region to the elbow. These upper extremity disorders are becoming more and more prevalent in our iPhone oriented culture. Quite often, patients present with both issues, exhibiting double crush phenomena, with associated painful signs & symptoms. Many manual therapists will also suffer from these disorders at some point in their careers, due to overuse and poor biomechanics. This class will give you ideas on how to alleviate the pain and help with long term patient management.

Treatment of the various ailments that occur for anyone who works intensively with their hands, starting with the elbow, and surrounding specific musculature and fascias will be shown. Intensive and specific palpative review of forearm attachments is emphasized, in order to successfully apply decompression of the elbow and wrist. Demos will be given on how to release the more general fascial “arm sleeve” via limb unwinding, as well as specific approaches to releasing cubital, flexor & extensor retinacula, and palmar superficial fascias, before deeper structures, such as the interosseous membrane, are addressed.

Focused decompression of the radius & ulna from the humerus, periosteal treatment, mobilizing the carpals, and releasing the Carpal Tunnel & Tunnel of Guyon, will help release pressure on the median and ulnar nerves respectively. Treatment of individual flexor and extensor tendons as well as intrinsic hand muscles, can improve & prevent many of the issues associated with these disorders. Postural and ergonomic suggestions, as well as home care hydrotherapy, stretching & strengthening exercises are recommended for long term relief.