May 22, 2013
Physical Therapy for Numbness & Tingling in Hands
Numbness and tingling in the hand or arm can be common among
athletes, people with physical jobs, people working at a desk or
computer, or people that have suffered from a
trauma. Many people may think they have carpal tunnel
syndrome (CTS), involving compression of the soft tissue and nerves
in the wrist, however frequently the problem is in the upper back,
shoulder girdle, and neck. Physical therapy is a non-surgical
option that can help to relieve these symptoms.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a condition where the soft
tissues, blood vessels, and/or nerves in the neck, chest and upper
back can be compressed in certain positions and cause numbness or
temperature changes in the hand or arm. Generally there are
many contributing factors including soft or connective tissue
tightness of the neck and chest muscles, restricted motion of the
associated joints in the neck, ribs, upper back, or
shoulder, and difficulty maintaining proper positioning or posture
due to weakness or habitual patterns.
Physical therapists can assess and treat all of these structures and help people return to their normal daily activities without pain or numbness. Studies have shown that conservative management through physical therapy for TOS, CTS, or similar problems achieve similar if not better results than surgical procedures in many cases. Properly trained physical therapists, such as those at Northern Rehab, can determine the appropriate treatment based on the findings in a very specific evaluation for each patient.
Treatment at Northern Rehab consists of light, hands-on manual therapy techniques to improve mobility in the dysfunctional structures as well as very specific exercises for each person to maintain that mobility. There may also be exercises to improve posture and education on body mechanics to avoid those activities that may have caused the problem in the first place. Northern Rehab also can help assess ergonomics or positioning in the workplace to decrease stress on any structure, even visiting the workplace if necessary to make recommendations.
Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists is a physical
therapist owned and operated
physical therapy practice dedicated to providing clients with the
very best customized care. Once a physician orders physical
therapy, individuals can choose where to go for their physical
therapy care, and the staff at Northern Rehab works to assure that
choosing Northern Rehab is the right choice.
For more information about physical therapy for numbness or tingling in the hand or arm, please contact us at 815.756.8524. We can help you regain your freedom to move!
Should I ask my doctor to refer me if I think I may need therapy?
Definitely. When you have a problem you think may be helped by physical therapy ask your doctor or give us a call and we will help you to determine if this is a problem that may be helped by physical therapy.
freedom to move
Your Right to Choose
The decision of where you go to receive treatment is
yours. If you have a specific therapist or practice you
would like to go to, you should let your doctor or
insurance company know this. Not all physical
therapists or practices are the same and the choice
of your provider is yours.
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