Carpel Tunnel Syndrome & Acupuncture

A Brief Introductory Guide

Understanding the Challenges of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and the Benefits of Acupuncture

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist, causing pain, numbness, and tingling. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the palm, becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist. The symptoms of CTS can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, affecting a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. CTS is often caused by repetitive hand movements, wrist injuries, or conditions like arthritis and diabetes. Managing CTS can be challenging, as it often requires a combination of conventional treatments such as wrist splints, medications, and, in severe cases, surgery. Acupuncture, a therapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a natural and holistic approach to alleviating the symptoms of CTS and promoting overall hand and wrist health.

The Wellspring Integrative Approach

Acute and chronic pain can be physically and emotionally unbearable and requires a sustained, integrated approach to reducing and resolving. We are Wellspring Health are privileged to be a member of your team. Wellspring Health uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) and Conventional medicine in an integrative approach. This combination can enhance treatment outcomes, manage the side effects of conventional treatments (like chemotherapy), and provide additional support for chronic or complex conditions. We love science and we love working with conventional medical Doctors. This approach combines the strengths of both systems, offering a broader range of treatment options and emphasizing the prevention of disease as well as the treatment of existing conditions.

Below is a comprehensive introductory guide to how Wellspring & TCM can support you throughout every stage of your journey. Feel free to jump to any specific section that best suits your needs.

Click to jump to section:

Challenges Associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  1. Pain, Numbness, and Tingling: One of the primary symptoms of CTS is pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may worsen at night or after using the hand for repetitive activities. The pain can radiate up the arm, causing discomfort that interferes with sleep, work, and other daily activities. This can make it difficult to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as typing, writing, or gripping objects.

  2. Loss of Grip Strength and Dexterity: As CTS progresses, it can lead to muscle weakness in the hand and fingers, reducing grip strength and dexterity. This loss of strength can make it challenging to hold objects, open jars, or carry out tasks that require precision. Over time, muscle atrophy (the shrinking of muscle tissue) may occur, leading to permanent loss of hand function if left untreated.

  3. Impact on Daily Activities and Work: CTS often affects individuals who perform repetitive hand movements, such as typing, using tools, or playing musical instruments. The condition can significantly impact job performance, especially for those who rely on manual dexterity and hand strength. For workers in industries that require extensive hand use, CTS can result in missed workdays, reduced productivity, and even the need to change jobs.

  4. Sleep Disturbances: Many people with CTS experience worsening symptoms at night, which can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue. Numbness and tingling in the hand can wake individuals up multiple times during the night, causing discomfort and making it difficult to get restful sleep. Poor sleep quality can exacerbate CTS symptoms, creating a cycle of pain and sleeplessness.

  5. Dependency on Pain Medications: Conventional treatments for CTS often include anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers, which can help reduce symptoms temporarily. However, these medications may not address the root cause of the condition and often come with side effects such as drowsiness, digestive issues, or dependency. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be used, but long-term use can weaken tendons and ligaments, increasing the risk of further injury.

  6. Surgical Interventions and Recovery: In severe cases of CTS, surgery (carpal tunnel release) may be recommended to relieve pressure on the median nerve. While surgery can be effective, it carries risks such as infection, scarring, and incomplete recovery. The rehabilitation process can be lengthy, requiring weeks or months to regain strength and function in the hand.

From Our Clients

“Kirsten is amazing!”

- Max O.

“She is the most amazing and caring acupuncturist in NYC!”

- Farnoor F.

“Beyond all the things you want in an acupuncture office. Calm, clean, professional, comfortable, easy scheduling. Kirsten knows her stuff, and after reviewing the myriad of issues I wanted to address, she made a systematic plan to address them, tweaking as we go. I feel very good in her hands and better after each session.”

- Christine L.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Acupuncture is a non-invasive therapy that involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (Qi) and promote healing. It offers a holistic approach to managing CTS by addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition. Here’s how acupuncture can benefit individuals suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome:

  1. Reduces Pain and Inflammation: Acupuncture helps alleviate pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. It also modulates the body’s pain signals, providing relief from discomfort. Additionally, acupuncture has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling and pressure on the median nerve. This can alleviate symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and wrist.

  2. Improves Nerve Function and Circulation: Acupuncture enhances blood circulation to the wrist and hand, promoting better oxygen and nutrient delivery to the affected area. This improved circulation supports nerve health and reduces the severity of CTS symptoms. Enhanced blood flow also helps remove toxins and reduce inflammation, accelerating the healing process.

  3. Restores Strength and Mobility: By relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation, acupuncture can help restore strength and mobility in the hand and wrist. Regular acupuncture sessions can reduce muscle tightness and improve joint flexibility, making it easier to perform daily activities without pain or discomfort.

  4. Addresses Underlying Causes of CTS: Acupuncture treats the body as a whole, addressing not only the symptoms of CTS but also the underlying imbalances that contribute to the condition. This holistic approach can help resolve issues such as poor posture, repetitive strain, or systemic inflammation that may be aggravating CTS symptoms.

  5. Reduces Dependence on Medications: Acupuncture provides a natural, drug-free approach to managing CTS symptoms, reducing the need for medications and their associated side effects. It can be safely integrated into a comprehensive pain management plan, providing additional support for long-term relief.

  6. Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress: Stress and tension can exacerbate CTS symptoms. Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being. This can enhance overall health and make it easier to cope with the challenges of living with CTS.

Pain We Treat With Acupuncture

Parting Thoughts:

Carpal tunnel syndrome presents significant challenges that can impact hand function, daily activities, and quality of life. While conventional treatments can provide symptom relief, they may not address the root causes of the condition. Acupuncture offers a holistic, natural approach to managing CTS by reducing pain and inflammation, improving nerve function, and promoting overall healing. Through its multifaceted benefits, acupuncture provides a valuable complementary therapy that can enhance traditional CTS management strategies and promote a higher quality of life for individuals dealing with this condition.

Resources & Links to Learn More

Acupuncture has been studied for its potential benefits in treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Here are five clinical studies from different sources highlighting its positive effects:

  1. Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
    This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating CTS. The study concluded that acupuncture significantly improved symptom severity and functional status in CTS patients compared to control groups.     Frontiers

  2. Acupuncture and Related Treatments for Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    This Cochrane review assessed various acupuncture and related interventions for CTS. The findings suggested that acupuncture may have little or no effect in the short term on symptoms of CTS compared to placebo or sham acupuncture.     Cochrane

  3. Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
    This systematic review examined randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for CTS. The study found that acupuncture was associated with improvements in symptom severity and nerve conduction parameters in CTS patients.     Jpain

  4. Local Effects of Acupuncture on the Median and Ulnar Nerves in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Pilot Mechanistic Study Protocol
    T    his study protocol aimed to investigate the local effects of acupuncture on the median and ulnar nerves in CTS patients. The research intended to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects on CTS.  

    Trials