Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Massage vs. Surgery?

Question

My hands hurt all the time and my right one is pretty painful/stiff. My massage therapist says surgery is dangerous and not necessary, and that massage will help. Do you think this is true? Have you had surgery and regretted it? Any other details you can share would be great!!!

Answer 1

My wife went to a chiropracter and asked them about it, they poped something in her hand (hurt real bad) but was just fine after a while. Much better than surgery, so go get it massaged!

Answer 2

Yes. I am in the process now of having it done. I have done the therapy, and meds, but looks like surgery is the only way. My family Dr. and my therapist told me that even with surgery, it can come back. The specialist I saw told me the opposite. He just wanted the business I think. I know 2 other people who have had the surgery. They were both told that the surgery will correct it permanently, but one had problems and another surgery. My advise to you is to get a second opinion. Also, if the surgery was not done right the first time, and you can prove it, there might be a law suit for you to save money!

Answer 3

I had the surgery about 9 years ago on my right hand. The relief was wonderful. I don't have a problem with it anymore.

You need to do your research and find a good surgeon if you decided to have surgery. There are quacks out there...I had run into a few of them. One told me that he was going to cut me from the palm of my hand to mid-wrist. I finally found a surgeon who made a small incision (less than an inch) and I healed just great.

Don't settle for just one doctor tells you. Get a second and third opinion.

Answer 4

I have just had cubital tunal ( funny bone nerve transplantion surgery, sympoms are same as carpal tunel on diferant parts of the hand and arm) and diagnosed with carpal tunnal. I have many frends who have had carpal tunel surgery and there isnt anything to it really. Unlike cubital tunel ( very invasive procedure, the ulnar nerve-funnybone,is cut away from the elbow and reatached on forearm. Corpal tunel procedure is non invasive, the tunel which the nerves going to the hand pass through is mearly reemed out. the nerves themselves are not even touched. so dont wory its a easy procedure and fast painless recovery

Answer 5

I'm a massage therapist, and completely agree that surgery can be avoided with massage. Do it, try it, what can you lose. Surgery is going to be much more expensive, and could possibly end up worse than before. Massage, promise ;)

Answer 6

Non-surgical treatments

Drugs - In special circumstances, various drugs can ease the pain and swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers, may ease symptoms that have been present for a short time or have been caused by strenuous activity. Orally administered diuretics ("water pills") can decrease swelling. Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) or the drug lidocaine can be injected directly into the wrist or taken by mouth (in the case of prednisone) to relieve pressure on the median nerve and provide immediate, temporary relief to persons with mild or intermittent symptoms. (Caution: persons with diabetes and those who may be predisposed to diabetes should note that prolonged use of corticosteroids can make it difficult to regulate insulin levels. Corticosterioids should not be taken without a doctor's prescription.) Additionally, some studies show that vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplements may ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Exercise - Stretching and strengthening exercises can be helpful in people whose symptoms have abated. These exercises may be supervised by a physical therapist, who is trained to use exercises to treat physical impairments, or an occupational therapist, who is trained in evaluating people with physical impairments and helping them build skills to improve their health and well-being.

Alternative therapies - Acupuncture and chiropractic care have benefited some patients but their effectiveness remains unproved. An exception is yoga, which has been shown to reduce pain and improve grip strength among patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Surgery

Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. Generally recommended if symptoms last for 6 months, surgery involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. Surgery is done under local anesthesia and does not require an overnight hospital stay. Many patients require surgery on both hands. The following are types of carpal tunnel release surgery:

Open release surgery, the traditional procedure used to correct carpal tunnel syndrome, consists of making an incision up to 2 inches in the wrist and then cutting the carpal ligament to enlarge the carpal tunnel. The procedure is generally done under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, unless there are unusual medical considerations.

Endoscopic surgery may allow faster functional recovery and less postoperative discomfort than traditional open release surgery. The surgeon makes two incisions (about ½" each) in the wrist and palm, inserts a camera attached to a tube, observes the tissue on a screen, and cuts the carpal ligament (the tissue that holds joints together). This two-portal endoscopic surgery, generally performed under local anesthesia, is effective and minimizes scarring and scar tenderness, if any. One-portal endoscopic surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is also available.

Although symptoms may be relieved immediately after surgery, full recovery from carpal tunnel surgery can take months. Some patients may have infection, nerve damage, stiffness, and pain at the scar. Occasionally the wrist loses strength because the carpal ligament is cut. Patients should undergo physical therapy after surgery to restore wrist strength. Some patients may need to adjust job duties or even change jobs after recovery from surgery.

Recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome following treatment is rare. The majority of patients recover completely.

Answer 7

carpal tunnel syndrome are best treated with conservative management. There is no need for surgery. just seek a physical therapist and you will be fine.

Answer 8

I had carpal surgery 1 month ago, it has been horrible!!! My arm is now in a cast because it is not healing correctly. The docs want to do my right arm now, no way. Increase your vitamin b and wear a wrist brace at night.

Answer 9

Massage is probably a temporary solution. You should see a hand specialist. If you continue to do a repetitive type job, massage would eventually stop working.Surgery will correct the sittuation but there maybe complications. You should also speak to your doctor about non surgical options. An EMG should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis .

Answer 10

I also had the surgery on both hands 10 years ago. It worked like a charm. It is coming back in one hand now, and they told me it might, but for 10 years of relief I have no regrets.