CTS

[KellahPanda]

I did a search on here about carpal tunnel syndrome, and I was SO encouraged to see that people have even had CTS before MT school, and they have been OK.
I had a terrible problem with CTS about 8 months ago. I wore a splint for 3 months, and learned a lot of exercises that I still do.
I will be starting school in a few months, and sometimes I just feel a little nervous, as I still do have some pain, especially when I'm not faithful with my exercises. Now I am starting a job at a health food store, which I am so happy about, but at first I'll be working as a cashier (yikes for my wrist!).
Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions or even comments on having CTS and going into MT school? Or maybe even just a little encouragement?

 

[linda2joann]

Hi Heart,
I was never actually diagnosed with CTS, but before massage school (7 yrs ago) I worked in a factory and had major problems with symptoms of CTS and tendonitis. At one point I couldn't even lift a coffee cup, my wrist would just give out. (keep in mind, this was all before I experienced receiving massage on a regular basis). My hands would fall asleep at night, and my wrist hurt all the time. I thought I had ruined my body for good, and was also worried that I wouldn't be able to do massage.
Well, I went through with school anyway, and found that in the process I was receiving so much massage, and learning so much about my body and how it works - my symptoms decreased and after I quit the factory work, they dissappeared altogether. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that my body doesn't hurt sometimes from doing massage. But now I know how to take care of it so it doesn't become a major issue. And actually, any pain that I might experience as a result of doing massage - hasn't felt similar to that CTS pain at all. If anything, occasionally my wrist will start to ache a little, and that's when I realize that my forearms or scalenes are tight and need some extra attention. I've gotten into a routine now with daily stretches and self massage and haven't had any problems, and I've been practicing massage for 7 years!
Just wanted to share my experience with you about CTS and hope it gives you some encouragement!

 

[BUDDY]

Yes, thanks so much. That's exactly what I was looking for. I'm so excited about school. The one I will be attending even has an elective you can choose all about CTS, how to treat it, and how to help yourself with it, so maybe that should be one class I take.
I have had the same symptoms as you, and I was diagnosed with CTS last year by a friend who is a physical therapist. For a few months I couldn't even hold my baby or change her diaper! It was crazy. I'm almost 100% fine now. Just when I skip my exercises for a day or two I feel a little pain right in that area.
Thanks for your encouragement. I look forward to all of those massages in school!

 

[gwan]

Hi Heart,
I came down with a severe case of CTS while I was in massage school. The symptoms were classic - weakness and pain in first three fingers and part of the ring finger. It was so bad I couldn't even put a scrunchie in my hair! Fortunately, it started to subside in about 2 weeks while using lots of ice and stretching. The whole incident was extremely upsetting, but I learned the importance of good body mechanics very early in my career. I have to be very careful to not put a lot of pressure on a bent wrist and not overuse my thumb and forefinger.

I have now been a massage therapist for over four years and have not had a repeat occurence of this. I use plenty of stretching, get regular massage, and see a chiroprator regularly.

Good luck with your new career, just take care of your hands and wrists and you should be fine.

 

[Michelle2love]

Hi Daphne,
Thanks so much. I'll be sure to take care of myself.
I'm glad to see that I should still be able to be a MT, as that is my DREAM! I was a little scared that I'd have to give it up because of my wrist, but I see from different people's experiences that that is not at all necessary.
By the way, my mom lives in Prescott!

 

[Grumpy]

Learned this one from an instructor while in massage school for treatment of CTS and CTS-like symptoms ---

cut a strip of flannel 2-3 inches wide about as long as the same width Ace bandage.

pour castor oil over the flannel bandage until it is wet but not slimy and "squish" the castor oil into the bandage

roll the flannel back up so that you can wrap your hand and wrist with it like you would a sprained / strained wrist and hand

after wrapping the hand and wrist w/ the flannel bandage either wrap it carefully w/ plastic wrap OR put on a cheap plastic glove from which you have cut off the fingers and thumb

last step - put on a cotton glove, OR, make a fingerless glove from an old tube sock, OR, wrap the wrist and hand with an Ace bandage. Go to bed with this get-up on overnight.

Get up in the morning, disassemble the whole thing, put the flannel bandage in a zippie bag and throw it in the fridge to chill till that night. Repeat this for up to a week although I saw results in decreased swelling, etc w/in 2 days! The flannel bandage will get a bit "funky" smelling, but, you can always wash it or cut a new one and, it does work!!! It's a derivation of an Edgar Cayce remedy for a multitude of joint and body concerns.........

The gamma linoleic acid in the castor oil works as a natural anti-inflammatory, and the multiple layers increase the circulation to take the inflammatory properties out of the joint area