I have carpal tunnel

[chipper35_1999]

Hi my name is jennifer and im going to school for massotherapy.. im in my third semester..i had surgery for carpal tunnel in 2005 and its been okay...but lately while im doing massage my wrist starts to hurt really bad....i wanna know if im doing something wrong or im working to hard?...and if there are certain techniques that would be better for me to do so my wrist wont hurt so bad after i give a massage?

sometimes my wrist and my hand and fingers go numb.


thanks
jennifer

 

[Cool]

You need an in-person evaluation. Have you talked to your instructors about your symptoms and history?

 

[LYNBOP mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm]

It is possible that scar tissue has caused a fascial restriction in the area mimicking the Carpal Tunnel symptoms. Also people with CTS often have a problem higher up in the neck and shoulders. You might want to get evaluated and seek out some additional therapy.
I've had good success with Chiropractic and Myofascial Release techniques... but self-care is critical if one is going to stay in this business for any length of time.
Definitely speak to your instructors, watch your body mechanics and try to get some treatment Soon!

 

[dawnsonlina]

Don't forget to stretch your wrists and forearms before and after EVERY massage!

 

[Thinker]

Make sure you also get your neck, shoulders, and upper to mid thoracics worked on and do self help exercises. Many cases of carpal tunnel aren't just related to the hands & wrists. You may want to to work on your forearms more often and watch your body mechanics more closely as you work. And check to be sure your table is at the right height for you too. I have a couple reference books you may want to look into:

The Carpal Tunnel Helpbook by Dr. Scott M. Fried
which has a number of good exercises & suggestions
that may be very helpful for you.

Hand Maintenance Guide (for Massage Therapists)
by Shogo Mochizuki

There is another one on Repetitive Strain Injury, but I can't locate it at the moment.

Look into books on trigger point & accupressure work as they may well be helpful for you.

Also, there is a thread on MassagePlanetL on brachial plexis & carpal
tunnel somewhere. If I locate it I'll put a link on here.

Good luck

 

[shadowgirl15]

I just read about Vascular Arm Massage (was it in MTJ?). Here's a therapist who focuses on it:
http://armandhand.com/

Might be worth checking out!

 

[rosemary]

I also have some good resources on my website.

http://thebodyworker.com/medrxcarpaltunnel.html

Julie