Arm, Wrist & Hand · Trenton, MI
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Physical therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome at Total Body Rehab — evaluation-driven, one-on-one care in Trenton, serving all of Downriver.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist, producing numbness, tingling, and eventually weakness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Repetitive hand use, wrist posture, and fluid changes all contribute.
Caught early to moderately, carpal tunnel often improves substantially with conservative care — sparing many patients a surgical release.
Common signs & symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Symptoms that wake you at night
- Relief from shaking the hand out
- Dropping objects or clumsy grip
- Aching from wrist to forearm
How physical therapy helps
Treatment opens up space and calms the nerve: nerve and tendon gliding exercises, manual therapy at the wrist and forearm, night-splint positioning so you stop sleeping with a curled wrist, and workstation changes that reduce sustained pressure. We also screen the neck, which can mimic or compound the symptoms.
Treatments we use
- Nerve gliding
- Manual therapy
- Night splint guidance
- Ergonomic redesign
- Cervical screening
Frequently asked questions
Can I avoid carpal tunnel surgery?
Many mild-to-moderate cases resolve with splinting, nerve glides, and activity changes. Constant numbness or visible thumb-muscle wasting shifts the conversation toward surgery — we'll be straight with you about which side you're on.
Why are my symptoms worst at night?
Most people sleep with wrists curled, which raises tunnel pressure. A simple night splint keeping the wrist neutral often improves sleep within weeks.
Is it carpal tunnel or my neck?
Both compress nerve signals to the hand and can feel similar. The pattern of symptoms and a few clinical tests distinguish them — one reason a proper evaluation beats guessing.
This page is general education, not a diagnosis. For advice about your specific situation, schedule an evaluation or talk with your physician.