Ready For Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
An important channel between the hand and wrist, the carpal tunnel is composed of ligaments, tendons, and bones. The median nerve passes through and branches off to the hand. Some people experience carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a narrowing of this channel that irritates the nerve. One of the most common treatments for CTS is carpal tunnel release surgery. This procedure removes cartilage to clear up the compression of the nerve to allow for improved function. Before and after surgery, a physical therapy (PT) assessment helps determine the degree of recovery necessary before resuming normal activities.
Preparing for a PT assessment
The physical therapy evaluation for carpal tunnel surgery is designed to assess the wrist and hand. The therapist can then develop an appropriate treatment plan for the patient. The test thoroughly examines the patient’s strength, range of motion, and sensation. The results help identify the areas that need to be strengthened or rehabilitated. On average, physical therapy and recovery should take 4-6 weeks. Here are some common steps included in the assessment.
Medical history and examination
First, the physical therapist interviews the patient. The interview collects information about the symptoms and severity of the issue. The patient will also be asked about the work and lifestyle activities that involve using the hands, such as typing on the computer or playing musical instruments. The therapist can also develop an occupational therapy (OT) plan to assist the patient further.
What’s your ROM?
When the carpal tunnel is injured, movement can be restricted. Range of motion (ROM) measures a joint’s ability to extend, flex, rotate, and move in multiple directions. During the ROM test, the physical therapist evaluates the patient’s ability to move without pain. Each limitation is recorded and shared with the patient. The therapist can then devise a plan to improve ROM and manage associated pain.
Grip strength test
Was the hand’s grip strength fading before surgery? Poor grip strength is a common result of carpal tunnel. This test measures the force the patient can exert by squeezing a hand dynamometer for a few seconds. The grip strength test will reveal any hand weakness caused by carpal tunnel surgery. Based on the results, the therapist can provide specific grip strength exercises for the patient to work on at home or during PT appointments.
Sensation test
Patients might be surprised to hear that CTS is a neurological disorder. Sensory function refers to the ability of the nerves to send information from the body to the brain and vice versa. In patients with carpal tunnel problems, nerve power and function of the hand can be reduced. During a sensation test, the physical therapist uses an electromyography machine to evaluate the patient’s sense of touch. The machine measures electrical activity in the muscles. A reduced sensation may require additional checks, treatment, or surgery.
What’s next?
The physical therapist may ask the patient to take other special tests for a more thorough assessment. Additional tests may include the phalen test, Tinel’s sign test, x-rays, and electrical and nerve studies. After a thorough evaluation, the physical therapist will work with the patient to develop a treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Get a grip on PT
After carpal tunnel release surgery, the patient will be advised to undergo physical therapy to prevent scar tissue formation. Treatment also restores strength and function to the wrist. The physical therapist may help patients change habits to avoid repeating the issue. During physical therapy, patients perform stretching and strengthening exercises focusing on the hand muscles, wrist, and fingers. The assessment provides a roadmap for physical therapy appointments, helping the patient regain strength and recover quickly.
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“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
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“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
