Réhabital
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve conditions of the upper limb: the median nerve, compressed within a narrow tunnel at the base of the palm, causes numbness, tingling and sometimes weakness that disrupt sleep and fine daily tasks. Many people wait until symptoms worsen before seeking care, when early management often prevents progression to irreversible muscle loss. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, we precisely assess the degree of nerve compression and build a plan combining physiotherapy, osteopathy and practical daily adjustments.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
The carpal tunnel is a rigid passage formed by the carpal bones and a thick transverse ligament; nine flexor tendons and the median nerve travel through it together. Any increase in volume within this tunnel — tendon sheath inflammation, fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause, post-traumatic swelling, hypothyroidism or diabetes — raises pressure and compresses the nerve. The classic picture combines night numbness in the thumb, index, middle finger and half of the ring finger, often intense enough to wake the person, along with a sensation of a swollen hand that is not always visibly present. This must be distinguished from a C6-C7 cervical radiculopathy, which can mimic similar numbness but follows a different pathway and often comes with neck pain; from thoracic outlet syndrome, more diffuse and linked to shoulder posture; and from generalized peripheral neuropathy, which typically affects both hands symmetrically and distally. Phalen's test, Tinel's sign at the wrist and, in ambiguous cases, nerve conduction studies confirm the diagnosis and clarify its severity, which directly guides the treatment strategy.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Repeated wrist flexion postures
Keyboard work, prolonged use of vibrating tools or repetitive gripping keep the wrist in flexion and raise pressure inside the carpal tunnel, chronically compressing the median nerve.
Pregnancy and hormonal changes
Fluid retention from pregnancy or menopause increases tissue volume within the carpal tunnel. Symptoms often appear in the third trimester and typically resolve after delivery.
Metabolic and inflammatory factors
Diabetes, hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis alter the health of connective tissue and tendon sheaths, raising the risk of nerve compression even without obvious mechanical overload.
Wrist trauma or fracture
A distal radius fracture or a significant sprain can reduce the space available in the carpal tunnel through swelling or bony callus, causing symptoms that appear weeks after the initial injury.
Double crush nerve compression
Irritation of the median nerve at the neck or elbow makes the nerve more vulnerable to a second compression at the wrist. This explains why some patients do not improve without also treating the cervical spine.
Our Treatment Approach
Our assessment includes Phalen's test, Tinel's sign, grip strength and sensation testing, and an examination of the neck, elbow and shoulder to screen for double crush compression. In physiotherapy, with Colin Teghen Tamuton, treatment combines median nerve gliding techniques, carpal bone mobilization, progressive strengthening of the hand's intrinsic muscles, and specific advice on load modification and workstation ergonomics. Osteopathy, with Shahram Ghasemi, targets restrictions in the wrist, forearm, elbow and cervical region that add tension along the entire course of the median nerve. A neutral-position night splint is often recommended to reduce tunnel pressure during sleep without impairing daytime function. Massage therapy complements treatment by releasing chronically tight forearm flexors.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit lasts about 60 minutes: detailed history, specific median nerve testing, examination of the neck and elbow, and a clear explanation of severity. You leave with immediate ergonomic recommendations and a night-splint plan if indicated. Progress is tracked through the frequency of night waking and grip strength.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Wear a night splint that keeps the wrist neutral.
- Adjust your workstation to keep the wrist straight at the keyboard.
- Perform gentle nerve gliding exercises taught in clinic, several times daily.
- Temporarily reduce prolonged, intense gripping activities.
- Take mobility breaks every 30 minutes of repetitive work.
- Elevate the hand at night if swelling is present.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome often improves substantially in 6 to 10 weeks with well-conducted conservative treatment, especially when the night splint and ergonomic changes are followed consistently. Severe forms, with muscle wasting or constant sensory loss, respond less well to conservative care alone and need a medical opinion to assess decompression surgery.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if night numbness persists beyond two weeks or if your grip strength is declining. See a physician promptly for visible muscle wasting at the thumb base, numbness that has become constant, or no improvement after several weeks of conservative treatment.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, we don't just treat the wrist: we examine the entire path of the median nerve, from the neck to the hand, to identify every point of compression. Plans are measured and adapted to your work and sleep.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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