Acupuncture for Wrist and Hand Pain: Including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Towson, MD
Wrist and hand pain can affect almost everything you do—from typing and driving to cooking, exercising, opening a jar or simply getting through your workday.
Sometimes the problem is pain. Other times, people notice numbness, tingling, weakness or a combination of symptoms that makes using the hand increasingly difficult.
One common cause is carpal tunnel syndrome, but it isn't the only reason your wrist or hand may hurt.
If wrist or hand symptoms are interfering with your daily activities, acupuncture may be one treatment option to consider.
The wrist and hand are complex. Bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves all work together to allow an enormous range of movement and fine motor control.
Pain can develop for many reasons, including:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tendonitis and overuse injuries
Arthritis
Repetitive hand or wrist movements
Sports or exercise injuries
Previous injuries
Nerve irritation or compression
That's why I don't assume that everyone who comes in with wrist pain has the same problem—or should receive exactly the same acupuncture treatment.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel at the wrist.
Symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand and fingers. Some people notice symptoms more at night, while driving, typing or performing repetitive activities.
As symptoms progress, hand strength and grip may also be affected.
Because other conditions can sometimes produce similar symptoms, persistent numbness, weakness or significant hand pain deserves an appropriate medical evaluation.
Can Acupuncture Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Research suggests that acupuncture may help reduce symptoms for some people with carpal tunnel syndrome, although results vary and acupuncture isn't a substitute for necessary medical evaluation or treatment.
For someone considering more invasive treatment, acupuncture may be worth discussing as a conservative treatment option, depending on the severity and cause of the symptoms.
My goal isn't simply to put needles into a painful wrist.
I want to understand where you're having symptoms, what movements aggravate them, how long they've been present and how they're affecting the things you need and want to do.
Acupuncture for Wrist Pain Isn't One-Size-Fits-All
Your treatment depends on what is causing your symptoms and what I find during your evaluation.
Acupuncture points may be selected around the wrist, hand or forearm as well as elsewhere on the body.
Depending on your particular problem, I may also incorporate other techniques when appropriate, such as electro-acupuncture, red light therapy or other therapies I use in my practice.
Treatment is individualized rather than using the same group of acupuncture points for everyone with wrist pain.
How Many Acupuncture Treatments Will I Need?
There isn't one treatment schedule that is right for everyone.
For many wrist and hand conditions, I may initially recommend treatment once a week for approximately 6–8 weeks and then reassess how you're responding.
Some people respond sooner, while longstanding or more complicated problems may require a different approach.
As symptoms improve, the goal is generally to begin spacing treatments farther apart and see how well the improvement holds.
Don't Ignore Numbness or Weakness
Occasional soreness after overusing your hands is one thing. Persistent numbness, tingling or weakness is different.
If you're dropping objects, losing grip strength, developing persistent numbness or experiencing worsening symptoms, it's important to have the problem appropriately evaluated.
Acupuncture can be part of a treatment plan, but it shouldn't delay medical evaluation when symptoms suggest significant nerve involvement.
Acupuncture for Wrist and Hand Pain in Towson, MD
At Jean Donati Acupuncture in Towson, Maryland, I work with people experiencing wrist and hand pain, carpal tunnel symptoms, tendon and overuse injuries, arthritis, back and neck pain, sports injuries and other musculoskeletal concerns.
I schedule one patient at a time and never double-book, allowing me to focus on what's happening with you rather than simply treating a diagnosis.
Is Wrist or Hand Pain Getting in Your Way?
If wrist pain, numbness, tingling or weakness is interfering with work, exercise or everyday activities, let's talk.
Request a free 15–30 minute phone consultation to discuss your symptoms and whether acupuncture may be appropriate for you.
Call 410-984-3700 or visit the Request Appointment page.
Jean Donati Acupuncture
Towson, Maryland
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