Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve entrapment disorder that is associated with considerable pain and impairment. Caused by an imbalance of muscles surrounding the median nerve, the condition leads to muscle deterioration when left untreated. It is the cause of significant disability worldwide and a subject of growing research in the medical and physical therapy communities.

There are many pathways to muscle imbalance in the hand, and considerable research has examined the pressure system surrounding the carpal canal. This work has shown that people with carpal tunnel syndrome have markedly increased pressure in the carpal canal in the hand following minor movement in the wrist. The result of this pressure is edema that develops inside the nerve tissue and leads to nerve entrapment.

This entrapment produces a variety of painful symptoms. Indeed, carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by paresthesia (also known as a pins and needles sensation), numbness, and tingling. It may also include pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling, and many people with the condition notice themselves assuming a ginger stance at the computer keyboard or workstation. As symptoms progress, carpal tunnel syndrome generally includes muscle wasting, diminished strength, and loss of coordination.

Although the disorder is significantly debilitating, effective treatments do exist. Those with the most scientific support target symptoms by restoring muscle balance in the hand. Most often a combination of strengthening and lengthening exercises combined with supportive equipment is enough to improve symptoms dramatically. Contact www.repetitive-strain.com to learn more about their innovative training system that has been shown to be effective in up to 90 percent of cases.