Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment North Shore Sydney

✅ Accredited Hand Specialist

✅ Non-Invasive Treatment

✅ Urgent Appointments

Have you started unintentionally dropping things, or are you struggling to perform everyday tasks like typing or grip your phone? If this is accompanied by tingling or numbness in your fingers or hands, you might be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression).

Hand Therapy Experts offers effective non-surgical carpal tunnel treatment in North Shore, Sydney, with no referral needed. Led by Accredited Hand Therapist Chen Li, our clinic has over 10 years of experience and specialises in treating both children and adults for this condition.

Our focus is to provide long-lasting pain relief through proven non-invasive techniques at our North Sydney clinic, with the goal of helping you avoid surgery.

Treating patient with carpal tunnel syndrome

As carpal tunnel syndrome specialists, we offer flexible appointments, including on weekends and with same-day bookings.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Common Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Common Causes

Why Early Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Matters

Hand Therapy Myths Icon

Non-surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is most effective when treatment is started early.

Early treatment is really the key here, because it stops the damage in its tracks and prevents lasting harm to how well your hand & arm work. If you let CTS go untreated, it can cause a whole host of problems, including:

  • Permanent Nerve Damage – The longer the median nerve is compressed, the longer it takes to regenerate and heal. This pressure may also cause connective scar tissue to form – making it harder for the nerve to slide around the carpal tunnel.
  • Muscle Wasting (Thenar Atrophy) – As nerves provide power to muscles, prolonged median nerve compression results in weakness of the thumb muscles. Over time, you might start noticing visible “wasting” – a sign that the damage done is irreversible.
  • Chronic Pain and Disability: If your median nerve is compressed for a prolonged period, it increases the sensitivity of the nerve to movement. This may lead to neurogenic inflammation.
  • Referred Pain to the Elbow and Forearm – The median nerve runs from the neck to the hand, and increased pressure at the wrist can reduce nerve mobility. This may cause referred pain in your forearm and elbow, making daily tasks more difficult.

The good news: Research shows that 70-80% of patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome improve with conservative treatment when caught early—ideally within the first 4-6 months of symptoms. This is why prompt assessment and treatment are crucial.

How Our Conservative Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Therapies Provide Relief

When to Consider Surgical Options

If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen despite non-operative intervention, we may recommend you see a hand surgeon for an opinion on proceeding with carpal tunnel surgery. This occurs when you experience:

  • Tingling or numbness during the day and night
  • Severe thumb or thenar muscle wasting
  • Constant numbness and symptoms that don’t improve with splinting
  • Significant weakness or inability to grip objects
  • Failed conservative treatment after 3-6 months

We can refer you if needed: Hand Therapy Experts work closely with experienced hand surgeons. If we feel that surgery is the best option for your recovery, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to discuss carpal tunnel release.

We’ll support you after surgery: After surgery, we can still play a key role in your recovery through a post-surgical rehabilitation treatment plan that targets scar management and strength restoration to help you regain full hand function. We can also supply you with a tailored return-to-work program to prevent future issues.

Our Process for Successful Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Management

If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen despite non-operative intervention aimed at providing carpal tunnel pain relief, we may recommend you see a hand surgeon for a surgical opinion. This occurs when you experience:

Initial Assessment & Diagnosis Begin Non-Surgical Treatment Support Your Recovery Recovery Timeline & Expectations
  • Comprehensive assessment of your hand, wrist and elbow.
  • Assess grip and pinch strength.
  • Assess sensation.
  • Review nerve conduction studies.
  • Night-time splinting.
  • Day and night splinting for severe symptoms.
  • Home exercise programme.
  • Review splints and symptoms at 2 weeks.
  • Upgrade exercises if symptoms improve.
  • Discontinue splinting after 1 month if symptoms are improving.
  • Advice on returning to hobbies or aggravating activities.
  • Referral to a hand surgeon if symptoms don’t resolve after 3 months.

Custom Wrist Splints for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Far Better Than Off-the-Shelf Options

Cost: Our splints range from just $80, depending on individual needs. If you have private health insurance with an extras plan, you may be able to claim part of the cost.

Customised to your wrist: We mould your wrist splints for carpal tunnel to match the exact shape of your hand for better comfort and ease of wear.

Superior quality: We use durable, lightweight materials that provide far better comfort and durability than pharmacy splints.

Adjustable throughout recovery: As your condition improves, we can remould your custom splint to maintain optimal fit.

Made during your first visit: You can start your recovery immediately—we fabricate your splint on-site during your first appointment.

Is It Really Carpal Tunnel? Similar Conditions We Assess

Many conditions can mimic CTS, these can include:

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel
  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the ulnar nerve that causes similar symptoms in the little and ring fingers
  • Cervical Radiculopathy: Nerve compression in your neck causing hand symptoms
  • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the thumb-side wrist tendons
  • Pronator Syndrome: Median nerve compression at the elbow
  • Diabetic Neuropathy: Reduced sensation in the hands due to diabetes

Carpal Tunnel in Pregnancy

How We Provide Safe Treatment Options

Did you know that carpal tunnel syndrome is extremely common during pregnancy in Australia? In fact, it affects approximately 30-50% of pregnant women. That’s roughly 1 in every 2-3 expectant mothers, according to this NSW government leaflet, particularly during the second and third trimesters.

Fortunately, hand therapists can provide safe, effective treatment without risky medications or injections, making it the perfect solution for expecting and new mothers. We’ll also show you gentle nerve gliding exercises that are safe during pregnancy, along with practical advice on positioning for sleep and daily activities.

Common Causes During Pregnancy

  • Fluid retention: Being pregnant increases the amount of blood in women’s bodies, which means more fluid. This in turn adds to the pressure on the median nerve as it tries to squeeze through the tight carpal tunnel space.
  • Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in pregnancy hormones may also lead to fluid retention, increasing tissue inflammation.
  • Weight gain: While it’s natural for the body to get bigger when pregnant, unfortunately, this still adds more pressure on the median nerve too.

Need To Be Seen Quickly? Book An Urgent Appointment!

If you’re experiencing severe numbness or weakness in your hand, we recommend being seen quickly. We provide same-day and urgent hand therapy bookings for patients who need immediate hand therapy care.

Symptoms to look out for

  • Worsening symptoms so bad you can’t sleep at night
  • You find you are frequently dropping items or can’t grip things anymore
  • Your symptoms have started to impact daily life activities
  • Visible muscle wasting at the base of your thumb

Why Choose Hand Therapy Experts?

Hand Therapy Experts provides comprehensive carpal tunnel treatment without surgery. This includes splinting, nerve gliding exercises, dry needling, ergonomic advice and activity modification. 

Chen-Li-Hand-Therapist

Our Benefits

  • Accredited Hand Therapist with 10+ years’ experience in nerve compression conditions
  • Urgent appointments available (weekdays & weekends)
  • Non-surgical first approach with a surgical referral pathway if needed
  • Custom splinting made on-site during your appointment
  • Comprehensive ergonomic assessments for workplace and home
  • Personalised work, sport and lifestyle recovery programs
  • Access to a network of hand surgeons for complex cases
  • North Shore Sydney location Mater Clinic in North Sydney
  • No referral required — book direct
  • WorkCover, DVA and private health insurance rebates available
Hand Therapy Experts place picture
4.8
Based on 19 reviews
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Sean Curtis profile picture
Sean Curtis
06:44 03 Dec 25
I had an excellent experience with Chen, after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Chen is very knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive, which helped reassure me every step of the way. She explained every step of the recovery process clearly and tailored each treatment to my progress and comfort level.

Thanks to her expertise and patience, I regained strength and mobility much faster than I expected. Chen’s professionalism, kindness, and genuine care made every appointment something I actually looked forward to. I’m truly grateful for her help and would highly recommend her to anyone needing hand therapy.
Nick Barker-Pendree profile picture
Nick Barker-Pendree
22:38 21 Oct 25
Highly recommended – went above and beyond.
Chen Li showed exceptional professionalism and genuine care in helping me through my injury. From the very first consultation, she took the time to listen carefully, assess the situation thoroughly, and explain everything clearly and compassionately. Her calm and confident manner immediately put me at ease, and her follow-up and attention to detail were outstanding. She truly went the extra mile to ensure I received the best possible care, including arranging a timely referral to a specialist surgeon.
Response from the owner 09:02 22 Oct 25
Thanks Nick, glad I could help.
Tanya Dominique profile picture
Tanya Dominique
05:56 19 Oct 25
Chen is supporting me with hand therapy through TFCC tears on both wrists. I would recommend her to anyone with hand or wrist injuries.
Response from the owner 11:11 20 Oct 25
Thanks for your review Tanya.
Tracy Morris profile picture
Tracy Morris
22:22 18 Oct 25
Chen was absolutely amazing!! I broke my finger, and my healing was slow and worst of all — my finger wasn’t healing straight! So a friend recommended I see Chen. After just two weeks of treatment, my finger is now straight and my healing has significantly improved. Chen was incredibly kind and knowledgeable. I highly recommend her!
Response from the owner 05:59 19 Oct 25
Thank you for your lovely review, Tracy! I’m glad I could help.
Emma Burrows profile picture
Emma Burrows
08:04 18 Oct 25
Disappointed. I don’t recommend Chen Li at all.
Lucinda Raymond profile picture
Lucinda Raymond
00:11 18 Sep 25
I visited Chen for help with pain in my thumb and wrist. She was so knowledgeable and was able to diagnose the issue I was experiencing and provide highly effective treatment. Chen is such a delight to deal with and I would recommend her without a doubt for treatment for hand/wrist concerns.
Response from the owner 19:53 18 Sep 25
Thank you for your review, Lucy. It was a pleasure to help you.
Tracy Deng profile picture
Tracy Deng
23:31 07 Sep 25
Dr. Chen Li is truly outstanding. Her medical expertise is remarkable—my carpal tunnel symptoms eased within just two days after her treatment. I am very grateful for her professional care and highly recommend her to anyone seeking effective and compassionate medical support.
Response from the owner 04:06 10 Sep 25
Thank you Tracy. It's been a pleasure to help you with your recovery.
y. k. profile picture
y. k.
02:47 06 Sep 25
I had an elbow fracture that needed a splint urgently as I was traveling overseas the next week. Chen fitted me in on a Friday evening and made a comfortable splint for me so I can wear on my holiday!

She was caring and extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommend 😄
Jerome Smith profile picture
Jerome Smith
23:31 22 Jul 25
Chen is an accomplished practitioner and is highly professional. Her high standards of care and communication really stand out. I have complete confidence recommending her for conditions affecting the hand, wrist and elbow. Thank you Chen for your amazing work!
Roxanne Liu profile picture
Roxanne Liu
07:34 07 Jul 25
I had a fantastic experience working with Chen for my wrist therapy. She is incredibly knowledgeable and professional, and her approach made a huge difference in my recovery. Chen took the time to explain everything clearly and tailored the treatment to my specific needs. I always felt heard and supported throughout the process. I’m so grateful for her expertise—highly recommend her to anyone in need of a skilled hand therapist!
I’ve been seeing Chen since January after I broke my hand in a car accident and needed surgery. From day one, she’s been amazing - super friendly, flexible, and very knowledgeable.

She also suggested I get a second opinion from another surgeon, which turned out to be the best decision. I had another surgery that’s already made a big difference.

I was also really anxious at the start as I was in pain and very squeamish, and Chen always made me feel heard and supported, never like I was overreacting. She eased me into everything with so much care. I’m really grateful to have had her help through all of this.
Andy Almenara profile picture
Andy Almenara
23:39 06 May 25
I saw Chen Li for a wrist injury (TFCC and nerve impingement) that was impacting my ability to continue with my sport (dragon boating). Chen was able to get me back in the boat and back to full strength very quickly, with no reoccurring issues. Highly recommend!
Kelly Parbery profile picture
Kelly Parbery
04:00 23 Apr 25
I've been seeing Chen since my injury last year. She is super professional and was the only hand physio to be able to diagnose me accurately. She recommended that I see a really good specialist and now I'm on the road to recovery, all because of her expertise.
James Z profile picture
James Z
03:19 16 Apr 25
Chen was very professional and knowledgeable.

I had a hand fracture and didnt have to wait in emergency department or wait to see a hand surgeon.

She said saved me a lot of time and I had a good recovery after seeing her.

Highly recommended!
LeAnne King profile picture
LeAnne King
01:50 21 Mar 25
I can’t thank Chen enough for coming to my assistance at such short notice when I found I was being discharged post operatively to a hospital that would have no hand therapist easily accessible.
She truly saved what could’ve been a very poor outcome for my hand following complicated surgery. Her professionalism, the up-to-date techniques and knowledge that she has, the equipment and guidance that she gave to me cannot be measured.
Thank you so much.
XOZTCATPREZ profile picture
XOZTCATPREZ
11:06 10 Dec 24
Chen helped me enormously with manual therapy, and created an amazingly helpful and comfortable splint to keep me active.
She was very skilled and explained everything thoroughly so I knew what to do to improve.
Highly recommended.
Eugene Chan profile picture
Eugene Chan
07:57 01 Nov 24
Chen is a great therapists, she has given me helpful advices and made a custom splint for me that instantly relieved my pain. She has helped my forearm pain that's been bugging me a lot this year and let me go back to work quickly. She is friendly and I feel at ease when I work with her. Highly recommended.
philipp friedrich profile picture
philipp friedrich
06:49 01 Nov 24
Chen gave me some excellent advice on some hand issues I've been experiencing over a long athletic career.

Her advice was practical, funded on great expertise and tailored to my individual needs. She made me a soft splint to wear during sport, which was extremely helpful

I enjoyed working with Chen highly recommend her.

How to Reduce the Risk of Carpal Tunnel Coming Back

diagram showing what to do for carpal tunnel pain relief

Frequently Asked Questions

Book Your Appointment Today

You can easily book your appointment with our carpal tunnel syndrome specialists online.

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Cromer location – appointments available

Conditions we treat