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If you’ve started unintentionally dropping things, or are struggling with everyday tasks like typing or gripping your phone, you may be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression) – especially if this is accompanied by tingling or numbness in your hands.
Hand Therapy Experts offers effective non-surgical carpal tunnel treatment on Sydney’s North Shore, also serving the Northern Beaches, 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 through our paediatric hand therapy service and adults with carpal tunnel.
As carpal tunnel syndrome treatment experts, we aim to provide patients with long-lasting pain relief through proven non-invasive techniques at our North Sydney clinic, helping you avoid surgery.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a type of repetitive strain injury that affects around 3–6% of adults in Australia. In fact, the Australian Family Physician reports that about 2 in every 1,000 GP consultations are for this condition.
The condition impacts the median nerve (one of the major nerves to the hand), causing it to become compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel—a narrow passageway in your wrist. If this nerve becomes too compressed, you may start to experience its symptoms.
While anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s extremely common among office workers, pregnant women, and people who suffer from other conditions like diabetes or arthritis. These risk factors are well documented in both global and Australian studies, including those referenced in websites like the National Library of Medicine.
Earlier symptoms of CTS may come and go and are often intermittent, but more advanced stages can become more constant, and the muscles may experience permanent weakness, especially at the base of the thumb.
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually develops when pressure builds up in the wrist, putting the median nerve under strain. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, several factors can increase your risk of developing the condition.
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:
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.
Our approach is unique in that we prioritise avoiding the need for surgery through holistic techniques that effectively target the cause of your median nerve compression.
Research by leading platforms has consistently shown that conservative treatment is effective. In fact, ResearchGate’s study highlighted that up to 71–80% of mild and moderate cases were successfully treated without surgery.
Through our treatment plans, relief can be seen within 4–8 weeks of working with us. These may include some of the following:
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:
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.
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:
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Expertly made by Accredited Hand Therapist Chen Li, our carpal tunnel splints maintain your wrist in an optimal neutral position to relieve pressure on the median nerve and provide maximum comfort during overnight wear.
Appointment needed: Please note, you’ll need an initial assessment in order for us to create your bespoke splint.
Many conditions can mimic CTS, these can include:
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.
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.
Hand Therapy Experts provides comprehensive carpal tunnel treatment without surgery. This includes splinting, nerve gliding exercises, dry needling, ergonomic advice and activity modification.
After you’ve finished your treatment, keeping your hands and wrists in good shape is crucial to lowering the chances of the symptoms coming back. Here are a few sensible tips from our expert hand therapist, Chen Li:
You can easily book your appointment for carpal tunnel syndrome with our hand therapist online.
North Shore clinic – appointments available
Cromer location – appointments available
