Understanding Carpal Tunnel: A Guide from an Osteopath
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common nerve compression conditions we see in clinic — and it affects a surprisingly wide range of people. Whether you're typing all day, lifting regularly, or waking up with tingling hands, CTS can become a real interruption to daily life. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and care, many cases can be managed conservatively and effectively.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your hand, becomes compressed as it passes through the narrow “carpal tunnel” in your wrist. This tunnel also houses nine tendons — making it a busy, tight space where even small changes can create big symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, or half of the ring finger
Weakness in the hand or a tendency to drop objects
Pain or aching in the wrist or forearm
Night-time symptoms that may disturb sleep
Who’s Most Affected?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is more common than many realise:
Around 7% to 16% of UK adults experience CTS at some point
Women are more likely to be affected than men — around a 3:1 ratio
Most common in women aged 45–54 and men aged 70–80
Over 53,000 surgeries for CTS are performed each year on the NHS
Those at higher risk include:
Desk-based professionals
Manual labourers (especially with repetitive or vibrating tool use)
Pregnant individuals
People with diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or inflammatory conditions
How Is It Treated?
NHS Treatment Options
Initial NHS care often includes:
Wearing a wrist splint at night
Anti-inflammatory medications
Physiotherapy referral
Corticosteroid injections
Surgery (in more severe or persistent cases)
What Osteopathy Can Offer
At The Waterside Practice, we support CTS patients with a whole-body perspective, helping manage symptoms and improve function through:
Wrist, forearm, and elbow joint mobilisations
Soft tissue techniques and fascial release
Nerve gliding techniques
Postural advice and ergonomic tips
Exercises to improve wrist mobility and reduce compression
We also guide patients back to their GP if further imaging or a surgical opinion is appropriate.
Osteopaths use manual hands on techniques to benefit soft tissues and joint function.
How You Can Support Recovery at Home
Wearing a Splint
Wearing a wrist splint at night can help keep the wrist in a neutral position and reduce irritation of the median nerve. Choose a breathable splint with adjustable straps that holds your wrist straight — but isn’t overly tight. Night splints are especially effective for those with night-time symptoms.
Try This Median Nerve Glide Exercise
This gentle exercise may help the median nerve move more freely within the carpal tunnel. It should never cause pain or worsen symptoms.
Instructions:
Sit or stand with your arm at your side, palm forward.
Raise your hand like a "stop" sign (wrist extended).
Tilt your head gently away from the raised arm.
Relax both wrist and head back to centre.
Repeat 5–10 times on each side.
Only perform this if it feels comfortable. Stop if symptoms worsen.
Other Exercises That May Help
Wrist Flexor Stretch
Extend one arm, palm up
Use your other hand to gently pull fingers down and back
Hold 15 seconds, repeat 2–3 times per side
Tendon Gliding
Begin with fingers straight
Move to a hook fist, then full fist, then straight again
Repeat 5–10 times daily
These exercises can promote mobility and prevent soft tissue tightness.
Can Diet Help?
While diet won’t “cure” CTS, anti-inflammatory eating habits can support tissue healing and reduce systemic inflammation:
Include omega-3s (from oily fish, chia, flaxseed)
Prioritise colourful vegetables and fruits
Cut down on added sugar and processed food
Stay hydrated
Incorporate natural anti-inflammatory ingredients into your meals such as turmeric & ginger.
Final Thoughts
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be frustrating — but it’s also treatable. The earlier you address symptoms, the better the outcomes.
At The Waterside Practice, we’re here to help assess your symptoms, support your recovery, and guide you toward the most appropriate next step — whether that’s hands-on treatment, home management advice, or onward referral.
📍 Located in Warboys, Huntingdon
📞 Call us: 01487 209 084
📧 Email: reception@thewatersidepractice.co.uk
🔗 Book online
Sources
NHS England: “Making a decision about carpal tunnel syndrome” (2022)
British Orthopaedic Association
Westchester Hand & Wrist Centre – “7 Exercises for CTS”
NCBI – “Wrist splinting in mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome”
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders – “Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in UK adults”