If you have been struggling with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand and wrist, you may be experiencing a common condition called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. Given the active, maritime-focused, and increasingly computer-driven lifestyle of many Gig Harbor residents—from working dockside to desk jobs with the stunning Puget Sound view—repetitive hand movements are common, which can contribute to this issue. At our Chiropractic Health Center near Tacoma Narrows, we understand how debilitating this can be, impacting everything from rowing on the Sound to simply holding a coffee cup. Our general approach to addressing CTS is non-invasive and centered on finding the root cause of nerve irritation, which may sometimes originate not just at the wrist but higher up in the arm, shoulder, or even the neck. We focus on the body’s musculoskeletal system, utilizing gentle adjustments and complementary therapies to help restore proper function and potentially reduce pressure on the median nerve. This comprehensive, whole-body perspective is what sets chiropractic care apart and offers a helpful resource for the community seeking natural ways to manage discomfort and improve overall mobility without immediately resorting to more aggressive interventions. We strive to offer a supportive, educational environment for all our Gig Harbor patients.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can manifest in a variety of ways, significantly interfering with daily life for patients in Gig Harbor, WA. While we do not treat specific diseases, our goal is to help alleviate the uncomfortable and often disruptive symptoms associated with nerve compression in the wrist and surrounding areas. Patients often describe a deep frustration when simple tasks become painful or impossible. The following are some of the most common patient experiences and symptoms that our conservative, drug-free approach to Carpal Tunnel may help support and manage. Many individuals experience a frequent tingling or prickling feeling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers—sometimes feeling like your hand has "fallen asleep," which is often referred to as a "pins and needles" sensation. This is particularly common at night or after extended periods of activity, with many Gig Harbor residents reporting waking up with hands that feel numb or useless, prompting them to shake their hands to try and restore feeling. Beyond these sensations, patients might find themselves struggling to grip items, noticing a decrease in hand strength, or accidentally dropping things (like keys, coffee mugs, or fishing rods) because their hand feels unreliable. Furthermore, while the most intense feeling is often in the wrist and hand, some patients experience an ache that radiates up the forearm, toward the elbow or even the shoulder. This discomfort can make daily activities such as buttoning a shirt, typing on a computer, or playing instruments noticeably challenging. Our focus is on identifying and addressing the biomechanical contributors to these uncomfortable symptoms, offering a supportive path toward increased comfort and improved functionality.What to Expect: Your Chiropractic Appointment for Carpal Tunnel
When you visit our Chiropractic Health Center in Gig Harbor, WA seeking relief for symptoms related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you can anticipate a thorough and patient-focused experience designed to understand your unique situation. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and confident in your care plan. Your journey begins with a detailed conversation about your medical history, your specific symptoms (when they started, what makes them better or worse), and how they are impacting your life in Gig Harbor. This may include discussions about your work activities, hobbies, and overall health goals. We will then perform a comprehensive physical examination, which includes orthopedic and neurological tests to evaluate the function and mobility of your wrist, hand, arm, and potentially your neck and upper back. This helps us determine if your symptoms may be related to nerve irritation in multiple areas. Based on the exam findings, we will discuss a personalized, drug-free care strategy that focuses on restoring mobility and helping to reduce nerve irritation. For Carpal Tunnel, this may involve gentle chiropractic adjustments to the wrist and other joints that could be affecting nerve pathways, as well as soft tissue work and therapeutic exercises. Treatment sessions are typically quick, comfortable, and tailored to your tolerance level. We might use specific wrist adjustments, mobilizations, or other techniques to address potential misalignments or stiffness. You may also receive advice on ergonomic changes, stretching, and specific exercises you can perform at home to support the progress made in the clinic. While every patient responds differently, a typical initial treatment timeline might involve a series of visits to monitor progress and reinforce therapeutic goals. We are transparent about expectations and will continually assess how well you are responding. Our aim is to provide both short-term relief and long-term support to help you manage your symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle in the Gig Harbor area.