How to Massage Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by pain, tingling, burning and/or numbness in the hands and forearms. It is caused by repetitive motions that irritate the median nerve in the wrist. When this nerve is irritated it swells becoming entrapped. Carpal tunnel can be debilitating if left untreated. When you start to feel the initial symptoms of carpel tunnel you can halt it's progression by changing your routine. You can also relieve your discomfort through self-massage. Read on to learn how to massage carpal tunnel syndrome.

Things You'll Need

• Massage oil

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Instructions

• 1

  Rest your forearm on a flat surface or your lap with the palm turned upward.

• 2

  Use your opposite hand to apply lotion to the length of your forearm.

• 3

  Start at the top of your forearm just below the crease of your elbow and use your fingertips to make circular strokes across your forearm. These strokes run from lateral to medial parallel to the crease in your elbow. Do this down the length of your forearm to about an inch above the wrist. Repeat this down the length of your arm several times.

• 4

  Now start at the top of the forearm again just below the crease in the elbow. Press down between the two bones in the forearm and move your fingertips slowly back and forth. You should be moving across the muscle but not the skin. Do this down the length of your forearm several times.

• 5

  Massage the palm of your hand using circular strokes. Pay close attention to the base of the palm.

• 6

  Massage between the bones of your hand. Start from the palm and find the bones that run up to your little finger and ring finger. Use your thumb and forefinger to squeeze the area between these bones. Your thumb is on the palm of your hand and your forefinger is on the back of the hand. Squeeze the area and pull your thumb and forefinger up to the webbing of the fingers of that hand. Repeat this between all the fingers.

• 7

  Encircle the base of your hand and gently squeeze the bones of he palm together. Hold for a few seconds and repeat.

• 8

  End the massage by vigorously massaging the forearm with circular strokes again.

• 9

  Do this to the other hand and forearm too if needed.