Uploaded November 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Even after surgery pain, discomfort and tingling may remain. Here's why:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition effecting millions of people. The standard cause is pressure on the median nerve. Standard conservative treatment is physical therapy and massage. Surgery is often recommended, but does not often work.
Here are some of the reasons why someone can still have the pain, tingling, etc., even after surgery!
Surgery being done in the wrong place: Surgery often releases the ligaments in the carpal tunnel. However, the nerve travels from the spine, on the medial part of the arm, via the elbow and down to the fingers, through the ventral part of the wrist. If the pressure on the median nerve occurs anywhere along that pathway, and not only at the wrist, the pain will remain.
Physical Therapy done Wrong: Physical Therapy often helps, but again it is often incomplete to bring a cure. Here is why: Not all therapists work the tissues along the whole length of the nerve. Some do and they are more successful. Still very often the problem is found in the opposing muscles. Tight extensors will constantly force flexors to struggle. This will overdevelop the tendons of the flexors and put pressure on the nerve again and again.
Tension component: Finally, there is a tension component. Breathing and being mindful of movement allows the tension to be low at rest. Muscles and tendons only tense when needed. This greatly reduces overuse and buildup of pressure along the nerve path.
Even after surgery pain, discomfort and tingling may remain. Here's why:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition effecting millions of people. The standard cause is pressure on the median nerve. Standard conservative treatment is physical therapy and massage. Surgery is often recommended, but does not often work.
Here are some of the reasons why someone can still have the pain, tingling, etc., even after surgery!
Surgery being done in the wrong place: Surgery often releases the ligaments in the carpal tunnel. However, the nerve travels from the spine, on the medial part of the arm, via the elbow and down to the fingers, through the ventral part of the wrist. If the pressure on the median nerve occurs anywhere along that pathway, and not only at the wrist, the pain will remain.
Physical Therapy done Wrong: Physical Therapy often helps, but again it is often incomplete to bring a cure. Here is why: Not all therapists work the tissues along the whole length of the nerve. Some do and they are more successful. Still very often the problem is found in the opposing muscles. Tight extensors will constantly force flexors to struggle. This will overdevelop the tendons of the flexors and put pressure on the nerve again and again.
Tension component: Finally, there is a tension component. Breathing and being mindful of movement allows the tension to be low at rest. Muscles and tendons only tense when needed. This greatly reduces overuse and buildup of pressure along the nerve path.
