Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in Wokingham, Berkshire

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling and pain in the hand and wrist that can disturb sleep and make everyday tasks difficult. At the Wokingham Therapy Clinic, our therapists offer effective, non-surgical treatments to relieve the pressure on the nerve, ease symptoms and restore normal hand function.

On this page

1. About carpal tunnel syndrome
2. Common causes
3. Symptoms
4. How we treat carpal tunnel syndrome
5. Research and evidence
6. Self-help advice
7. Our acupuncturist

1. About carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel – a narrow passage of bones and ligament at the front of the wrist. The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger, and controls some of the muscles at the base of the thumb.

When the tunnel becomes crowded – through swelling, inflammation or fluid retention – the nerve is squeezed, producing the characteristic numbness, tingling and weakness. It is one of the most common nerve compression problems and is more frequent in women, often affecting both hands.

2. Common causes

• Repetitive wrist and finger movements, including typing and mouse use
• Manual and assembly work involving gripping, vibration or force
• Pregnancy and the menopause, through fluid retention and hormonal change
• Wrist injury or fracture that narrows the tunnel
• Underlying conditions such as an underactive thyroid, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Sustained or awkward wrist postures, particularly at night

3. Symptoms

• Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers
• Symptoms that are often worse at night and may wake you from sleep
• Pain or aching in the wrist that can radiate up the forearm
• A weak grip and a tendency to drop objects
• Clumsiness or reduced fine-motor control of the hand
• Relief from shaking or flicking the hand

4. How we treat carpal tunnel syndrome

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an effective, well-researched treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. It works by reducing inflammation and swelling around the median nerve, improving local blood flow and modulating the way pain signals are processed, easing numbness and tingling without the risks of surgery.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy uses nerve and tendon gliding exercises, wrist mobilisation and strengthening to relieve pressure on the median nerve and address contributing factors in the wrist, forearm and neck.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy assesses the whole arm and neck, freeing restrictions from the wrist to the shoulder and cervical spine that can contribute to median nerve irritation.

Massage

Massage releases tight forearm muscles and improves circulation through the wrist, helping to reduce the muscular tension that adds to the compression in the carpal tunnel.

5. Research and evidence

A randomised controlled trial published in The Journal of the American Academy of Neurology found that acupuncture produced improvements in symptoms and nerve function in carpal tunnel syndrome comparable to night splinting, with changes also seen in the brain's processing of sensory information. Systematic reviews have likewise concluded that acupuncture is a safe and effective option for relieving the symptoms of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.

6. Self-help advice

• Wear a wrist splint at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position
• Set up an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, and take regular breaks from typing
• Avoid sustained gripping and repetitive wrist movements where possible
• Take regular breaks from vibrating tools
• Perform gentle wrist and nerve-gliding stretches through the day
• Have underlying conditions such as thyroid problems or diabetes reviewed by your GP

Our acupuncturist

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MRCHM

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practising acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 25 years. He is passionate about empowering people with the ancient knowledge of Chinese medicine through lifestyle and diet.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China – a full-time, five-year degree programme that included six months of clinical internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto practises acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping from his own acupuncture clinic in Wokingham. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and practises traditional Chinese acupuncture.