Treating CTS and RSI'S of the Upper Extremity:

• Rest the Affected Area. This is often the first recommendation. Moving the affected area is important, but avoid stressing the joint. In conservation, this is often not practical without taking time-off from work.
  
• Correct ALL Muscle Imbalances affecting the upper extremity, and eliminate the largest causative factor in the development of carpal tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Strain Injuries. (Strengthen and stretch the muscles in the hand in the forearm with FLEXTEND in order to eliminate the basic cause of CTS and RSI's - A "MUSCLE IMBALANCE" between the overly strong, tight flexor muscles that "close" the hands, and the weak, underdeveloped extensor muscles that "open" the hands.)
  
• Splinting and Analgesics may help "mask" symptoms for a while, but unless the "real cause" of dysfunction is eliminated, the symptoms come right back. The LONG TERM success rate of Splints and Anti-Inflammatory Medications is extremely low.
  
• Vitamin B6 Therapy can help increase the health of damaged nerves, although it does not correct the real cause of dysfunction; which is a "muscle imbalance" between the stronger, shorter and tighter flexor muscles that "close" the hand and the weak, underdeveloped extensor muscles that "open" the hand. The tight, restrictive flexor muscles compress/impinge the underlying nerve(s) blood vessels, causing the nerve "signal" to travel at a much slower speed. If the muscle imbalance is treated/corrected, nerve conduction/velocity is normal and the symptoms disappear.
  
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications to reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the median nerve, but again do not correct the underlying cause of dysfunction. (Extended use of Anti-inflammatory medications often leads to irritation of the stomach lining.)
  
• Steroid Injections into the wrist may be prescribed, but are usually painful and not effective. Steroid injections cause the tendons to develop a "rubber-like" consistency, which can easily be damaged further (Usually due to being overstretched), if the individual continues to perform the same tasks that caused the original injury. If steroid injections are utilized, the injury needs to be immediately addressed / corrected through a conservative physical therapy program utilizing stretching and strengthening techniques. (This form of treatment is suggested for all areas of injury.)
  
• Contrast Baths (Hot/Cold) (contrast baths) are often recommended by a physical or occupational therapist. Typical treatment protocol is approximately three (3) minutes of heat followed by one (1) minute of cold. (The COLDFLEX "Self-Cooling" Compression Wrap is great for this portion of the treatment as it provides cooling compression and eliminates tissue damage caused by "freezer-burn", which is associated with the traditional use of ice.) Heat alone is not recommended.
  
• Surgery is the "standard" treatment for CTS in order to open the carpal tunnel to relieve pressure on the nerve…. BUT surgery does not correct the real cause of dysfunction, therefore it is not effective and does not provide a permanent cure.