The median nerve is located in the wrist and is responsible for the feeling of the thumb and the first three fingers. It is located within the carpal tunnel and when it becomes compressed by conditions like excess weight, fluid retention, an injury, or arthritis, the result can be reduced mobility and intense pain. This condition is referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome. People that suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome are sometimes compelled to use pain medications regularly or opt for surgery. For those that want to avoid surgery and its possible complications, relief can be found with massage and exercise.

If the flexor trigger points and extensors in the forearm are treated with long, pressurize strokes continually for several weeks, the condition can be effectively treated and possibly reversed without the use of any invasive surgical procedures. While surgery is normally only suggested as a last resort, the pain that is endured while using a wrist brace could last for months or years as people try to find relief without surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be very costly, as many are required to take leaves of absence from work to deal with the disabling effects of this increasingly painful condition. Such pain and altering of daily life often leads to depression and anxiety as people struggle to cope with the unknown factor of whether or not they will ever regain full use of their hands again without pain and without surgery.

Conversely, many have been delighted to discover that carpal tunnel massage is quite effective in rejuvenating the median nerve and relieving it from its compressed state. Massage techniques may also be applied to the neck, shoulder and back areas as well, since it is quite possible that source of the nerve constriction can originate in those areas. Over time, as daily massage is applied to these areas, many report a significant relief in the pain associated with carpal tunnel. Continuing massages daily over a period of months can even completely reverse carpal tunnel syndrome as the median nerve is relieved and normal functioning has returned.

By combining the use of range of motion exercises, such as extending, stretching and holding the hands in a position where the palms face out as the fingertips point upwards, before straightening the wrists and allowing the fingers to relax again, the median nerve can benefit. Also, making and releasing a tight fist several times while slowly rotating the hands at the wrist joints can also help.

Overall, carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with massage techniques and exercises that can restore proper nerve functioning. However, the best action one can take against carpal tunnel syndrome is to prevent its onset by proper posture, frequent rest of the hands, daily exercise and regular massages for people who work in environments that require repetitive hand movements or back strains that can lead to arm and wrist injuries.

Carpal tunnel syndrome does not have to result in surgery and those that are afflicted with it should begin a massage and exercise regimen immediately and should definitely do so before opting for surgery.

More and more doctors and specialists recognize the importance of basic stretchning and exercises when treating carpal tunnel patients. Surgery is often ineffective and difficult to recover from.. Let Tom Nicholson, a man who has been helping those who suffer from CTS for years, show you how to help yourself. Click here to learn some basic carpal tunnel exercises to begin finding relief.