Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Joondalup and Perth's Northern Suburbs
Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand and fingers, especially at night or first thing in the morning — carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve compression in the upper limb, and conservative care can make a real difference.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist.
The resulting numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers is one of the most commonly reported nerve complaints we see at Lakeside Chiropractic.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Pressure within the carpal tunnel may increase through repeated movement, sustained wrist positions, swelling, previous injury, or without a clearly identifiable cause.
- Repetitive wrist flexion and extension, particularly with vibrating tools or sustained keyboard and mouse use
- Sustained postures that increase pressure within the carpal tunnel
- Swelling from pregnancy, thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes
- A previous wrist fracture or injury that alters the tunnel dimensions
- Idiopathic onset with no clear cause identified
Symptoms May Involve More Than the Wrist
We also assess the cervical spine because C6 and C7 nerve-root involvement can produce symptoms that mimic or worsen carpal tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms
Symptoms commonly follow the median nerve into the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
- Symptoms that are worst at night or first thing in the morning and may wake you from sleep
- Relief from shaking or flicking the hand
- Weakness or clumsiness with pinching or fine motor tasks
- Symptoms that worsen with prolonged gripping, driving, or phone use
What the Research Shows
Research supports nerve mobilisation and surrounding tissue techniques as part of a broader conservative approach.
- A 2018 randomised trial by Talebi et al. found that median nerve mobilisation and surrounding tissue techniques produced significantly greater improvements in symptom severity, functional status, and nerve mobility than standard electrotherapy modalities in people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- A 2017 systematic review by Basson et al. found that neural mobilisation produced positive neurophysiological effects in carpal tunnel syndrome, including reduced intraneural swelling. Functional outcomes were variable, supporting its use as part of a broader conservative approach rather than in isolation.
How We Can Help
Care considers the median nerve through its full pathway, the structures surrounding the carpal tunnel, wrist mechanics, and the positions or activities that aggravate symptoms.
We release the flexor retinaculum and forearm flexors, which can increase pressure inside the carpal tunnel when tight. We may also work the thenar muscles where median nerve compression causes weakness and tension.
Dry needling may target the flexor digitorum superficialis and pronator teres trigger points, which can increase tension through the carpal tunnel and refer symptoms that overlap with a classic carpal tunnel presentation.
Cold laser may be applied at the wrist crease directly over the carpal tunnel to reduce inflammation and support median nerve recovery when swelling within the tunnel is contributing to compression.
Learn more about Cold Laser Therapy or visit Cold Laser Perth .
Interferential current may be used at the wrist to reduce pain and swelling inside the carpal tunnel, particularly in the early stages or during pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome when other interventions need to remain conservative.
We prescribe median nerve-gliding exercises to maintain mobility through the tunnel between appointments, alongside practical guidance on wrist positioning at the keyboard, mouse, and during sleep.
Persistent Hand Numbness or Tingling Is Worth Assessing
Lakeside Chiropractic is based in Joondalup and sees patients from Currambine, Woodvale, Kingsley, Duncraig, Wanneroo, Tapping, Carramar, Heathridge, Edgewater, Mullaloo, Padbury, Banksia Grove, Yanchep, Gnangara, and across Perth's northern suburbs.
Call us on 9300 0095 or visit lakesidechiro.com.au .
Disclaimer: This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified health professional to discuss your individual circumstances.
References
- Talebi GA, et al. Manual therapy in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients: a randomized clinical trial. Caspian J Intern Med. 2018;9(3):283-289. PMID 30197774
- Basson A, et al. The effectiveness of neural mobilization for neuromusculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(9):593-615. PMID 28704626
Location Details
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
