Do you have painful wrists?

We use are wrists all the time.  More now as we live our lives on line meaning we use computers more and then we often go to the gym and lift weights all of which load are wrists.   Most people have heard of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) and is characterised by pain in the wrist and forearm from repetitive use.   In addition, you have probably heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful wrist disorder induced by compression on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel.

 

Both are characterised by:

  • numbness, pins & needles, tingling, weakness in the arms and/or hands
  • pain in forearms often a full ache but can become a sharp/shooting pain when using your hands and arms
  • pain in palms which may be worse at night

Risk factors which may contribute are:

  • Computer usage greater than 2 to 4 hours per day
  • Infrequent rest break when using a computer
  • Hypermobile joints
  • Poor posture
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • A stressful work environment
  • Being overweight

If your wrists or forearms feel inflamed, then you will benefit from being benefited from resting and being iced.

I find in clinic, clients are often surprised if I massage their forearms at how “tight they feel”.  If you are having problems or pain in your wrists, RSI or carpal tunnel syndrome then you may benefit from massage.

Related Posts

  • Can aromatherapy help people combat depression?

    Nearly 20% of people in the UK experience symptoms of anxiey or depression in 2014 according the Mental Health Foundation. A systemic review of five medical databases has found evidence to support the effictiveness of aromatherapy for alleviating depressive symptoms.  A team of scientists at the Hong Kong Polytechnic Univeristy found 12 randomiased controlled trials involving a total of 1,226 participants - 984 were female and 224 male, with an average age of 47.  Two of the five inhalation studies and five of the eight massage trails reported improvements in subjects conditions, with the aromatherapy massage found to be more effective. So if you feel depressed why not try and aromatherapy massage. Note: Vitality Therapy do not offer aromatherapy massage. References

    Mental Health Foundation. (2016) Fundamental Facts About Mental Health 2016. London: Mental Health Foundation.
    Sánchez-Vidaña DI, Ngai SP, He W, Chow JK, Lau BW, Tsang HW. (2017) The effectiveness of aromatherapy for depressive symptoms: a systematic review. Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

  • Heel Pain – Part 2 – Grumbling Achilles Tendon

    Last week I discussed Plantar Fasciitis one of the major causes of heel pain, this week I am going to discuss a grumbling achilles tendon, or to be technically correct, non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy, he other major cause of heel pain.  Although a rupture of the Achilles is well known, it is actually more common to have what is known as a grumbling Achilles. The pain is felt at the back of the heel above where the Achilles tendon joins the bone. It feels stiff and swollen, particularly in the morning and can prevent the sufferer from taking part in sport. Sometimes the pain is lower down where the tendon joins the bone. How can I tell if my heel pain is a grumbling achilles tendon? You may have swelling over or either side of your achilles tendon which runs from your heel to your calf muscles.  The skin over the achilles tendon may be red and/or hot.  If you sit down with your feet on the floor and raise your foot, as you use your achilles tendon you may hear a crackling sensation. What causes a grumbling achilles tendon?

    • The tab on your shoe rubbing against your achilles tendon.
    • Failing to warm up properly before playing sports.
    • Over use of the tendon from intensive training, e.g. running
    • Scar tissue from a previous injury.
    • High impact on hard surfaces e.g. any sport where you jump or tennis.
    What can I do to help myself? If you are in pain then rest and ice your tendon, to ice it wrap ice cubes in a tea-towel and hold against your tendon for 5 - 20 minutes, every 2 hours for 2 -3  days and then 3 times a day. The key to preventing further bouts is to ensure your are wearing appropriate footwear for the sport you are doing, ensure you warm up and cool down properly and always stretch your calf muscles. In addition a deep tissue massage release any tension in the tendon, remove scar tissue and ensure that your calf muscles are flexible.  

  • What helps carpal tunnel syndrome?

    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)mis caused by compression of the median nerve creating tingling, numbness and pain.  For people with really severe CTS or where other teatments have failed [...]