CONDITION
Presenting with bilateral hand numbness and tingling consistent with positive carpal tunnel syndrome testing, significantly impacting occupational function and daily activities
52
Female
2 mth
| CHALLENGES | ROOT CAUSES |
|---|---|
| Morning hand numbness upon waking | Positive clinical findings consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome |
| Prolonged typing | Repetitive wrist flexor/extensor overload from prolonged typing |
| Turning doorknobs | Cervical and thoracic postural strain contributing to distal nerve irritation |
| Gripping objects | Reduced upper limb load tolerance |
| Sustained writing for work deadlines | Likely systemic inflammatory contribution (lifestyle and dietary factors) |
| Fine motor endurance for long writing sessions |
PREVIOUS TREATMENTS
Laser therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and pain medication with limited lasting improvement
GOALS
Return to sustained pain-free writing ability, maintain occupational productivity as an author, and restore hand function for both livelihood and creative expression.
TREATMENT PHASES
1
Pain Relief & Early Management
- Reduction of pro-inflammatory foods
- B-vitamin support for nerve health
- Low-intensity isometrics for wrist extensors and flexors
2
Restore Movement & Function
- Loaded carry variations (pinch grip, claw grip, fingertip loading)
- Gradual introduction of light loading through pushing
- Progressive grip endurance training
3
Load, Performance & Strength
- Postural correction program for prolonged desk work
- Thoracic mobility training
- Shoulder stability and posterior chain strengthening
- Cervical strength program (banded chin tucks, rotations, lateral flexion control)
Treatment Obstacles & Adjustments
- High occupational demand due to publishing deadline required continuous writing and typing. Load management was adapted through the introduction of dictation software, allowing reduction in repetitive strain while maintaining productivity and preventing symptom flare-ups.
Measurable wins
- First pain-free writing sessions achieved within 1 month
- Able to write for extended periods without numbness after progression phase
- Significant reduction in morning symptoms within 2–4 weeks
Outcome
- Returned to sustained pain-free writing, achieving up to 8 hours of continuous writing without numbness by the end of the second treatment phase
Wrist Results
Client Feedback
“Dr. Alex’s method literally gave me a new life. I am able to bend at the waist, have fun with my son doing activities running around, even sleeping through the night. I can work a lot more comfortably and even sit longer periods of time with much less pain.”
Dr. Alex Mak, DC, CCSP, CSCS, QME
Your FREE First Visit
60minYour first step is a low-pressure visit to understand your body mechanics, what will resolve it, and explain our approach.
- Quick intake: what’s hurting, what triggers it, training goals
- Movement: mobility, strength, control, and sport-specific patterns
- Clear plan: observations, why it’s happening, best path forward
What You’ll Receive
- A clear clinical direction and root-cause hypothesis
- Recommended next steps, including a plan and projected timeline
- Practical guidance on what to do, and what to avoid, in training right now
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