carpal tunnel alternate therapy

My carpal tunnel has gotten progressively worse over the past 6 months. It started with tingling and numbness at night and when I raised my hands near my head over 5 years ago. Now I commonly have an achy wrist, a mild pain that goes from my wrist to elbow, and on occasion a sharp pain when I squeeze something in addition to numbness at night. I splint it from time to time but haven't tried doing it at night yet. Have you heard about "Carpal Solution Therapy?" You buy 6 weeks of soft-bandage type pieces for "soft tissue stretching therapy." According to their web-site they offer amazing recovery from CTS. Is it worth a try? Has anyone tried it and found it successful? My other question is how long can I let this go, hoping it won't get worse? I depend on playing the piano a fair amount and don't know how I could ever give it up. I wonder if I should look into surgery now before it gets worse or try other therapies first.

[infoseeker65]

I had carpal tunnel years ago.  I went to a hand therapist which was basically p.t. for the hand.  It helped for a few years... but the tingling came back.  In 2001 I had the release done arthroscopically by a hand specialist.  I had the hands done I month apart from each other and never regretted it.  The surgery takes 15min. to perform and the recovery was quick (I went sailing while out on disability leave... don't tell anybody).  I've been good ever since.  I also understand that the surgery is more successful when done sooner rather than later.

[Montana girl 06]

Thanks for your reply. I wore a splint to bed the last 3 nights and that helped a lot, but I still feel those sensations that tell me I'm stressing the carpal tunnel on occasion such as now while I'm typing. I'm  51 next month and hear surgery is more successful if you're under 50. I'm a teacher and a pianist and use my hands so much. I just worry about losing strength in my hand after having surgery.

[infoseeker65]

I would still find a good hand specialist if I were you.  At least you can get an expert opinion... it's always your choice as to whether to have surgery or not.  The longer it goes untreated the greater the chance of permanent nerve damage which will cause loss in your hands.  My brother (also under 50 by a couple of years) is an avid guitar player.  He also had the surgery and plays as well as he ever has.

Just my $.02.... good luck with whatever your decision is.

[Montana girl 06]

I will definately check it out. My sister had the surgery about 15 years ago and did very well afterwards. It's helpful to hear of others who had good results, especially after reading a lot of negative on the internet.