Numbness and tingling

[lady rose]

Ok, I recently it seems that a lot of my clients are having issues with neck pain that causes numbness and tingling in the arm/hands. I myself have the beginnings of CTS and once got and excellent technique that has virtually "cured" my CTS. I was wondering if anyone knows of some really good techniques for these issues, and where I could find more info on courses!! Oh, ok so if I can explain this, the technique was performed on me sitting in a chair and while she laterally flexed my neck she had my arm extended and was moving it anteriorly and posterialy(?). Does this make any sense at all?? What the heck is it!!??

 

[strawberryfieldsforever]

Hi massagemom,

Sounds more like thoracic outlet syndrome rather than carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS usually presents with numbness and tingling in the median nerve distibution with pain in the wrist, hand and forearm, and in rare cases in the shoulder, but not usually in the cervical region. TOS presents with numbness and tingling in the medial forearm and digits, a diminshed radial pulse with the arm slightly externally rotated and abducted, and trigger points in the scalene musculature, which would account for the neck pain. Try a thorough upper body massage with myofascial release and then some trigger point work on the scalenes, pec minor and subclavius. Sounds like some of the work you received was to release fascial restrictions and help ease compression of the brachial plexus. ROM of the shoulder girdle to prevent anterior rotation will help. Encourage good posture and proper workplace ergonomics, and any stretching to open up the chest. Hope this helps!

Take care,
Meredith