Treatments for Hand Numbness Include Professional Assisted Stretching Techniques

Understanding Hand Numbness at Your Desk and How Assisted Stretching Can Help

Experiencing hand numbness while working at your desk can be frustrating and concerning. This condition is often related to poor posture, repetitive movements, or nerve compression. Fortunately, there are non-invasive treatments available to alleviate these symptoms, including professional assisted stretching techniques offered at Performance Care Stretch Clinic.

The most common cause of hand numbness is in the nerve and vascular bundle that sits beneath the pec muscles at the front of the shoulder.  Common symptoms include numbness that is felt at night when lying on the affected side or when using the arms out in front of the body during the day.  Common misdiagnosis includes: disc bulges, cervical subluxations, tumors and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes of Hand Numbness

Hand numbness can stem from various factors, including:

1. Poor Ergonomics: Improper workstation setup can lead to strain on the wrists, arms, and shoulders, resulting in nerve compression.  Anterior Shoulder tightness is the most overlooked cause of nerve symptoms in the hand, NOT carpal tunnel.

2. Repetitive Movements: Activities like typing or using a mouse for extended periods can cause muscle fatigue and tension in the arms and hands.

3. Nerve Compression: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome occur when the median nerve is compressed, often due to swelling or tight muscles in the forearm and NOT narrowing of the carpal tunnel in an adult..

Non-Invasive Treatments for Hand Numbness

To alleviate hand numbness, consider these non-invasive treatments:

1. Ergonomic Adjustments: Set up your workstation properly. Ensure your chair is at the correct height, your keyboard is positioned to keep your wrists neutral, and consider using wrist support.  Correct shoulder positioning is key and must be accomplished by a few strength and stretching exercises easily performed at home.

2. Stretching Exercises: Incorporate regular stretching of the chest, back, arms, wrists, and hands to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension.

3. Hand and Wrist Braces: These can help maintain a neutral wrist position and reduce pressure on the nerves, but are rarely needed yet often prescribed.

4. Ice or Heat Therapy: Applying cold can reduce acute swelling if present or heat packs can help improved blood flow which allows muscle to be more relaxed.

Assisted Stretching Techniques at Performance Care Stretch Clinic

Performance Care Stretch Clinic offers specialized assisted stretching techniques that can help improve flexibility, mobility, and muscle function, thereby alleviating symptoms like hand numbness. Here’s an overview of some techniques offered:

1. Dynamic Stretching: This involves controlled movements that mimic physical activity, improving your range of motion and preparing your body for movement. The practitioner guides you through dynamic stretches to enhance circulation and improve muscle lengthening and shock absorbing capabilities.

2. ARP Wave:  This eccentric muscle stimulation current will recruit all tight muscles to respond properly to the opening command from your brain.  15 minute sessions with full ROM exercises will return tight muscles to their normal resting and lengthening state.

3. Active Release Technique: This technique applies pressure to specific points in the muscle, coupled with ROM exercises by the client, forcing muscle to open and break up restrictive scar tissue. Therapists must be trained in this specific technique with regular continuing education to ensure the gold standard in soft tissue treatment is maintained. 

4. Active Isolated Stretching (AIS): AIS involves holding stretches for only 2 seconds, promoting circulation and enhancing elasticity without overstretching. The therapist guides you through specific stretches while activating your muscles which tell your MYOTATIC (stretch reflex) to shut off during stretching.  If the stretch reflex is ignored, injury will likely worsen, healing will be delayed and muscle will be fatigued after futile attempts at stretching muscle ( which technically cant be stretched, only lengthened)..

If you’re experiencing hand numbness while at your desk, it's essential to understand the potential causes and explore non-invasive treatment options. Performance Care Stretch Clinic’s assisted stretching services can provide a personalized approach to help relieve symptoms, improve circulation, and enhance overall mobility. By addressing muscle tightness and nerve compression, you can enjoy a more comfortable work experience and promote better long-term health.