Nerve Entrapment Treatment

Overview

Nerve entrapment is a condition that occurs when a nerve is compressed by surrounding tissues (muscle, tendon, connective tissue or bone) within the narrow channel it passes through. The compressed nerve causes complaints such as pain, numbness, tingling and loss of strength in the areas it supplies. Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist), cubital tunnel syndrome (elbow) and various entrapment neuropathies are the most common examples.

Nerve entrapment usually develops due to repetitive movements, improper posture, overuse or tension and swelling in the surrounding tissues. In most cases, the pressure on the nerve can be reduced and the complaints eased with a correct, personalized program, without the need for surgery.

Symptoms

• Numbness and tingling — in the region supplied by the entrapped nerve (fingers, hand, arm, etc.).
• Pain — pain spreading along the course of the nerve, at times intensifying.
• Loss of strength — weakness in movements such as holding and grasping.
• Reduced fine skills — difficulty with handwork and movements such as buttoning.
• Complaints increasing at night — numbness and pain becoming pronounced especially during sleep.
• Sensation of electric shock — a sudden, electric-shock-like sensation along the course of the nerve.

Rehabilitation Approach

In the treatment of nerve entrapment, the priority is to reduce the pressure on the nerve and release the tension in the tissues. Surgery only comes onto the agenda in advanced and resistant cases; in many cases conservative methods are sufficient. With manual therapy and mobilization techniques the surrounding tissues are relaxed, and with nerve gliding (neural mobilization) exercises the free movement of the nerve is supported. Then, with appropriate strengthening and postural adjustments, lasting relief is targeted.

What We Do

First, our physician evaluates which nerve is entrapped and at what level through a detailed physical examination; examining the distribution of pain, numbness and loss of strength, they make the correct diagnosis and regard surgery as a last resort. What matters to us is correctly identifying the true source of the complaint; because there is no disease, there is a patient.

When our physician deems it necessary, they support the process with dry needling or injections to tense and painful points. We then refer the person to our specialist physiotherapists.

In line with our concept, our physiotherapists prioritize manual methods. To release the tension in the surrounding tissues we use mobilization and clinical massage techniques, aiming to reduce the pressure on the nerve. With nerve gliding (neural mobilization) exercises we support the free movement of the nerve.

Once relief is achieved, we add personalized strengthening and postural exercises to the program to prevent recurrence. When needed, we apply kinesiology taping to support the relevant region, ensuring that the effect of treatment spreads throughout the day. So that you can continue the process at home, we arrange a personalized home program and inform you about avoiding movements and postures that increase the entrapment in daily life. Through regular follow-up and check-ups we aim to restore your function with a holistic and patient approach.