How Physical Therapy Can Combat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Candace was a hairstylist who loved her work. Every day, she looked forward to chatting with her customers as she helped them look their best. After ten years in the business, she had built up an impressive roster of clients–but she’d also developed some worrying symptoms, too.
It started with a “pins and needles” sensation in her hands and fingers, especially at night. However, as time passed, she began to experience the sensation at work. Between appointments, Candace frequently found herself shaking out her hands, trying to alleviate her discomfort.
Eventually, that tingling sensation became more pronounced, and it was often accompanied by pain throughout her hand. Candace started to find once-simple motions–like snipping off dead ends or giving a vigorous shampoo–much more difficult.
That was when Candace visited the team at Foundation Therapy. We reviewed her symptoms, examined her hand and wrist, and gave her the diagnosis: carpal tunnel syndrome. We also provided a wealth of non-surgical treatments to help Candace manage her condition so she could go back to making her clients feel beautiful.
Are you experiencing similar symptoms? Have you recently received a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis? Our team can help you, too. Call us today to learn more!
What Exactly Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Because carpal tunnel syndrome is relatively common, most of us have a vague idea of what it entails: mainly that it involves the hands, fingers, and wrists and that it’s associated with certain jobs (like computer work).
These two things are true but don’t provide the complete picture. Carpal tunnel syndrome gets its name from the carpal tunnel, a structure of bones, ligaments, and tendons that runs from your wrist into your hands. It serves as a passageway for the median nerve, one of the major nerves in your upper extremities.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes trapped in the carpal tunnel, leading to the many symptoms we associate with the condition:
- Weakened grip
- Pain or numbness in the hand
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in your fingers
- Swelling in your fingers
- Pain or numbness that increases at night
These symptoms usually develop gradually. At first, you may only experience them at night. But if you leave the condition untreated, you’ll begin experiencing symptoms during the day, especially after small hand movements (as Candace experienced).
Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Physical Therapy
If your carpal tunnel syndrome is still in the early stages, we’ve got good news: physical therapy alone may be enough to manage your symptoms! Experts recommend addressing carpal tunnel syndrome with conservative methods before opting for surgery–an approach that can save you money in the long run.
Here’s what we’ll do:
Offer drug-free pain management:
We can show you different options for managing hand pain, such as hot or cold therapy.
Develop strategies to manage your symptoms:
Many people develop carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive hand motions, often at their job. Adjusting your posture, using proper equipment, and taking frequent breaks during the day can all help slow the condition’s progression.
Prescribe therapeutic exercises:
Targeted finger and hand stretching exercises can help improve mobility, while strengthening exercises can help decrease symptoms.
Provide a night splint:
Splinting immobilizes your wrist at night, reducing discomfort so you can get a full night’s sleep.
Often, these techniques are enough to minimize symptoms so that you don’t need to bother with surgery at all. Unfortunately, sometimes surgery is necessary to fully manage carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if you didn’t start treatment early enough.
The good news is carpal tunnel release surgery is a relatively minor outpatient surgery. However, it will still require rehabilitation afterward, and our team can guide you through the process. We’ll help reduce scar tissue and restore strength to your wrist so you can enjoy the benefits of your procedure.
Call Us Today To Learn More
Carpal tunnel syndrome may be common, but it’s not something you have to live with. The team of physical therapists at Foundation Therapy will work with you to find a treatment plan that suits your needs, including helping you manage work tasks that might worsen your symptoms.
Ready to get started? Call to schedule your consultation today!
✨ Staff Spotlight ✨
Celebrating the dedicated professionals who make Foundation Therapy exceptional
Sandra McDonald joined Foundation Therapy in June 2019 as an Assistant Office Manager and now serves as the Insurance Verification and Authorization Specialist. She is dedicated to making sure all of your scheduling, insurance, and financial needs are taken care of, helping you get the treatment you need with as little stress as possible.
Sandra grew up in Wise County, where she met her husband, Jason. The two have been married since 2015 and share their home with their beloved fur baby, Chuy. Her warm personality and genuine care for others make her one of the first smiling faces you will see when you walk through the doors at Foundation Therapy.
Sandra truly enjoys working at Foundation Therapy and getting to know everyone who walks through the door. One of the most rewarding parts of her job is watching patients accomplish goals they once thought were impossible. Seeing their progress and celebrating their successes is what makes her work so meaningful.
Whether she is helping navigate insurance questions, coordinating authorizations, assisting with scheduling, or simply welcoming patients with a smile, Sandra plays an important role in helping each patient’s experience get off to a great start.
Outside of Foundation Therapy, Sandra enjoys attending Texas Rangers games, traveling to new places, and spending quality time with family. She loves making memories, exploring new destinations, and enjoying the people and experiences that matter most.
Sandra is proud to be part of the Foundation Therapy team and looks forward to continuing to help patients feel welcomed, supported, and confident throughout their therapy journey.
Savor a Pain-Free Football Season
As Friday night lights illuminate the field and the spirit of football echoes throughout the community, ensure that back pain doesn’t get in the way while rooting for your team in the stands. Experience the thrill of the season without the discomfort of back pain. Our treatments are designed for your unique needs, ensuring you’re game-day-ready every time.
Your game plan to tackle back pain involves the following:
- Effective treatments to alleviate pain and guard against future flare-ups.
- Customized strategies to boost your mobility and strength so you can cheer on your favorite teams without hesitation.
- Tips to enjoy those tailgate barbecues and halftime huddles without a second thought to your back.
Get ready to chant, cheer, and celebrate without restraint. Connect with Foundation Therapy today, and let’s ensure you’re in prime shape for every touchdown this season!
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Enjoy This Featured Recipe!
Miracle Red Juice
Bright, refreshing, and packed with vibrant produce, this Miracle Red Juice is a delicious way to enjoy beets, carrots, apples, celery, citrus, and ginger in every sip. Blend up this colorful juice for a fresh, flavorful boost that’s perfect for starting your day or enjoying as an afternoon pick-me-up.
- 2 large beets
- 4 long carrots
- 2 apples
- 6 celery stalks
- 2 limes or lemons
- 2 inches of ginger
Directions:
Prepare beets, carrots, apples, celery, limes (or lemons) and ginger by chopping into smaller pieces before placing into a juicer. As the skin of a beet is packed with antioxidants and nutrients, it is recommended to leave the skin on the beet. Beet skin and lemon peel (if using) have strong flavors, so you could also prepare half with skin and half peeled to adjust to the flavor, or simply peel all if preferred. Apples can be any color or variety. Do not peel the ginger, which you will add to taste as ginger can be spicy. After all ingredients are added to the juicer, blend until juiced and smooth. Drink juice as soon as possible to obtain all benefits of the antioxidants and nutrients. Miracle Red Juice can be absorbed more easily on an empty stomach. Drink one glass every other day or as needed.
Bridgeport Chamber September Luncheon — Thursday, September 17, 2026, 11:30 AM, at Weatherford College Wise County (5180 US Highway 380, Bridgeport).
Taste Bridgeport — Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 4:00 PM in downtown Bridgeport. It’s the Chamber of Commerce’s annual food and drink event, with tastings from local restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries, plus a live concert in the evening.
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Our purpose at Foundation Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.
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Meet Our Team
Chris Hicks
Owner / PT
Kelli Smith
Supervising Clinician/PT
Ali Martinez
Office Manager
Sandra McDonald
Insurance Verification and Authorization Specialist
