Wrist and Hand Numbness: Is It Carpal Tunnel? Causes, Relief & J&J Therapy Treatments

Who this article is for

• Do you have wrist pain?

• Tingling, numbness or heaviness in the hand or fingers?

• Thumb, index, middle and half of ring finger feel “asleep”?If you ticked these, this guide is for you.

  
  

What is the carpal tunnel (in plain English)?

Tendons from the forearm pass through a narrow tunnel at the wrist and are held down by a strong band (retinaculum). The tendons are wrapped in sheaths that reduce friction so the fingers glide smoothly.When the tunnel is crowded or irritated (repetitive mouse/keyboard use, forceful gripping, sustained flexed wrist, fluid retention, etc.), the sheaths can inflame and swell, squeezing the median nerve → pain, pins & needles, numbness, night waking and reduced grip.

Typical symptom pattern (quick table)

Symptom	What it feels like	Why it happens
Numbness/tingling in thumb–index–middle–half ring	“Electric”, burning, worse at night or on waking	Median nerve compressed in the tunnel
Wrist/forearm ache with mouse or phone use	Dull ache → sharp twinge on gripping	Inflamed tendon sheaths rubbing in a tight tunnel
Dropping objects / weaker pinch	Clumsy, fatigued hand	Nerve irritation + muscle guarding
Symptoms eased by shaking hand	“Flick test” relief	Brief pressure change in the tunnel

What you can do now (safe self‑care)

• Keep the wrist neutral (not bent) during typing, phone use and sleep; consider a night splint.

• Micro‑break rule: every 30–40 minutes, 40–60 seconds of wrist/forearm stretch and posture reset.

• Cold compress 10 minutes after heavy use if inflamed; warmth before gentle mobility.

• Avoid prolonged gripping, heavy lifting with a bent wrist, and very tight sleeves/watches.

Our recommended care at J&J Therapy

Phase	Goals	J&J in‑clinic options	Home advice
Acute (pain/inflammation)	Calm pain & swelling; protect nerve	Ultrasound therapy, electrical therapy (TENS/IFC), gentle therapeutic massage to forearm flexors/extensors; ergonomic coaching	Night neutral splint, pacing, cold compress, posture setup
Sub‑acute (stiffness)	Restore tendon/nerve glide	Physiotherapy: guided nerve & tendon gliding, mobility of carpal bones; soft‑tissue release; exercise education	Short, frequent glides (within comfort), light grip drills
Chronic / recurrent	Resolve driver & prevent relapse	Shockwave therapy to stubborn myofascial/tendinous adhesions; progressive loading; desk/hand‑tool setup	Strengthen forearm/shoulder, habit change, graded return

Why we may add Shockwave: non‑invasive method used to reduce chronic inflammation and adhesions, improve local blood flow and speed tissue healing—especially where recovery has stalled.

Frequently asked questions (UK)

Q1. Is it always carpal tunnel if my wrist hurts?A. Not always—De Quervain’s, arthritis, or neck‑related nerve irritation can mimic symptoms. Pattern and tests help us differentiate during your consultation.

Q2. How long until I feel better?A. Mild cases often ease within 3–6 weeks with splinting, load change and therapy; chronic cases may need a focused programme (4–8 sessions) including shockwave/physio.

Q3. Do I need surgery?A. Most people improve with conservative care. Surgery is reserved for severe, persistent weakness or nerve damage. We’ll guide you if onward referral is appropriate.

Q4. Can massage help?A. Yes—therapeutic massage reduces forearm muscle tension that overloads the tunnel and improves tendon glide when combined with exercises.

Q5. What are red flags? (seek urgent care)Severe or progressive weakness, constant numbness that doesn’t ease, colour/temperature change in the hand, or symptoms after trauma.

Your next step — book with J&J Therapy

• Website: JJTHERPAY365.com

• Email: info@jjwellcare.com

• WhatsApp/Text: 07882 943540 (AI‑assisted, real‑time) / 07935 869938 (English & Korean)

• Opening hours: Tue–Wed 9:00–19:20 / Thu Closed / Fri–Sat 9:00–19:20 / Mon Closed