Some one will interview you to get an idea of your limitations and needs.
Then they will start a program just for you.  Usually, it starts with a
heating pad for a bit and then after the exercises, they will put ice packs
on the area.  They are very good, at least the one I went to was.

No suggestions, just wanted  you to know I was thinking of you. Sorry you
are having to deal with this too.

Shannon wrote:

Physical Therapy should go over your medical history and come up with an
exercise program to improve strength and ROM while reducing pain.

Occupational Therapy is interested in your limitations performing normal,
daily activities - dressing, putting on shoes, cooking, laundry, house
cleaning, etc. etc. etc.

PT gave me an over-the-door traction kit for my neck spasms and headaches.
Got me on a stationary bike, and performing a few other exercises.   Ca.
1964-66

OT gave me a "grabber", a long-handled shoe horn and a sock-aide to help me
dress.   Same dates.  Once I'm dressed, I have no big problems performing
other chores as long as I pace myself, don't overdo anything, and don't
exceed my weight-lifting restriction too much, too often.

... Geezer, formerly known as Stud Muffin.

OK.  I'm  not opposed to PT.  A physical therapist was the first to diagnose
my SI joint problems and to get me proper treatment for my arthritis.

And the SCORE program for the lower back is amazing.

But I question the use of PT for carpal tunnel problems.

First I question what difference it makes in treatment if the inflammation
in the carpal tunnel is caused by repetitive stress or by the inflammation
from arthritis.

In my own experience and from what I've seen in others over the years,
various treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome just draw things out.
Possibly allow the permanent nerve damage to worsen.

Regardless of the cause, if you need to treat the carpal tunnel problem, you
are likely going to have the tissue release surgery to relieve the pressure
on the nerve.

It isn't difficult surgery for the patient and provides relief for most
right away.

A common reaction to the surgery is "even the post op pain from the surgery
was far less than I had been living with every day.  And it went away pretty
quickly"

I did have PT on my hands after the surgery.

Big mistake for me anyway.  I finally called it off after several weeks.
Instead of giving be more strength in my hands and providing any kind of
relief, it just managed to irritate all the connective tissue in my hands
and make them extremely painful.  It took months to get over it.

So what I would ask.  If the PT is painful, what gain are we looking for,
and are we getting that.

Jo

You type a lot at work, but he ruled out RSI as the source of the pain?
That sounds a bit off...

Ari