Search Our Site

Meet Our Team

About Heather Jeffcoat, DPT | Los Angeles Pelvic Floor Doctor

Heather Jeffcoat, DPT - los angeles pelvic floor doctor
Read more ...

About Laureen McVicker, PT, CLT

Laureen McVicker, PT, CLT
Read more ...

About Kasia Gondek, PT, DPT, CSCS

Read more ...

About Debbie Dy, PT, DPT

Debbie Dy, PT, DPT
Read more ...

About Sarina Karwande PT, DPT, CAFS

sarina
Read more ...

About Stephany Tritt, PT, DPT

Stephany Tritt, PT, DPT

About Trinity

About Trinity
Read more ...

About Iris

Femina PT staff
Read more ...

About Christina Yen

Christina Yen
Read more ...

About Ejiro Agege

Ejiro Agege
Read more ...

About Judielle

rehabilitation assistant Judielle
Read more ...

About Hannah

rehabilitation assistant Hannah
Read more ...

About Mary P. Shriver, CMT

Read more ...

About Christina Lindeman

Christina Lindeman
Read more ...

About Mary Beth Kedzior, CMP

Mary Beth Kedzior, CMP
Read more ...

Tips & Tricks to Ease the Pain

International Journal of Childbirth Education, March 2010, by Heather Jeffcoat, DPT

Carpal tunnel syndrom during pregnancy (CTS) is a commonly overlooked problem by healthcare practitioners. It presents as mild to severe pain, numbness and sometimes weakness in the hands, wrists and forearms along the distribution of the median nerve. At times, the muscles in the forearm ache due to compensations in movement or activity that may result. The pain can occur at night, further disrupting sleep patterns. These symptoms may arise due to postural changes, increased edema, occupational stressors, or a combination of these. Often patients are told their symptoms will resolve after delivery. Although this is usually the case, patients can perform a few simple exercises that may ease or even eliminate this pregnancy complaint.

CTS due to edema tends to worsen during the third trimester, and often occurs bilaterally. (Turgut, et al 2001). Since edema worsens when the upper extremity is placed in a gravitydependent position, instructing your patient to elevate her arms is a good place to start. Rolling an ice cube over the wrist, called ice massage, can also reduce local swelling.

Exercises to improve flexibility may provide additional relief. Specific areas to include to ease Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy are the postural muscles as well as wrist and elbow:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy - Doorway Stretch

Doorway Stretch: Hold onto doorframe as pictured above for 30 seconds. Perform 3 repetitions 2-3 times daily.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy - Wrist Flexor Stretch

Wrist flexor stretch: Pull fingers back as shown. Hold a gentle stretch for 30 seconds. Perform 3 repetitions, 2-3 times daily.

Resting posture of the wrists should also be given consideration. At night, some women have the tendency to curl their wrists into a flexed position. Since they are sleeping, the best way to ensure their wrists stay in a neutral position is through the use of wrist splints. The ideal splint would have stays to keep the wrist from moving into flexion or extension, thereby keeping it in a neutral position. As an inexpensive alternative, some women are able to prevent the flexed wrist posture by sleeping with a pillow between their hands to prevent carpal tunnel syndrom during pregnancy.

If a patient's symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy do not improve with the above techniques and exercises or if the symptoms are severe, additional intervention may be required. Presence of numbness and tingling warrants follow-up with a physician immediately to rule out more severe causes of her symptoms. A women's health physical therapist may then be recommended to provide a directed treatment plan.

If you don't know of one in your area, contact the American Physical Therapy Association Section of Women's Health at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (800) 999-APTA, extension 3229.

 

 

References

Stephenson, R., O'Connor, L. 2000. Obstetric and Gynecologic Care in Physical Therapy. New Jersey: Slack, Inc.

Turgut, F., Cetinsahinahin, M., Turgut, M., Bolukbasi, O. 2001. The management of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 8:4 332-334.

Products We Love

LaVie Mom Warming Lactation Massage Pads
LaVie Warming Lactation Massager at Femina Physical Therapy
Good Clean Love
Good Clean Love

Backed by more than 100 years of expertise

We pride ourselves on leading the industry with the most innovative and scientifically advanced Bio-Match® product formulations for vaginal care. Our Scientific Advisory Board supports our mission to be a trusted and approved brand for the many medical communities we serve.

Experience our wonderful products for yourself:

  • Almost Naked® Organic Personal Lubricant - Our certified organic, water-based lubricant is pH-balanced while helping you enhance your love life naturally. Made with aloe vera and infused with lemon and vanilla for a light flavor, our organic formula provides long-lasting glide without irritating chemicals or sticky cleanup.
  • BioNourish™ Ultra Moisturizing Vaginal Gel with Hyaluronic Acid - Nearly one in five women ages 18 to 50 experience vaginal dryness. It's not just a symptom of menopause. Dryness, and associated discomfort or unnatural odor, has a wide variety of causes and ranges from occasional mild symptoms to chronic irritation and atrophy.
  • Restore® Moisturizing Vaginal Gel - This pH-balanced and moisturizing gel may help eliminate feminine odor and relieves vaginal dryness and discomfort. Restore® promotes the maintenance of healthy vaginal flora by mimicking the body’s natural pH levels, salt balance and lactic acid produced by proven, beneficial lactobacilli.
  • BioNude™ Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant - Some bodies are naturally more sensitive than others, which is why we offer BioNude™ Ultra Sensitive Personal Lubricant. This water-based personal lubricant is made with hydroxyethylcellulose, a plant-based material shown to be hypoallergenic.

Use the code FEMINA at checkout to receive 20% off the entire Good Clean Love product line!

LaVie Mom Lactation Massager
LaVie Lactation Massager at Femina Physical Therapy

Sherman Oaks

13425 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 200
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Telephone:
(818) 877-6910

The Sherman Oaks office is adjacent to Studio City and serves the Bel Air, Brentwood, West LA, Mulholland, Beverly Hills, Encino, Calabasas and San Fernando Valley area.

Map to Fusion Wellness PT Sherman Oaks Location

Hours:

Monday 7:30-6:00
Tuesday 7:00-6:00
Wednesday 7:00-6:00
Thursday 8:00-6:00
Friday 7:00-6:00

Glendale/Montrose and Pasadena Areas

3702 Park Place
Montrose
California 91020

Telephone:
(818) 864-6732

>The Montrose area of Glendale is located minutes from Pasadena, Burbank, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Los Feliz, Echo Park, and Eagle Rock.

Map to Fusion Wellness PT Montrose Location

Hours:

Monday  7:00-6:00
Tuesday 7:00-4:00
Wednesday 7:00-6:00
Thursday 7:00-4:00
Friday CALL

Beverly Hills

9012 Burton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Telephone:
(310) 871-9554

Now Accepting Appointments, Opens July 6!

The Beverly Hills office is convenient to Mid-Wilshire, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Beverlywood, Korea Town, Downtown LA, Culver City, Century City, Santa Monica and Malibu.

Map to Fusion Wellness PT Sherman Oaks Location

Hours:

Monday 12:00-5:00
Tuesday CALL
Wednesday CALL
Thursday 7:00-6:00
Friday CALL
Saturday CALL
Sunday CALL

Join Our Mailing List

NOTE: The captcha is NOT case sensitive
captcha 
I agree with the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy policy