Massage and certain stretching exercises may relieve symptoms for some people with carpal tunnel syndrome. However, further research is necessary to understand the effectiveness of massage.

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves the compression of a nerve in the wrist. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist. Without treatment, a person may experience permanent loss of function and sensation.

Doctors may suggest certain massage techniques and simple exercises alongside other treatments to ease carpal tunnel symptoms and increase the range of motion in the hand and wrist.

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Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues, often in an attempt to reduce pain. The following exercises and massage techniques may help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms:

Madenci hand massage technique (MHMT)

An older study suggests that MHMT may benefit people with carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly because it is easy for someone to do it themselves. To use MHMT, a person can try the following steps:

  1. Effleurage: Gently stroke the inside of the wrist with the palm of the opposite hand, using light, long, circular motions, for 30 seconds.
  2. Friction: Use the fingertips to massage the area with slightly more pressure for 60 seconds.
  3. Petrissage: Use kneading and rolling motions with the fingertips to penetrate deeper tissues for 30 seconds.
  4. Shake: Gently shake off the wrist for around 30 seconds.
  5. Effleurage: Finish with another 30 seconds of light, long, circular motions using the palm of the opposite hand.

Each of these steps should start at the part of the wrist nearest the hand and move toward the elbow as the person massages. In total, this massage technique should take around 3 minutes.

Nerve- and tendon-gliding exercises

Doctors may refer a person to a specialized hand therapist who can teach nerve- and tendon-gliding techniques to complete at home.

This may include holding the fingers in different positions, such as straight or in a fist. They may also suggest flexing and extending the fingers and thumbs in various directions and using the thumb of the other hand to gently encourage the stretch.

Other simple exercises

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, the following simple exercises may also help relieve carpal tunnel symptoms:

  • Wrist bends: Rest the elbow on a flat surface with the arm pointing up. Gently bend the wrist forward and backward, holding it in each position for around 5 seconds. Repeat the exercise up to 10 times.
  • Wrist lift: Place the affected hand palm down on a flat surface, laying the other hand atop it, and gently try to lift the fingers of the bottom hand.
  • Wrist flex: To try this exercise, a person can hold their arm straight out with the palm facing down. Using their other hand, they can gently flex the wrist, pulling the hand toward the body for up to 15 seconds.
  • Finger bends: Hold the hand and fingers straight before bending the middle finger joints and holding the position for up to 5 seconds.
  • Hand squeeze: Hold an object, such as a ball that fits in the palm, and squeeze it for around 5 seconds.

A 2022 systematic review suggests that manual therapy, which included massage and other treatments, effectively reduced pain intensity and improved function in people with carpal tunnel syndrome.

A small 2020 study compared the effects of splinting and exercise therapy with splinting and massage therapy in 30 males with carpal tunnel syndrome.

The exercise therapy involved six stretching movements, while the massage involved techniques such as caressing, rubbing, and pressure to the wrist, palm, and forearm.

Although both therapy types led to improvements in range of motion, the stretching exercises were more effective than massage therapy.

A 2013 trial involving 21 people found that 30 minutes of massage twice a week for 6 weeks effectively reduced symptoms and improved wrist function in people with carpal tunnel syndrome.

However, further research is necessary to fully understand the potential benefits and effectiveness of massage for people with this condition.

Although researchers do not typically associate massage with any adverse effects, it can lead to nerve injury in rare cases, which could worsen symptoms such as pain.

The 2013 trial also suggests that applying pressure to certain trigger points in the hand may worsen carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms for some people.

Massage is an easy technique for individuals to apply at home to themselves. However, doing so without the guidance of a healthcare professional may increase the risk of injury or worsening of symptoms.

The first-line treatment for carpal tunnel typically involves splinting the wrist at night to keep it in a neutral position. Doctors may recommend trying this for 1 to 2 months before re-evaluating.

If wrist-splinting does not improve symptoms, they may recommend glucocorticoid injections into the wrist.

Alongside these initial treatments, doctors may refer people to specialists who can teach gentle exercises that may relieve symptoms and increase the range of motion in the wrist.

If none of these approaches help, a doctor may consider surgery to relieve pressure on the affected nerve.

Carpel tunnel syndrome is progressive and can eventually lead to permanent pain, nerve damage, and loss of function. Therefore, people need to contact a doctor if they experience symptoms such as:

These symptoms may affect the fingers and thumb in one or both hands.

People also need to consult a doctor if they have carpal tunnel syndrome and current treatments are not offering any relief.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Massage may provide symptom relief for some people, and a doctor may suggest it alongside other treatments.

Doctors typically suggest wrist-splinting overnight if a person has carpal tunnel syndrome. They may also recommend some gentle stretches and nerve- or tendon-gliding exercises.

People need to speak with a doctor if they have symptoms of carpal tunnel since it is a progressive condition that can lead to permanent nerve damage.