Carpal tunnel:
Carpal tunnel and hand numbness treatment in Polk County, FL
Numb, tingling fingers that wake you at night are the classic sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Physical therapy is a first treatment for mild to moderate cases. At Core Rehabilitation's three clinics in Polk County, Florida (Lake Wales, Haines City and Winter Haven), a licensed physical therapist checks what's squeezing the nerve at your wrist and builds a plan to ease it. You don't need a referral to start.
Serving Lake Wales · Haines City · Winter Haven
What's actually going on: Carpal tunnel syndrome: the short version
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage on the palm side of your wrist, formed by the wrist bones and a tough ligament across the top. The median nerve runs through it with nine tendons that bend your fingers and thumb. When that space gets crowded, the nerve is squeezed. That's carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common nerve problem in the hand.
It usually causes numbness, tingling or burning in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger, but not the little finger. Symptoms are often worse at night or first thing in the morning, and when you hold a phone, a steering wheel or a tool. Shaking the hand out often brings relief. Over time, grip can weaken and you may start dropping things.
Risk goes up with repeated forceful gripping, a bent wrist for long periods, vibrating tools, pregnancy, diabetes, thyroid problems and rheumatoid arthritis. Similar tingling can come from a pinched nerve in the neck or an irritated nerve at the elbow, so your therapist checks those too.
When hand numbness needs a doctor first
Most hand tingling is safe to assess with a physical therapist, but a few signs need a doctor first. If any of these apply, see a doctor or go to urgent care before you book physical therapy.
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking or a drooping face. Call 911: these can be signs of a stroke.
Numbness that never goes away, or wasting of the muscle at the base of your thumb.
Numbness in both hands and both feet, or tingling that started after a fall or a neck injury.
A swollen, hot, red wrist, or symptoms that began after a wrist fracture.
If none of these apply, physical therapy is a safe and reasonable place to start.
How we help: How physical therapy treats carpal tunnel syndrome
Physical therapy for carpal tunnel starts with an evaluation. Your therapist maps where the tingling goes and when, tests feeling, grip and pinch strength, and checks your wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck. They ask how you use your hands at work and at home, so the plan fits your day.
Treatment combines nerve and tendon gliding exercises, which help the median nerve and finger tendons slide freely through the tunnel, with stretching and strengthening for the wrist, hand and forearm. Hands-on care (manual therapy) for the wrist, forearm and upper back includes instrument-assisted soft tissue work for tight forearm muscles.
You also get advice on a wrist splint that holds your wrist straight at night, and on your workstation, tools and grip, so daily tasks stop feeding the problem. When they help, ultrasound, heat or ice ease symptoms so you can do the exercises.
The 2019 carpal tunnel clinical practice guideline from the American Physical Therapy Association's hand and orthopaedic academies supports a neutral wrist splint at night and manual therapy for mild to moderate symptoms. If numbness is constant or your thumb muscles are weakening, a hand surgeon should take a look.
"Should I wear my wrist brace all day?"
Usually not. A splint helps most at night, when wrists tend to curl. Wearing one all day can stiffen the wrist and weaken the hand. Your therapist tells you when to wear it and when to move.
"Does carpal tunnel always need surgery?"
No. Many people with mild to moderate symptoms improve with a night splint, changes to how they use their hands and therapy. Surgery becomes an option when numbness is constant, the thumb muscles weaken, or simple care hasn't helped.
How long it lasts: How long does carpal tunnel last?
It depends on how long you've had it and what's feeding it. Carpal tunnel that starts during pregnancy often eases after the baby is born. Mild symptoms from a job or hobby often settle over several weeks once the wrist is splinted at night and the setup changes. Long-standing, constant numbness tends to recover more slowly.
If your symptoms aren't easing after several weeks of steady treatment, your therapist will tell you. A doctor or hand surgeon can then look at next steps.
What to expect: How long does it take to feel better?
It depends on how long you've had it and how much your hands do each day. Results differ from person to person. After your evaluation, your therapist will tell you what's realistic for you.
Your first visit is a conversation about when your fingers tingle, what sets it off and what you need your hands for. Then comes testing. It usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. A licensed physical therapist does your first evaluation and writes your plan of care. Between therapist visits, a physical therapist assistant may treat you under that plan. Here's what your first visit involves →
Early on, the focus is calming night symptoms with a splint, gliding exercises and changes to how you grip, type and sleep.
As you progress, strengthening and a gradual return to full work shifts, yard work or your hobbies help keep the tingling from coming back.
Before you come in, bring your wrist splint if you have one. If your job involves a desk or tools, a photo of your setup helps.
Who treats it: Who treats carpal tunnel: a physical therapist, a hand surgeon or your doctor?
For mild to moderate symptoms, a physical therapist is a good first stop. In Florida you can book directly, without a referral.
See your doctor or a hand surgeon first, or as well, if numbness never goes away, if the muscle at the base of your thumb is weak or shrinking, or if symptoms haven't eased after several weeks of treatment.
They can order a nerve test (a nerve conduction study), give an injection or talk about surgery. If you have carpal tunnel release, we help with your rehab after surgery.
Where to get treated: Carpal tunnel treatment at our Haines City, Lake Wales and Winter Haven clinics
Winter Haven: 3017 Cypress Gardens Rd, about a mile from LEGOLAND Florida. Mon–Fri 9–12 and 1–5. 863-268-6523.
Lake Wales: 2031 State Rd 60 East, at SR 60 and Buck Moore Rd. Mon–Fri 8–12 and 1–5. 863-678-0705.
Haines City: 50 Maxcy Plaza Circle, just off US 27. Mon–Fri 8–12 and 1–5. 863-421-2000.
Every clinic treats hand and wrist problems, including carpal tunnel,, and Spanish-speaking staff are available. Most new patients get a first appointment within a few days to three weeks.
Common questions about carpal tunnel
Can physical therapy help carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes, especially for mild to moderate symptoms. A night splint, nerve and tendon gliding exercises, hands-on care and changes to how you use your hands can ease numbness and tingling. If numbness is constant or your thumb is getting weak, see a doctor or hand surgeon.
How long is physical therapy for carpal tunnel?
Many people come in for a few weeks, with a short home program between visits. Mild symptoms often ease within several weeks. Your therapist gives you a realistic time frame after your evaluation.
Does squeezing a ball help carpal tunnel?
Not on its own, and hard squeezing can make symptoms worse early on. Gentle nerve and tendon gliding usually comes first. Grip strengthening is added once the tingling settles.
Should I wear a wrist splint at night?
Often, yes. A splint that keeps your wrist straight while you sleep is one of the best-supported simple treatments for carpal tunnel. Your therapist checks the fit and tells you how long to use it.
Do I need a referral for carpal tunnel treatment?
No. In Florida you can start physical therapy without a physician's referral. If you need treatment beyond 30 days for a problem no doctor has assessed, a doctor must review and sign your plan of care.
Where can I get carpal tunnel treatment in Haines City?
At Core Rehabilitation, 50 Maxcy Plaza Circle, Haines City (863-421-2000). We also treat carpal tunnel at our Lake Wales and Winter Haven clinics.
Does workers' comp cover physical therapy for carpal tunnel?
When your carpal tunnel is accepted as a work injury, workers' compensation usually covers the physical therapy in your plan of care. We accept workers' comp at all three clinics. Ask your employer or claims adjuster about authorization before your first visit.
Request an appointment
Tell us a little about you and your preferred location, and our team will reach out to schedule your visit. Prefer to talk? Call the clinic nearest you.
Lake Wales · 863-678-0705
Haines City · 863-421-2000
Winter Haven · 863-268-6523