Condition guide
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Physiotherapy
Assessment and conservative management support for median nerve compression symptoms at the wrist.
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves pressure on the median nerve at the wrist and can disturb sleep, finger sensation and grip. An assessment considers the symptom pattern and hand function, rather than assuming all tingling has the same cause. Persistent numbness or increasing weakness needs medical review; exercises should not delay that review.
This guide is general information and does not replace a clinical assessment.
Common Symptoms
Pins and needles in thumb, index, and middle fingers
Night symptoms or waking with hand numbness
Reduced grip or pinch strength
Hand discomfort with repetitive tasks
Seek Prompt Medical Advice If You Have
Progressive or persistent hand weakness
Increasing numbness affecting daily safety
Severe unremitting symptoms despite conservative care
New neurological changes beyond typical median distribution
If you are unsure, call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical care.
Assessment
Map which fingers are affected and whether symptoms are intermittent, constant or worse at night
Check thumb function, grip and sensation alongside the tasks that are becoming difficult
Review repeated wrist bending, forceful gripping and relevant medical history
Consider GP or specialist assessment if symptoms progress or the diagnosis is uncertain
Treatment
Advice on reducing repeated wrist bending or forceful grip that aggravates symptoms
Discussion of whether a night wrist splint is suitable and how to seek fitting advice
Individual activity guidance, recognising that evidence for hand exercises is limited
Medical review when symptoms persist or worsen, including discussion of other treatment options
Aftercare & self-management
At your appointment, agree which exercises to do, how often to practise them and when to review your progress.
Adapt provoking tasks and avoid prolonged positions that repeatedly bring on tingling
If advised to use a wrist splint, follow the fitting and use instructions
Keep track of night waking, numbness and any change in thumb or grip function
Arrange GP or MSK review if numbness becomes constant or weakness develops; do not rely on exercises alone
Plan your visitClinic, prices, insurance and home visits
- Your clinic & directions
- Newham clinic, Plaistow
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, London E13 8SD
- Self-pay
£60 for a 30-minute physiotherapy appointment.
Prices & self-pay- Health insurance
Cover depends on your plan and chosen physiotherapist.
Insurance & cash-plan guidance
Would a home visit suit you better?
If getting to the clinic is difficult, explore physiotherapy at your visit address. Suitability depends on your condition, care needs, travel and the available clinician; the clinic price and insurance arrangements above do not automatically apply to home treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can carpal tunnel settle without surgery?+
Some cases improve with conservative management. Persistent or severe cases may need specialist review.
Does typing always cause carpal tunnel?+
Not always. Multiple factors can contribute, including tissue loading, swelling, and individual predisposition.
When should I seek further medical referral?+
If symptoms progress, weakness increases, or conservative management does not improve function.
Related care and guides
Further reading
For public health information, self-care guidance and advice on when to seek medical help:
About your care at Nexus: meet our physiotherapists and read our clinical governance information.