Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a complaint caused by a compressed nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist.
What is it?
Tendons of the muscles that move the fingers and hand compress the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel.
The carpel tunnel is created by bones and connective tissue that holds the tendons down at the base of the hand.
Symptoms:
Tendons are inflamed and swollen due to compression of the nerve.
Pain, tingling, numbness on the thumb side of the hand.
Causes:
Posture can cause strain towards the wrist
Shoulder tension
Yoga Treatment:
It is very unlikely that yoga would cause the condition.
Modify angles of the wrists in postures with props so that students can still perform the poses.
Shoulder girdle – release tension in this area and/or strengthen areas of it.
Reverse prayer – this can help alleviate tension in the flexor tendons due to the stretch in this position.
Bharadvaja's Twist (Bharadvajasana I)
Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Reversed Warrior (Viparita Virabhadrasana)
Yoga poses to avoid/take care with:
Cobra (Bhujangasana)
Downward dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Wheel (Urdhva Dhanurasana)
Upward dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)
Crow (Bakasana)
Dove (Vajra Kapotasana)
Four Limbed staff (Chaturanga Dandasana)
Eight point (Ashtanga Namaskara)
Plank (Phalakasana)
Wild thing (Camatkarasana)
Caution:
If you are thinking of starting yoga and have a medical condition, it is advisable to check with your doctor.
If you are practicing yoga with carpal tunnel syndrome, always let the teacher know so that they can advise you on how to modify your practice. Remain mindful of the problem area and do not push yourself with anything that doesn’t feel right or feels painful.
If you are new to yoga it is advisable to practice under the guidance of a qualified teacher so they can help advise and correct alignment.
