An osteopathic approach to carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common cause of medical and workforce-related expenses in the United States. It is also frustrating for patients who have difficulty using the affected hand, impairing their activities of daily living and decreasing their quality of life. By utilizing the philosophy of osteopathic medicine, providers can better implement a treatment plan by working with the patient to find one that incorporates all aspects of the patient’s environment. By using the practice of osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT), osteopathic physicians can often effectively treat the patient’s symptoms without side effects found in medications. This is especially useful in patients who may be unable to take certain medications, such as pregnant patients. Other treatment modalities are also reviewed in this manuscript.