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Given the rise of computer-related jobs and work-from-home policies, many employees find themselves hunched over the computer, putting constant stress on their hands and wrists for hours on end five to six days a week. This routine increases the chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that causes pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or wrists.
Generally, some of the most common treatments recommended by doctors include surgery, medication, or splints - these can, however, cause side effects or interfere with necessary daily activities. Fortunately, non-invasive treatment methods are gaining an increasing level of recognition amid a growing body of peer reviewed research, with one of the most prominent being red light therapy.
In this article, join our team at ROJO Light Therapy UK, as we explore how red light therapy at home can help relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel.
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually develops from repetitive hand movements such as typing, writing, or the use of vibrational tools. These continuous and repetitive actions cause the wrist’s carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the limb, to become inflamed and compress the median nerve. This leads to the pain in your nerves, that can extend from the fingers up to the shoulders.Â
Unfortunately, while the discomfort may soften with rest, it can develop into a continuous concern that can worsen over time, and affect your quality of life.
When applied to the wrist, the red and near-infrared light emitted by red light therapy devices reaches the nerve, muscles, and tendons affected by carpal tunnel. This light then stimulates the increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the cells, the main fuel of your cells. Its increased production promotes a wide range of benefits that can relieve carpal tunnel syndromes, including the following:
Inflammation is one of the main culprits behind carpal tunnel syndrome. However, red light therapy can help mitigate this by increasing blood flow to the area - dilating blood vessels to allow for better circulation, which, in turn, promotes better distribution of oxygen and nutrients to the wrist.
The improved circulation also helps flush out inflammatory cytokines, reducing swelling and easing the pressure on the median nerve. It also improves the range of motion on the wrists and fingers.Â
Pain is one of the most debilitating symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, and red light therapy has been shown effective in providing pain relief in various circumstances. This effect is due to the therapy’s ability to stimulate an increase of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. These endorphins block pain signals from reaching the brain, effectively reducing the sensation of pain in the affected area.Â
Additionally, red light therapy helps reduce oxidative stress. This not only exacerbates pain, but also slows down the healing process. By increasing the production of antioxidants, red light therapy helps neutralise free radicals responsible for oxidative stress, preventing pain and allowing tissues to heal more effectively.Â
Where left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can damage the median nerve, leading to long-term issues such as numbness and weakness in the hand. Fortunately, red light therapy’s ability to increase ATP production can also help accelerate the repair of nerve damage. However, this does not occur merely after one session. Continuous application of the therapy is needed for you to experience improved sensation, grip strength, and hand function.
For those seeking an alternative or supplement to traditional carpal tunnel treatments, red light therapy is a highly viable solution. It addresses some of the condition’s most debilitating symptoms and promotes accelerated healing with continuous use. However, as always, it’s best to consult first with a healthcare professional before adding it to your wellness regimen.
If you’re ready to start your red light therapy journey, feel free to explore our red light therapy panels at ROJO Light Therapy. These are specifically made so you can enjoy the treatment from the comfort of your own home. Contact us today for more questions or inquiries.
