What Happens After Carpal Tunnel Release?
How an OT CHT Evanston, IL Supports Full Recovery
Carpal tunnel release surgery is often a welcome relief from the numbness, tingling, and pain that make daily tasks difficult. But even after a successful procedure, many people are surprised to find they still need help getting back to normal. That’s where occupational therapy (OT,) especially from a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT,) can make a big difference.
If you’re healing from carpal tunnel release, OT can help restore strength, comfort, and function in your hand, wrist, and entire upper limb.
First, a Quick Review: What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, causing:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
- Hand weakness or clumsiness (especially with gripping)
- Nighttime discomfort or waking due to hand pain
Surgery aims to release pressure on the nerve by cutting the ligament that forms the “roof” of the carpal tunnel. This immediately alleviates problem by creating more space for the nerve. Although surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve, recovery isn’t instant. Depending on how impaired the nerve was prior to surgery, it will take time to recover fine motor function.
Here’s what to expect when an OT CHT supports your post-surgical recovery:
Edema and Scar Management
- Manual therapy, compression, and elevation techniques
- Scar massage and desensitization to reduce hypersensitivity
- Elastic taping to help remobilize scar
- Education on scar care to prevent adhesions or thickening
Range of Motion and Flexibility
- Guided exercises to restore finger, thumb, and wrist motion
- Gentle nerve gliding to reduce irritation or adhesions around the median nerve
- Stretching to maintain soft tissue balance
Strengthening and Functional Use
- Progressive exercises to rebuild grip and pinch strength while ensuring that the nerve is not stressed during recovery
- Safe return to daily activities, work tasks, or hobbies
- Functional training to improve dexterity and coordination
Ergonomic and Activity Modifications
- Education on joint protection and energy conservation
- Tips for avoiding positions or tasks that aggravate healing tissue
- Guidance on adaptive tools for work or home
Sensory Re-education and Nerve Recovery
- Strategies to help the brain “re-learn” normal sensation
- Sensory discrimination exercises to improve tactile awareness
- Monitoring for nerve regeneration progress
When to Start Therapy
Most post-op patients begin therapy within 1–2 weeks of surgery (once the surgeon clears them), but timing varies based on:
- The surgical approach (open vs. endoscopic)
- Severity of symptoms before surgery
- Presence of scar sensitivity or stiffness
Early intervention often leads to faster, more complete recovery.
The Goal: Full, Confident Use of Your Hand Again
With a tailored plan of care, most patients:
- Return to work or hobbies faster
- Regain full strength and motion
- Experience less lingering stiffness or pain
- Learn ways to prevent future compression or injury
Surgery is the first step and rehab is the bridge to full recovery.
If you’ve had a carpal tunnel release, ask your surgeon for a referral to a CHT for personalized, skilled therapy designed to get your hand truly working again. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an OT or PT with advanced training and experience in upper extremity rehab. They are uniquely qualified to guide recovery after carpal tunnel release with precision, safety, and evidence-based care.
Recovery doesn’t stop at surgery—OT gets your hand back to life.
Click the button below to set up OT CHT services at my clinic in Evanston, IL. Serving clients in the Chicago area and North Shore for hand therapy services.
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