Conditions We Treat
Carpal tunnel syndrome — numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger — is a compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist. Mild to moderate cases often resolve with structured conservative care, no surgery required.
Classic symptoms are nighttime numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often relieved by shaking the hand out. Pain or numbness while driving, holding a phone, or typing is common. Severe cases include thumb-side weakness and muscle wasting (thenar atrophy) — those go to a hand surgeon for evaluation. Mild to moderate cases are PT-responsive.
Sustained wrist positions at work (typing, mouse, instrument playing), heavy gripping (trades, gardening), pregnancy-related fluid retention, post-fracture stiffness, and underlying contributors like cervical nerve irritation that mimics carpal tunnel.
60-minute evaluation with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We test sensation, strength, special tests (Phalen's, Tinel's), and rule out cervical or thoracic outlet contributors. First treatment same visit. A typical plan of care is 6–10 visits over 4–8 weeks.
Median nerve gliding to restore neural mobility, manual therapy of the wrist, forearm, and cervical spine, soft-tissue work in the flexor compartment, dry needling when forearm tightness is a major driver, splinting recommendations (typically a neutral-wrist splint at night), and ergonomic coaching for desk setup, mouse, and keyboard.
Most insurance covers PT for carpal tunnel. Self-pay is $150 per session. Direct access in DC, MD, and VA.
Same-week evaluations at Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home throughout the DMV.
Book a Carpal Tunnel EvaluationFor mild to moderate cases, yes — multiple high-quality studies show conservative care including nerve gliding and manual therapy is effective. Severe cases with weakness and atrophy generally need surgical decompression first.
Yes, especially at night when symptoms are worst. A neutral-position wrist splint prevents the wrist flexion that compresses the median nerve during sleep.
Sometimes both. Cervical nerve roots (C6, C7) supply the same fingers as the median nerve. Part of our evaluation is figuring out which is the primary driver.
Not usually. We can start treatment based on clinical exam. If symptoms aren't responding or are severe, we'll refer for nerve testing.
Very common in the second and third trimesters, and usually resolves postpartum. PT and splinting help manage symptoms in the meantime. No medications needed.
Many patients notice improvement in 2–3 weeks. Full resolution typically takes 6–8 weeks. Severity at start is the biggest factor.