Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A nighttime wrist splint prevents wrist flexion during sleep, reducing pressure within the carpal tunnel and significantly alleviating nocturnal pain and numbness. Wearing it all day weakens the wrist flexor and extensor muscles, which is detrimental in the long run. It is recommended to wear the splint only during work and to consistently perform wrist stretches (nerve gliding and tendon gliding exercises) during non-work hours. From a Korean medicine perspective, wrist immobilization temporarily restricts the circulation of Qi and blood. It is complementary to wear the splint only at night to prevent pressure rise within the carpal tunnel, while using acupuncture during the day to circulate Qi and blood in the Pericardium Meridian. At Dongjedang, we adjust the splint wearing time and range of motion in stages according to the treatment phase, and gradually transition to self-care as Qi and blood circulation recover.