Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition affecting about 5% of the US population. It arises when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, leading to numbness, pain, and reduced hand function. Many people at risk for CTS are office workers or manual laborers, especially those with jobs that require repetitive hand movements.

One of the big questions patients with CTS ask themselves is: should I consider surgery or is physical therapy a better option for me? A recent study explored the cost–effectiveness and health benefits of physical therapy versus surgery for treating CTS, and the results should help you make an informed decision between these two options.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

CTS occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, is compressed. This can cause discomfort ranging from mild tingling to severe pain, which often makes everyday tasks like gripping objects difficult. Risk factors include repetitive hand movements, pregnancy, diabetes, and even certain inflammatory conditions. Without treatment, CTS can worsen, resulting in muscle atrophy or irreversible nerve damage. Therefore, early intervention is critical to prevent long–term complications.

Treatment Options: Physical Therapy vs. Surgery

The traditional treatment approach for severe CTS has been surgery, specifically a procedure called carpal tunnel release, which relieves pressure on the median nerve. However, any surgical procedure comes with certain risks‐including infections and post–surgical complications‐and also requires a fairly lengthy recovery period.

Physical therapy, on the other hand, is a noninvasive treatment option that includes manual therapy, supervised exercises, and other techniques like wrist bracing. Physical therapy aims to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent the need for surgery altogether.

The Health and Economic Benefits of Physical Therapy

A recent study compared the cost–effectiveness of physical therapy and surgery for treating CTS. The researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial in which participants were divided into two groups: one group underwent surgery, while the other received manual physical therapy. The key findings were as follows:

• Quality of life improvement: Patients who received physical therapy experienced similar quality of life improvements as those who underwent surgery.
• Cost savings: The medical costs for surgery were significantly higher‐at $7,468 per patient‐than those for physical therapy ($1,829). This doesn’t account for the costs associated with post–surgical recovery and rehabilitation, which could push the expenses even higher.
• Reduced opportunity costs: Physical therapy also involved less time away from work and daily activities compared to surgery. Surgery required extended recovery time, while physical therapy was less disruptive, allowing patients to maintain more of their daily routines.
• Net benefit: When all factors were considered, including cost savings and quality–of–life improvements, the study found that physical therapy provided a net benefit of $39,533 per episode of care. This makes it a highly cost–effective solution for treating CTS.

Why Physical Therapy Might Be the Best Option for You

While surgery can effectively alleviate CTS symptoms, it comes with risks, a longer recovery period, and higher costs. Physical therapy provides a safer, less invasive option that has been shown to deliver similar, if not better, long–term results. Through targeted exercises, techniques that target the nerves in the wrist, and hands–on therapy, physical therapy addresses the root causes of CTS to promote healing and improve function without the need for surgical intervention.

Try Physical Therapy First Before Considering Surgery

If you’re experiencing the discomfort of CTS, physical therapy may be the best solution for you, and we strongly recommend trying it before considering surgery. Contact Us Today For More Information about CTS or to schedule an appointment with one of our expert physical therapists.