Muscle & joint complaints
Acupuncture for RSI & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, tingling, numbness or reduced strength in the neck, arm, wrist or hand. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to target symptoms and support recovery.
What symptoms can occur with RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome?
RSI, or Repetitive Strain Injury, is a collective term for complaints that can develop as a result of repetitive movements, prolonged strain or insufficient recovery. Symptoms can occur in the muscles, tendons and nerves of the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist or hand.
Common symptoms include aching or sharp pain, tingling, prickling or numbness, reduced strength and a heavy or tired feeling in the arm or hand. Symptoms may increase during prolonged computer use, repetitive movements or other forms of overuse.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a specific condition in which the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist. This can cause tingling, pain and reduced sensation in the hand and fingers. Symptoms are often particularly noticeable at night and may wake someone from sleep.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome from a TCM perspective
Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain, tension and nerve-related complaints are considered in terms of circulation and factors that may influence recovery. Overuse, tension and impaired circulation may be associated with pain, stiffness, tingling or altered sensation.
Qi stagnation
Qi ZhiWhen the flow of Qi is obstructed, this may be associated with pain, tension and a heavy or stiff sensation. Prolonged physical strain may contribute to this pattern.
Blood stagnation
Xue YuImpaired Blood circulation may, within TCM, be associated with more localised, sharp or persistent pain and sensitivity.
Local stagnation
For symptoms around the wrist, forearm or hand, the local condition is also considered. Specific acupuncture points can be selected according to the individual symptom pattern.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with RSI?
Treatment is tailored to the nature and location of the symptoms. Depending on the individual presentation, acupuncture, laser acupuncture or a combination of both may be used.
- 01Targeted acupuncture: very fine needles are used on selected acupuncture points. These may be local points around the wrist, arm, shoulder or neck, as well as points elsewhere on the body.
- 02Laser acupuncture: selected acupuncture points can be treated with therapeutic laser light. Laser acupuncture is completely needle-free and can therefore be a comfortable alternative for people who prefer not to use needles.
- 03Local laser treatment: when symptoms are related to overuse, the affected area can also be treated directly. Depending on the symptoms, this may include the wrist, hand, forearm, arm or shoulder.
- 04Combining techniques: acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be combined within the same treatment, allowing both specific acupuncture points and the local area to be addressed.
- 05Addressing overuse: when symptoms are associated with prolonged computer use, repetitive movements or an unfavourable working posture, attention can also be given to the physical load that may contribute to maintaining the symptoms.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RSI?
RSI stands for Repetitive Strain Injury and is a collective term for complaints that can develop through prolonged or repetitive strain on muscles, tendons and nerves. RSI can occur with prolonged computer use, repetitive work or other forms of overuse.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist. This can cause tingling, pain, numbness or reduced strength in the hand and fingers.
What is the difference between RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome?
RSI is a collective term for complaints caused by repetitive or prolonged strain. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a specific condition involving compression of the median nerve at the wrist. The symptoms may overlap, but the underlying cause is different.
Can acupuncture help with RSI?
Acupuncture can be used for various complaints associated with RSI. Treatment is tailored to the location and nature of the symptoms and may focus on pain, tension and function of the affected area.
Can laser acupuncture help with RSI?
Laser acupuncture can be used as a needle-free form of acupuncture. Selected acupuncture points are treated with therapeutic laser light, and the affected area may also be treated locally.
Can laser acupuncture be used for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes. Laser acupuncture can be used on selected acupuncture points and around the wrist when treating symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment can be completely needle-free or combined with traditional acupuncture.
Why are carpal tunnel symptoms often worse at night?
During sleep, the wrist may remain bent for prolonged periods. This can increase pressure within the carpal tunnel and make tingling, pain or numbness more noticeable.
What symptoms can occur with carpal tunnel syndrome?
Common symptoms include tingling, sharp pain, numbness, reduced strength and a heavy or swollen feeling in the hand and fingers. Symptoms may also radiate towards the forearm.
Can acupuncture and laser acupuncture be combined?
Yes. Both treatment methods can be combined within the same session. This allows acupuncture needles to be used on selected points and laser acupuncture on other points or locally around the affected area.
Personal Treatment Plan
Suffering from RSI, tingling or wrist pain?
During a treatment, your symptoms are assessed and the most appropriate form of acupuncture or laser acupuncture can be selected.