Carpal Tunnel Treatment NYC
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis
Imagine waking up with numbness, tingling, and pain in your hand—especially in your thumb, index, and middle fingers—that interferes with everyday tasks such as typing, gripping objects, or holding a phone. Carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by compression of the median nerve within the wrist, can severely impact your quality of life. At Morningside Acupunctures, our integrated approach combining acupuncture and dry needling is designed to relieve symptoms and restore hand function.
Overview of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition characterized by:
Numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
Weak grip strength
Pain that may radiate from the wrist into the forearm
It is often the result of repetitive wrist movements, inflammation, or swelling that compresses the median nerve.
Understanding the Biomechanics & Mechanisms
Key factors contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Nerve Compression:
Swelling and inflammation within the carpal tunnel compress the median nerve.
Repetitive Strain:
Overuse of the wrist can lead to tendon swelling and increased pressure on the nerve.
Referred Pain:
Trigger points in the forearm muscles may exacerbate symptoms and refer pain into the hand.
Treatment Options: A Broader Perspective
Conventional treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome typically include:
Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroid injections
Splinting/Bracing:
Wrist splints to reduce movement and nerve compression
Physical Therapy:
Exercises to strengthen and stretch the wrist and forearm
Surgery:
Considered in severe or persistent cases
Differential Diagnosis:
Carpal tunnel symptoms can mimic other conditions, such as:
Pronator teres syndrome
Cervical radiculopathy
Peripheral neuropathy
Our integrated approach—combining acupuncture with dry needling—is introduced as a first-line option to address the root causes of the nerve compression and muscle imbalance.
How Acupuncture & Dry Needling Can Help
Our dual-modality approach offers several benefits:
Acupuncture:
Fine needles are inserted at traditional TCM points to modulate nerve pathways, reduce local inflammation, and improve circulation.
Dry Needling:
Targets trigger points in the forearm muscles to mechanically release tension, thereby reducing pressure on the median nerve.
Summary Table:
| Treatment Component | Techniques Used | Mechanism/Benefits | Example Points/Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Insertion at TCM points | Modulates nerve pathways; increases local blood flow; reduces inflammation | LI4 (Hegu), PC6 (Neiguan), SJ5 (Waiguan) |
| Dry Needling | Insertion into trigger points | Releases muscle tension; improves range of motion; reduces referred pain | Trigger points in Flexor Digitorum Superficialis, Flexor Carpi Radialis, Pronator Teres |
Acupuncture Points for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Key acupuncture points selected for their relevance to wrist and hand pain include:
LI4 (Hegu):
Located between the thumb and index finger, LI4 is known for its powerful analgesic effects and ability to modulate pain throughout the upper limb.PC6 (Neiguan):
Situated on the forearm, PC6 helps alleviate wrist pain and reduces local inflammation, benefiting median nerve function.SJ5 (Waiguan):
Found on the dorsal forearm, SJ5 can help relieve upper limb pain and improve overall circulation in the affected area.
Trigger Points for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Our approach also targets key trigger points that contribute to the symptoms:
Flexor Digitorum Superficialis:
Trigger points here can increase tension in the forearm and exacerbate nerve compression.
Flexor Carpi Radialis:
Tightness in this muscle may contribute to increased pressure within the carpal tunnel.
Pronator Teres:
Trigger points in the pronator teres can mimic or worsen carpal tunnel symptoms by affecting forearm muscle balance.
Research & Evidence
Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research
Multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews demonstrate that acupuncture—especially electroacupuncture—can improve symptoms and function in people with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
In a 2010 randomized controlled trial, patients receiving eight sessions of acupuncture plus night splinting reported greater improvement in symptoms and nerve conduction velocity compared to those receiving sham acupuncture plus splinting.
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials (1,698 patients) found that electroacupuncture led to significantly greater reductions in pain, symptom severity, and functional impairment, as well as improvements in electrophysiological parameters, compared to standard treatments or sham interventions.
Smaller trials and additional reviews have also shown that acupuncture can outperform carpal tunnel braces and corticosteroid injections for certain outcomes, with benefits seen in both subjective symptoms and objective nerve function measures. While the evidence is promising, authors note that larger, high-quality multicenter trials are needed to confirm these findings and refine treatment protocols
Dry Needling for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research
Emerging research supports the short-term effectiveness of dry needling (DN) for improving symptoms and hand function in mild to moderate CTS.
A 2022 pilot randomized controlled trial found that two sessions of DN targeting thenar muscle trigger points led to significant improvements in grip and pinch strength, symptom scores, and sensory nerve conduction compared to a control group.
A 2023 mini-review of five studies concluded that DN is effective in the short term for pain relief, increased range of motion, and improved grip strength, although more robust, long-term studies are needed.
Another 2025 randomized clinical trial showed that DN with a fascial winding technique reduced the need for surgery in patients with CTS and improved clinical symptoms and hand function, though it did not significantly change nerve conduction or ultrasound findings.
Overall, dry needling appears to be a safe, noninvasive adjunct to conventional therapies for carpal tunnel syndrome, with most benefits seen in functional improvement and pain reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does dry needling differ from traditional acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Dry needling specifically targets trigger points in the forearm muscles to relieve tension, while acupuncture uses established TCM points to modulate pain and reduce inflammation.Which muscles are most commonly involved in carpal tunnel syndrome?
The flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor carpi radialis, and pronator teres are key muscles involved.How many treatment sessions are needed to see improvement?
Many patients notice improvements after several sessions; however, the duration of treatment may vary based on severity.Is it safe to combine this treatment with splinting or physical therapy?
Yes, integrating these treatments can enhance outcomes and provide more comprehensive relief.Are there any risks associated with acupuncture or dry needling for carpal tunnel syndrome?
When performed by a trained practitioner, both treatments are generally safe with minimal side effects.What long-term benefits can I expect from this integrated approach?
Patients often experience sustained reductions in pain, improved hand function, and enhanced overall quality of life.
Ready to Take Control?
Are you ready to alleviate your carpal tunnel pain and restore your mobility? At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach combining acupuncture and dry needling targets the root causes of forearm and wrist pain.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free, active life.
Book Your Appointment Now: https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/new-patients
Call or Text Us At: (917) 830-4440
Additional Resources & Next Steps
Learn More: Visit our Blog for further insights into our treatment approach.
What to Expect: During your initial consultation, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Patient Stories: Read testimonials from patients who have experienced lasting relief
Sources:
Khosrawi, S., Moghtaderi, A., & Mousavi, S. G. (2010). Acupuncture in treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Advanced Biomedical Research, 1, 1–7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3523426/
Liu, Y., Ma, Y., Ma, J., & Wang, Y. (2022). Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Surgery, 9, 952361. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2022.952361/full
Yang, C. P., Hsieh, C. L., & Wang, N. H. (2009). Acupuncture in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 16(7), 958–961. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19590482/
Efficacy of electroacupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome. (2023). Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, 48(Suppl 1), A171. https://rapm.bmj.com/content/48/Suppl_1/A171.1
Acupuncture Stops Carpal Tunnel Wrist Pain, Restores Dexterity. (2018). HealthCMI. https://www.nccaom.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Acupuncture%20Stops%20Carpal%20Tunnel%20Wrist%20Pain,%20Restores%20Dexterity.pdf
Yaghoubi, E., Ghamkhar, L., & Rezasoltani, A. (2022). Short-term effects of dry needling of thenar muscles in manual laborers with carpal tunnel syndrome: A pilot, randomized controlled study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 30, 150–158. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35109752/
Solanki, D., Chauhan, P., & Kaur, G. (2023). Effects of dry needling in carpal tunnel syndrome: A mini-review. Chettinad Health City Medical Journal, 12(1), 88–94. https://medical.advancedresearchpublications.com/index.php/CHCMJ/article/view/1299
Gascon-Garcia, C., Serrera-Figallo, M. A., & Gutierrez-Perez, J. L. (2025). Efficacy of dry needling with the fascial winding technique in reducing the percentage of surgery in carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 30, 150–158. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40325700/
Gascon-Garcia, C., Serrera-Figallo, M. A., & Gutierrez-Perez, J. L. (2018). Validation of the range of dry needling with the fascial winding technique in the carpal tunnel. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 22(2), 400–407. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29861232/
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