Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Nevada City CA

Non-Surgical, Regenerative Therapies for Hand Numbness, Tingling, and Wrist Pain

Dr. Craig Roberts has achieved a high clinical success rate treating appropriately selected patients with carpal tunnel syndrome using a personalized, non-surgical approach. At Sierra Spine & Fitness, we combine targeted rehabilitation with cutting-edge technology, including diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound and both focused and radial shockwave therapy. These regenerative therapies are intended to reduce nerve irritation, improve function, and support the body’s natural healing response—while helping suitable patients explore conservative options before considering surgery.

Do you wake at night with numbness or tingling in your hand? Does your hand fall asleep while driving, using a phone, typing, or gripping tools?

These may be signs of carpal tunnel syndrome—a condition caused by irritation or compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist.

We evaluate the entire course of the nerve to determine whether your symptoms are coming from the carpal tunnel in Nevada City CA , another area of the arm, the neck, or a combination of factors. When appropriate, we develop an individualized treatment plan to reduce irritation, improve nerve mobility, and restore comfortable use of the hand.

You don’t have to wait until the numbness becomes constant.

Schedule a Carpal Tunnel Evaluation

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Common Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome commonly causes:

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
• Symptoms that are worse at night
• Hand numbness while driving, typing, reading, or holding a phone
• Burning, aching, or electric sensations in the wrist and hand
• A feeling of swelling even when the hand does not appear swollen
• Reduced grip strength or a tendency to drop objects
• Difficulty with buttons, keys, writing, or other precise hand movements
• Temporary relief from shaking or repositioning the hand

Symptoms can be intermittent at first. As nerve compression becomes more advanced, numbness may become constant and the muscles at the base of the thumb may weaken.

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Is It Really Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Not every numb or tingling hand is caused by the carpal tunnel.

Similar symptoms can arise from the neck, elbow, forearm, peripheral neuropathy, tendon disorders, or compression of a different nerve. In some people, the median nerve may be irritated at more than one location.

A careful evaluation may include:

• Reviewing the location and behavior of your symptoms
• Testing sensation, grip, and thumb strength
• Examining the wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, and neck
• Assessing positions and activities that reproduce your symptoms
• Performing orthopedic and nerve-tension testing
• Using musculoskeletal ultrasound when clinically appropriate
• Referring for nerve-conduction testing or a surgical consultation when necessary

The goal is to identify what is actually affecting the nerve before recommending treatment.

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Our Nonsurgical Approach

Treatment is based on the severity of your condition, how long it has been present, and the factors contributing to the nerve irritation.

Your care plan may include:

Wrist Positioning and Night Splinting

Sleeping with the wrist bent can increase pressure within the carpal tunnel. A neutral-position wrist brace may reduce nighttime symptoms and give the nerve a less compressed environment.

Median-Nerve and Tendon-Gliding Exercises

Carefully selected exercises may help the median nerve and flexor tendons move more freely through the wrist. These movements should be performed gently and should not create lingering numbness or tingling.

Manual Therapy and Mobility Treatment

Treatment may address restrictions in the wrist, carpal tunnel region, forearm, elbow, shoulder, or neck when those areas are contributing to the patient’s symptoms.

Shockwave Therapy

Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be considered as part of a conservative treatment plan for selected patients. Clinical trials have reported short-term improvements in symptoms, hand function, and some nerve-conduction measurements, although the overall evidence remains mixed and long-term benefits are not yet firmly established.

Shockwave therapy is not a substitute for timely surgical evaluation when there is advanced nerve damage, progressive weakness, or muscle wasting.

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When Should Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Be Treated?

Early evaluation is recommended when symptoms repeatedly interrupt sleep, occur during routine activities, or are becoming more frequent.

Prompt medical or surgical evaluation is especially important if you have:

• Constant rather than occasional numbness
• Progressive weakness of the thumb or hand
• Visible shrinking of the muscles at the base of the thumb
• Increasing difficulty gripping or manipulating small objects
• Symptoms that continue to worsen despite conservative care

Severe or longstanding compression can cause permanent nerve and muscle changes. When surgery is clearly indicated, we will help you recognize that and refer you appropriately.

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Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Improve Without Surgery?

Many people with mild or moderate symptoms begin with conservative care. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of nerve involvement, the duration of symptoms, and whether weakness or muscle loss is present.

Our objective is not to keep every patient from surgery. It is to determine whether a reasonable nonsurgical approach is appropriate—and to recognize when further testing or surgical consultation is the safer choice.

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Why Choose Sierra Spine & Fitness?

At Sierra Spine & Fitness, carpal tunnel syndrome is treated as a nerve problem rather than simply a painful wrist.

Our approach combines:

• A thorough evaluation of the wrist and the full course of the nerve
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound when appropriate
• Evidence-informed rehabilitation
• Individualized nerve- and tendon-gliding exercises
• Manual treatment and ergonomic guidance
• Focused shockwave therapy for selected cases
• Referral for electrodiagnostic testing or surgical evaluation when indicated

Treatment recommendations are based on your examination and functional goals—not on a one-size-fits-all protocol.

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Take the Next Step

If numbness, tingling, wrist pain, or hand weakness is interfering with sleep, work, exercise, or daily activities, schedule an evaluation at Sierra Spine & Fitness in Grass Valley.

We will help determine whether your symptoms are consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome and explain your most appropriate treatment options.

Sierra Spine & Fitness
Nevada City, California

Schedule an Evaluation
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References

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. Published May 18, 2024. AAOS clinical guideline
2. Shapiro LM, et al. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons/American Society for Surgery of the Hand Clinical Practice Guideline Summary: Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2024. PubMed Central
3. Ballestero-Pérez R, et al. Effectiveness of nerve gliding exercises on carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2017;40(1):50–59. PubMed
4. Vongvachvasin P, et al. Efficacy of focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. 2024. PubMed
5. Chen KT, Chen YP, Kuo YJ, Chiang MH. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy provides limited therapeutic effects on carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicina. 2022;58(5):677. PubMed