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Dr. Jared Hanson ND, LAc is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and acupuncturist practicing in New York City. He specializes in the treatment of chronic diseases with alternative medicine.To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hanson at his New York City (Manhattan) location, e-mail drjaredhanson@gmail.com or call 917-607-5035.

Natural Treatment for Repetitive Stress Injuries

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow and Others

Repetitive stress injuries are quite common. Two of the most well-known types are carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. While avoiding or changing the repetitive stress that created the problem is clearly the ideal way to begin addressing the problem, sometimes this is impossible and often the symptoms remain even after the stress has been removed or reduced. Alternative medicine and natural therapies offer relief for repetitive stress injuries.

Let’s use carpal tunnel syndrome as an example. In carpal tunnel syndrome, overuse of the wrists and fingers leads to inflammation and swelling which impinges on the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel. This leads to numbness, pain and loss of function.

Acupuncture is incredibly useful in the natural treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries. In one study, 35 out of 36 patients reported significant improvement after receiving acupuncture in just 2 points.

Another natural therapy that have shown benefit is hydrotherapy, or water applications. Applying alternating hot and cold water to the area, in this case the wrists, on a regular basis will reduce swelling and inflammation.

Nutritional supplementation is another aspect of the natural treatment of repetitive stress syndrome. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the B vitamins, especially B6 have been found useful.

Homeopathy is another great tool in the natural treatment of repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel. In this case, special attention will be paid to the specifics of the symptoms, what the patient feels, when they feel it, what makes it better or worse, as well as constitutional aspects of the patients health and any other health issues they maybe be simultaneously experiencing. This information will be used to select a single herb or nutrient that addresses the patient holistically.