How DPC Can Help Manage Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Direct Primary Care (DPC) for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Proactive, Personalized Care for Hand Health

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)—caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist—leads to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. Direct Primary Care (DPC) offers a patient-centered model that prioritizes early intervention, tailored treatments, and preventive strategies to relieve symptoms and reduce the need for surgery, aligning with American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines.

How DPC Enhances CTS Management

1. Early Diagnosis & Rapid Care

• Same-Day Appointments: Evaluate symptoms like tingling, nighttime pain, or grip weakness promptly using clinical tests (e.g., Phalen’s, Tinel’s).

• Advanced Diagnostics: Coordinate EMG/nerve conduction studies for confirmation, ensuring timely intervention.

2. AAOS-Aligned Non-Surgical Treatments

• Custom Splinting: Provide night-only wrist splints to keep the wrist neutral, reducing nerve pressure during sleep.

• Corticosteroid Injections: Administer in-office injections to reduce inflammation and delay surgical needs.

• Physical Therapy: Partner with therapists for nerve gliding exercises and ergonomic training.

3. Lifestyle & Ergonomic Adjustments

• Workplace Evaluations: Advise on keyboard/mouse positioning, frequent breaks, and stretches for repetitive tasks.

• Activity Modification: Recommend avoiding repetitive wrist motions (e.g., typing, assembly work) during flare-ups.

Benefits of DPC for CTS Patients

• Accessibility: Immediate care for flare-ups without long waits, critical for preventing progression.

• Cost Transparency: Flat fees cover splints, injections, and follow-ups—no surprise bills.

• Personalized Care: Tailored plans combining splinting, medications, and ergonomic changes.

• Continuity: Regular check-ins to adjust treatments and track improvement.

Personalized CTS Management in DPC

1. Tailored Non-Surgical Strategies

• Medication Management: Prescribe NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) or gabapentin for nerve pain relief.

• Alternative Therapies: Incorporate acupuncture or yoga to reduce inflammation and improve flexibility.

2. Preventive & Educational Support

• Ergonomic Tools: Recommend voice-to-text software, padded gloves, or ergonomic keyboards.

• Strengthening Exercises: Teach resistance band workouts to boost wrist/forearm strength.

3. Surgical Coordination

• Timely Referrals: Partner with orthopedic surgeons for severe cases requiring carpal tunnel release.

• Post-Op Care: Monitor healing and rehab to restore hand function.

Why DPC Excels in CTS Care

• Proactive Monitoring: Track symptoms early to adjust treatments before nerve damage worsens.

• Guideline-Driven Care: Follow AAOS recommendations for non-surgical treatments as first-line therapy.

• Holistic Focus: Address underlying contributors like diabetes, thyroid issues, or obesity.

Final Thoughts
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome disrupts daily life, but DPC’s model transforms care through accessibility, personalized plans, and preventive strategies. By offering same-day evaluations, AAOS-aligned treatments, and ergonomic coaching, DPC empowers patients to avoid surgery and regain hand function.