Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Singapore
Numbness or tingling in your thumb and fingers — especially at night — is often a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. At the Centre for Advanced Rehabilitation (CARe), our AHPC-registered occupational therapists and hand therapists treat carpal tunnel syndrome conservatively with custom splinting, nerve gliding exercises and practical changes to how you use your hands.
Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment at CARe
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, commonly causing numbness, tingling or discomfort in the thumb, index and middle fingers — often worse at night or after repetitive hand use. At the Centre for Advanced Rehabilitation (CARe), treatment is led by the AHPC-registered occupational therapists in our hand therapy service, part of a clinic team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Care is conservative — we do not perform surgery or injections — and for many people with mild to moderate symptoms, conservative management is a reasonable place to start.
How we approach carpal tunnel syndrome
Assessment first
Your therapist will take a detailed history of your symptoms — when they occur, what provokes them, how they affect sleep and work — and use clinical tests to assess your wrist and hand. Because similar symptoms can come from other sources, the assessment also considers your neck, arm and overall hand use.
Custom splinting
A splint that keeps the wrist in a neutral position, often worn at night, can help reduce pressure on the median nerve. Our therapists fabricate custom splints fitted to your hand and advise you on when and how long to wear them.
Nerve gliding exercises and graded activity
Your therapist may prescribe nerve gliding exercises and a graded programme of hand activity to help the median nerve move more freely and keep your hand working comfortably, adjusted to how your symptoms respond.
Ergonomics and workstation changes
Repetitive hand use and sustained wrist positions can aggravate symptoms. An ergonomics consultation looks at your keyboard and mouse setup, tool use and daily habits, with practical changes to reduce strain on the wrist during work.
Pain-relief modalities where appropriate
Selected physical agent modalities, such as therapeutic ultrasound or heat therapy, may be used to support symptom relief as part of your wider plan.
Rehabilitation after carpal tunnel release surgery
If you have had, or go on to have, carpal tunnel release surgery, our hand therapists provide post-surgical rehabilitation — scar management, graded movement and strengthening — following your surgeon's protocol.
What carpal tunnel syndrome treatment can help with
Conservative treatment at CARe may help with:
- Mild to moderate carpal tunnel symptoms
- Night-time numbness and tingling that disturbs sleep
- Symptoms aggravated by typing, gripping or repetitive hand work
- Hand discomfort affecting grip and fine tasks
- Recovery after carpal tunnel release surgery
If you have constant numbness, worsening weakness, or visible wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb, please see a doctor promptly — these signs need medical assessment, and your therapist will tell you if your presentation suggests a specialist review is needed.
What to expect at your appointment
Your first session includes a full assessment of your hand and wrist, a discussion of your work and daily activities, and an agreed treatment plan. If you have nerve conduction test results or a specialist letter, bring them along — they are helpful, but not required to start.
Your home programme
You will receive clear guidance on splint wear, home exercises and activity adjustments so treatment continues between sessions, with your programme reviewed and progressed at each visit.
Our two clinic locations
CARe @ Camden — 1 Orchard Boulevard, #11-05 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649. Tel: +65 6257 7022
CARe @ Parkway — 1 Marine Parade Central, #07-07 Parkway Centre, Singapore 449408. Tel: +65 6475 8334
Ready to take carpal tunnel symptoms seriously?
Book a carpal tunnel assessment with our hand therapy team at either clinic. Contact us and we will arrange a suitable time.
Frequently asked questions
Can carpal tunnel syndrome be treated without surgery?
Many people with mild to moderate symptoms improve with conservative treatment such as splinting, nerve gliding exercises and activity changes. Not every case responds, and outcomes vary — if your symptoms are severe or not improving, your therapist will advise you to see a doctor or hand specialist.
Do I need a nerve conduction test before starting treatment?
No — you can book an assessment directly, and testing is not required to begin conservative treatment. If you have already had a nerve conduction study or seen a specialist, bring the results along, as they help your therapist understand your condition.
Should I wear my splint all day?
Usually not. For many people, a night splint that keeps the wrist neutral is the starting point, with daytime wear only in specific situations. Your therapist will advise a wearing schedule based on your symptoms and adjust it as you progress.