Carpal Tunnel syndrome- when to start using powerball?

[petewithnumbfingers]

Hi

I have just read that Powerball is good for Carpal Tunnel syndrome, but how soon should I start using it?

After some unusually (for me) heavy manual work doing DIY two fingers and my thumb went numb and went to 'sleep'. Although I have not been to a GP the symptoms exactly match Carpal Tunnel syndrome so I am assuming this is what I have.

I have rested my hand as much as possible for the last 3 weeks and the fingers do not feel as numb as they did.

Is it ok to start using my powerball? Should I hold the ball in my fingers or palm of my hand?

Many thanks
Pete

[Sayex]

Hello Pete and Welcome to the forums.
I think this is the kind of question for Physioblue, wait untill he responds you.
but in my opinion, you should use the ball for about 5 to 10 minutes once a day, at low rpm, meaning slow circular motions.
Kind Regards

[petewithnumbfingers]

Hello Pete and Welcome to the forums.
I think this is the kind of question for Physioblue, wait untill he responds you.
but in my opinion, you should use the ball for about 5 to 10 minutes once a day, at low rpm, meaning slow circular motions.
Kind Regards

Thank you for the advice, I was wondering whether it was best to do the 10 minutes in one shot or space it out during the day and you have answered that one :)

I took the plunge and just started using it anyway 2 days ago. Did not notice any negative effects from the first use which I thought was a good sign. Second time I included stretches for my hand after using the ball, just like I would for any other part of my body. Today when I woke up I felt my fingers were slightly more normal feeling :) Hopefully this will continue until my hand feel like normal again.

I assume the ball helps by the nature of the fairly isometric contraction of the finger muscles that causes lots of fresh blood to be pumped into the damaged area that would encourage healing of whatever is swollen and causing the pressure?

[Physioblue]

Thank you for the advice, I was wondering whether it was best to do the 10 minutes in one shot or space it out during the day and you have answered that one :)

I took the plunge and just started using it anyway 2 days ago. Did not notice any negative effects from the first use which I thought was a good sign. Second time I included stretches for my hand after using the ball, just like I would for any other part of my body. Today when I woke up I felt my fingers were slightly more normal feeling :) Hopefully this will continue until my hand feel like normal again.

I assume the ball helps by the nature of the fairly isometric contraction of the finger muscles that causes lots of fresh blood to be pumped into the damaged area that would encourage healing of whatever is swollen and causing the pressure?
Spot on!! (Almost;))
Its not quite isometric contraction, but the increased blood flow is removing excess fluid which is causing compression.
In terms of your original question; whether to spin all at once or spread it out; I have to say I don't think it matters.
Carpal Tunnel syndrome is rarely caused by anything being "injured", therefore you can safely spin away, however you like, without fear of doing further damage.
Delighted to hear you have already noticed less numbness in the morning, hope it continues to improve. :)

[petewithnumbfingers]

Thank you both for the advice :)

I might stick with one session for a few days and see if I continue to get improvements.

[PaDavid]

Hi Pete. Welcome!

My wife and I both "had" CTS (among other things) when we first discovered Powerballs back in December of '06 and we both can say that we haven't had a problem since.

We started out slow every day and only did enough to get a bit tired and we stopped. We did a bit before bed and a bit every morning when we got up. We also used the Powerball anytime we felt like it during the day, so no set routine for us.

In the first week or so, we probably spent 15-20 minutes total each day using the Powerballs. We never tried for speed (well, maybe once or twice) and just built up to a speed that was comfortable and again stopped when we got tired.

We still do the same thing every day. We spin them during our morning coffee, watching TV, working on the computer, etc. and will continue to do so. It's just a normal, everyday routine for us now. The Powerballs have been very good to us. From my own personal experience, you are on your way to relief, no doubt about it. Enjoy!

pa

[petewithnumbfingers]

Hi

Thank you for the advice. Good to know you have both had so much success. :)

I have been doing around 10 minutes each night. I did seem to feel an improvement after the first day, but then it seemed to level out. I will try doing little and often as you did and see if that works faster.

BTW were you holding the ball with just your fingers or in teh palm of your hand? I have been holding with just my fingers, but maybe that is not the best way for me.

Thanks again

Pete

[PaDavid]

Hi Pete.

Especially with my wife, it made a big difference if she powerballed morning and evening...me, I just went for it when I wanted to, just not too much.

I tried just the fingers at first and it felt pretty good, but then I gripped the ball with the counter in my palm and the rotor facing the floor and have never changed from that. Seems to work better for us that way.

pa

[petewithnumbfingers]

Hi

Many thanks.

I have been holding the ball using my fingers, so it will be interesting to see if I notice more rapid improvement holding it in my palm and doing several sessions a day.

Pete