Programming for those with Carpal Tunnel

[kuri]

To Bill or anyone else that may have some experience in this area:

I'm working up a fat loss/base conditioning program for someone with recurrent carpal tunnel and need ideas for movements that will allow the person to progress but minimize wrist strain and/or perhaps improve his condition.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

[Lisa~]

Start here:

http://forums.jpfitness.com/showthre...519#post245519

[kuri]

Thanks Lisa. That link Bill provided is excellent.

I should have been more specific but I'm looking for upper body resistance movements that would allow this person to gain some strength/lose fat but keep wrist strain to a minimum. They symptoms aren't so bad so as to eliminate his ability to lift. So far I've included pec deck flies, and have read exercises with a neutral grip are preferable - but since I have no experience in this area I'm not sure.

[Lost Dog]

Not a trainer, but I have carpal tunnel syndrome...

It's hard, sometimes. Heavy pressing compresses my palm and the nerve, making my fingers numb. Gripping heavy weights can be tough, as well, especially once things have numbed up. So, when possible, I do pulling first, then pushing.

The stretching, etc. that Bill showed me has definately helped. My forearms actually grow now and my grip doesn't give out suddenly anymore. Much less numbness and tingling. I confess that my grip is WAY behind the rest of me and I use straps, periodically.

I've wondered if wrist wraps might help when doing pressing, since flexing of the wrist can make CT worse.

[kuri]

Thanks Roland, I implemented your advice.

[Lisa~]

Originally Posted by Lost Dog

I've wondered if wrist wraps might help when doing pressing, since flexing of the wrist can make CT worse.

I'd expect wrist wraps to help. Adding stability to the wrist during a heavy pressing movement protects the joint and doesn't take away from the exercise in any way.