Carpal tunnel syndrome
Introduction to Body Stress Release
BSR is a non-therapeutic complementary health technique based on the principle that the body can heal itself. We identify lines of tension and release them. We don’t diagnose or treat conditions. We don’t do massage, prescribe medication, manipulate limbs or work with machines. The information below is drawn from reports given by the client on his/her BSR experience.
Client Information
Date of case study:
21/05/2022
Gender:
Female
Age:
65
Age in months (infants):
Occupation:
Adult Educator
Case Study Information
Body zone:
Most important point:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Most important point description:
The client was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in both hands but mostly the right hand. She lost strength in her hands and fingers - the right middle finger and right thumb felt numb. The level of constant pain is at 10 out of 10!
Other symptoms:
The client also complained about constant neck discomfort - she struggled with a stiff neck for more than 5 years, an uncomfortable feeling at the hump on her upper back, lower back pain for more than 5 years, irritable bowel and constipation, sleeplessness and fatigue.
Additional information:
The client is experiencing enormous emotional stress. She often has to take anti-inflammatories that the doctor prescribed for the pain, but it makes her feel sick and awful.
Impact on life:
The client was suffering from depression because of the pain and because she was contributing less to community life. The family as a whole was effected by her condition. Other members of the family had to spend more of their time on household chores because of the client's disability. She does not sleep well because of the constant pain. She had been sent home from work due to her inability to perform tasks. The wrist pain interfered with activities at work involving gripping or holding objects. This made her feel anxious.
Changes to symptoms:
After the first session the client had a good night's sleep. She felt tired the next morning and woke up with a lot of pain in the neck and hands. After the second session there was a change in the right hand. She could bend the middle finger for the first time in 6 months, although it was painful. Her hand felt more flexible. After the third session she was less tired and less emotional. She felt "light" and better all over. She still had pain in the hands, but she felt that she coped better.
After her 8th session, she woke up one morning with nearly no pain in her right hand. It felt weak but she had much more feeling in the hand. The left hand had it's full function back. She was very excited to hear that the hump on her upper back had shrunk! All the feeling and strength in both hands are back after 4 months of BSR! Her neck is still giving her problems, but because she committed to regular BSR maintenance sessions, she is pain free and does not need to take any painkillers.
Client comments:
"I feel free and alive with no pain! BSR has changed my life and gave me back my happiness! My family is so happy and things are back to normal at home and at work. Thank you! Thank you! My budget includes BSR sessions, at least once a month!"
Insights – How the body can heal itself:
Body Stress Release helps the body heal itself by releasing tension stored in muscles, allowing it to return to balance and function optimally.
The client reported that she had a good night's sleep the same day after the release, which was unusual for her. However, the day after the release she had severe lower back and neck pain and was very tired, which she could not understand after having had such a good night's sleep. The reason for what she was experiencing is that after the session the body was going rapidly into it's self-healing process and as energy is diverted into managing this situation, the client may feel a strong need for sleep. Also, as the muscles lock up in layers, like a protective corset, the body's energy is diverted into holding the muscles in a defensive/protective mode, often resulting in constant tiredness. The next day there was more pain because when pressure is released from nerve pathways, there may be an increase in pain as sensation is restored to partially numbed nerves.
After the second session the client reported that she was in agony with pain in her right hand the day after the session. The next morning it felt as if her hand was more flexible, and it still is. She could also bend her middle finger more than before, although it was painful. Her neck felt heavy. The lower back was feeling better.
She was excited about not having to take anything for her constipation! After 6 weeks she was in agony and could not use her right hand at all. The left hand was much better. The intense pain was constant for 3 days but then she woke up only with a dull sense of pain and her neck feels better. While the lower back still felt stiff, the hump on her upper back had shrunk. After weekly sessions for three months thereafter the client felt much better emotionally. She coped better with the pain. The pain was still there but not as intense. The client is still coming for maintenance sessions twice a month and feels much better all over. She has feeling back in her fingers and hands and she is pain free. The lower back felt better.