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Posted on: August 2, 2013

Massage therapists have one of the most hands-on careers in a very literal sense. Massage therapists use their hands as their tools for hours each day, applying pressure and motion to strained muscles of patients and clients. The hands of a massage therapist or potential massage therapist need to be in top physical form in order to succeed in massage school and in a massage therapy career.

But what if you've been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome? Does this mean you must abandon your dream of becoming a massage therapist? Not at all. It is still possible to become a massage therapist with carpal tunnel syndrome. But you must take care of the health of your hands so that you can continue to perform at a peak level.

Carpal tunnel is treated with occupational therapy. An occupational therapist will prescribe hand exercises and the use of wrist braces. Wrist braces should be worn at night while sleeping to keep the wrist in a neutral position. This promotes healing and reduces pain and swelling.

Surgical intervention is also an option and the only known cure for carpal tunnel syndrome. Recovery takes a few weeks. It is best to have surgery done some time before attempting to attend massage school. If your condition is severe enough, you may want to consider having the surgery and taking time off from school in order to recover.

Know that a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome doesn't have to derail your dream of becoming a massage therapist. With the right care from a professional and following home care treatment plans, you can manage the condition and still work as a massage therapist.

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