Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
How Acupotomy in Burnaby Can Help
Do your hands fall asleep at night — and wake you up? Do your fingers tingle while you're typing, driving, or holding your phone? For many of our patients at Burnaby Healing Acupuncture and Herb Clinic, this turns out to be carpal tunnel syndrome — one of the most common nerve compression problems in the wrist.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist, formed by the wrist bones and a tough band of tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve — the nerve that gives feeling to your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of your ring finger — passes through this tunnel along with several tendons.
When pressure builds up inside this tight space, or the surrounding tissues become tense and thickened, the median nerve gets squeezed. That's carpal tunnel syndrome.
What Causes It?
Common contributing factors include:
Repetitive wrist use — typing, manual work, vibration tools
Sustained wrist positions — bent wrists for long periods, especially at night
Fluid retention or swelling — pregnancy, certain medical conditions
Previous wrist injuries that changed the tunnel's shape
But using your wrists a lot doesn't automatically cause it — several factors usually combine. That's why two people with the same job can have very different outcomes.
What Does It Feel Like?
Typical symptoms include:
Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and thumb-side of the ring finger
Nighttime symptoms — many people wake up needing to shake their hands
Dropping objects or a weak grip as it progresses
Symptoms that worsen with driving, typing, or holding a phone
Not All Hand Numbness Is Carpal Tunnel
This part matters. Numb hands can also come from:
A pinched nerve in the neck (cervical disc problems)
Thoracic outlet syndrome — compression near the collarbone
Cubital tunnel syndrome — the ulnar nerve at the elbow
Other peripheral nerve issues
Which fingers tingle, when it's worst, and whether your neck or arm hurts too — these details point to the real source. That's why we assess carefully before treating.
What Helps? Conservative Care First
For mild symptoms, the basics go a long way:
Keep your wrists neutral — avoid prolonged bending, especially while sleeping
Reduce repetitive strain — take breaks, adjust your keyboard and mouse height
Night wrist splints can keep the tunnel open while you sleep
Gentle mobility exercises for the wrist and fingers
How Acupotomy (도침) May Help
When tightness around the carpal tunnel persists, we often recommend acupotomy (도침) — a specialized technique using a flat, blade-tipped needle to release adhered or tightened soft tissue around the transverse carpal ligament area. The goal is to reduce the tissue tension and pressure around the median nerve, improving the environment the nerve travels through.
What does the research say? A 2022 systematic review in the Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation (J Korean Med Rehabil 2022;32(3):55-64) reviewed clinical studies of acupotomy for carpal tunnel syndrome and reported reductions in pain, numbness, and swelling, along with improvements in nerve conduction measures. Some studies found better results than acupuncture alone. The evidence base is still growing — most studies so far are small — but the direction is encouraging.
Our clinic director, president of the Canada Acupotomology Association, has extensive experience with this technique. Read more about acupotomy in Burnaby →
What to Expect at Your Visit
We listen first. Which fingers tingle? When is it worst — night, work, or both? Any neck or shoulder symptoms?
We examine. Sensation, grip strength, and specific tests help confirm whether it's truly carpal tunnel.
We treat. Treatment targets the tight tissues around the carpal tunnel, often combined with acupuncture and exercise guidance.
We plan. You'll leave with a clear plan and honest expectations — including when it's time to consider other options.
When to Seek Care Promptly
See a healthcare professional promptly if you have persistent numbness, visible thinning of the thumb muscles, or significant hand weakness. Severe or long-standing cases sometimes need surgical consultation — acupotomy is a conservative option, not a replacement for surgery when surgery is truly indicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupotomy hurt?Most patients feel brief pressure or a dull ache at the moment of treatment — stronger than regular acupuncture, but momentary. The wrist area is treated with precise anatomical guidance to keep discomfort minimal.
How many sessions will I need?It depends on severity and duration. Mild, recent cases often respond in a few sessions; long-standing cases need more. We reassess your progress at every visit.
Is it covered by insurance?In most cases, yes — it is billed as acupuncture treatment. We direct-bill most major extended health plans in BC, and ICBC claims are welcome.
Can I keep working and typing during treatment?Usually yes. We'll also review your workstation setup — small ergonomic changes often make a big difference alongside treatment.
Hands Falling Asleep at Night? Let's Find Out Why.
Burnaby Healing Acupuncture and Herb Clinic (힐링한의원)101-6710 Hastings St, Burnaby, BC — on Hastings St, easy parking(604) 620-9433 · Mon–Fri 9:00–6:30, Sat 9:00–12:00
[Book Your Appointment] — An accurate diagnosis comes first. Then the right treatment.
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