Amazon.com
Sharon Butler was working as a massage therapist and Hellerwork practitioner when shedeveloped carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Unable to sleep through the night because of the pain andconcerned about her livelihood, she built upon her knowledge of connective tissue anddeveloped a series of stretching exercises to gently relieve the tension in her body. After daily stretching inthis way, her pain soon subsided. To prove that these exercises weren't just a fluke, Butler intentionallyoverworked her body to bring back her symptoms. While this may not have been the smartest move, herstretching program again relieved her pain.

The magic behind her powerful exercises is their focus on fascial tissue. Fascia, which is stronger thansteel, holds the body together. It wraps around muscle fibers, bones, and tendons. (If you've ever looked atan uncooked piece of chicken and noticed the glistening white layer over the meat, you've seen fascia.) Inpeople who overwork their bodies, the fascia hardens, a natural response to prevent future injury.Unfortunately, this stiffness worsens with repeated insults to the body. Muscles, nerves, and tendons tenseup and inflame even more and may even adhere to each other. Metabolic waste products can build up andbecome trapped instead of being carried away by the lymph system, and even more pressure is placed onthe affected body tissues.

Enter Butler's exercises. The book is arranged to let you pick and choose the correct stretches to suit yourneeds. Too much typing, guitar playing, or gardening? Stiff neck, tingling fingers, sore upper arms, or allthree? However you developed your repetitive strain injury and whatever your upper-body symptoms (or ifyou're smart and you'd like to prevent such problems), there are multiple stretches in Conquering CarpalTunnel Syndrome to suit your needs. The book is arranged to help users develop a personalizedstretching program with more than 40 stretches for the upper body, forearms, wrists, fingers, and thumbs tochoose from. Butler thoroughly explains the importance of stretching and the correct (and incorrect) way todo it, and the exercises are lucidly illustrated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Great book - the stretches work!
I'd only be repeating the praises others have given this book, but I just want to say I highly recommend this book.The stretches are explained clearly and simply and they do work.I've bought this book for friends and when they follow the exercises, they get relief.Another plus, is doing the stretches FEELS so good and it only takes maybe 15 minutes.

Excellent set of stretches for large variety of carpal tunnel types
This book was loaned to me at my job as a computer engineer. I had carpal tunnel affecting my wrists & forarm.Excellent, easy stretches which really relieve the pain. I recommended it to a friend who cleans houses for a living, and she was able to stop wearing the arm brace.Great for those tiny, hard to stretch muscles.

Great self help book!
Excellent guide to conquering several medical pains/problems that most doctors would have to diagnose.

ESSENTIAL for me, but maybe not just this book...
I have been experimenting with many strategies to get rid of carpal tunnel in my right hand, including learning how to write and do housework with my left hand.I do the exercises for both hands at the same time so that my left hand doesn't develop the same problem.With these exercises
and a hand brace when sleeping, pain at night went away. But if I forget to do the exercises on one day, I pay for it the next day through pain and decreased range of motion so I know they are essential. The carpal tunnel has not all gone away after several months of doing the exercises, however, just improved. Perhaps I need to do them more often.Be careful when you do them - she is not kidding when she says go GENTLY.More force is worse.The other thing that seems to be helping me is pilates.

A helpful book for anyone with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
I ordered this book for my wife, who has had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) in her right wrist for some time. It recently got worse after she fell off her bike and broke a couple of bones in the same wrist. The bones have healed, but the accident somehow increased the CTS symptoms: tingling sensations, numbness and a general increase in CTS aggravation. She has found this book, Conquering CTS, informative and helpful. After reading it and doing the excercises, for about a month now, she has found that not all the exercises suit her particular condition. So, she has, through trial and error, found which excercises in the book are helpful. They work, and help relieve the sypmtoms. So, I would recommend this book to anyone who has CTS. It is not a cure-all, in my wife's case, but it has made a difference. I would buy it, read it, try the exercises and find which ones work best for you. ... Read more

Book Description
This guide offers computer users who suffer from repetitive strain injury an effective program for self-care. It explains the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of RSIs and also addresses the often-overlooked root causes of RSIs. This holistic program treats the entire upper body with ergonomics, exercise, and hands-on therapy, increasing the likelihood that surgery and drugs may be avoided. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Of the books that I bought, this is the best of the lot for information on Carpal Tunnel and all other repetiltion syndromes. Extremely helpfu.

If you want to buy just one book
If you want to buy just one book on this subject, then this is the one

Excellent book on RSI
This is by far the best source of information and guidance on RSI that I've ever seen. It's the only book (along with dr. Pascarelli's books) that explains the true causes of RSI symptoms. It will help you understand what's happening to you if you have RSI, and it will help you manage your symptoms and find appropriate treatment. It's a must-have book if you live in an area or country where RSI specialists are hard to find.

Career saving
When I was managing a software development group, a programmer on the team showed up at work one day with wrist braces. Turns out typing had become agony for him. He read this book, then diligently and conscientiously followed some of the recommended practices (strength training, yoga, serious workplace ergonomic changes). The wrist braces are gone, and his career has been saved.

You can't fix anything just by reading a book. You *can* fix things when you understand the problem and have some ways to combat it. This book can give you both.

Excellent Resource
I bought this book after all the glowing reports and am happy to say it lived up to my expectations. Just improving my posture (one of the suggestions) has helped with my RSI. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Tammy Crouch, a former sign-language interpreter, had carpal-tunnel release surgery twice.Both surgeries were unsuccessful. She then learned about "alternative" therapies for her pain,including massage, osteopathy, acupuncture, and chiropractic, and she passes along her wisdom in thisbook.

Crouch stresses the importance of finding out exactly what type of RSI you have and of seekingconservative treatment instead of jumping in and having surgery like she did. This book also gives anexcellent rundown and explanation of the diagnostic techniques that doctors use, from the innocuousPhalen's test to the often-excruciating electromyography nerve conduction test. While the explanations ofdifferent treatments could be more in-depth, they're a good primer if you're investigating your options.Crouch also includes information about worker's compensation plus an extensive list of resources-- organizations, Web sites, books, and articles--helpful for those learning how to treat these often chronicconditions.

Book Description
Crouch stresses the importance of finding out exactly what type of RSI you have and of seeking conservative treatment instead of jumping in and having surgery like she did. This book also gives an excellent rundown and explanation of the diagnostic techniques that doctors use, from the innocuous Phalen's test to the often-excruciating electromyography nerve conduction test. While the explanations of different treatments could be more in-depth, they're a good primer if you're investigating your options. Crouch also includes information about worker's compensation plus an extensive list of resources-- organizations, Web sites, books, and articles--helpful for those learning how to treat these often chronic conditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great resource
I found this book through Tammy Crouch Fletcher's RSI FAQ and the many suggestions helped me to improve my symptoms without surgery. Full of common sense, written by a patient (Ms. Crouch Fletcher had two surgeries and researched virtually every treatment available), full of good interviews and tips, and designed to help you help yourself. Excellent read before visiting the surgeon!

Surgery is not always the answer.
Tammy is honest about herself and in her book shares the importance of knowledge verses the quick-fix.The resources given in the book alone, are worth the price of the book.A must read! ... Read more

Book Description
Oregon Health and Sciences Univ., Portland. Comprehensive text on theclinical and pathophysiologic aspects of carpal tunnel syndrome. Includessurgical and nonsurgical treatment and activity/occupation. Forneurologists and primary care physicians. Previous edition: c1993. DNLM:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

In depth study of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Wow!Reading this was informative and also mind boggling.This is a very good reference guide.This should be in every ergonomic's office.I have been collecting data on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and found this book to bemost helpful. ... Read more

Book Description

Vitamins and other nonsurgical therapies.

Customer Reviews (1)

How do you spell relief?
I found this book very informative.While everyone I know has either had carpel tunnel syndrome or knows someone who had it most people are not really informed concerning the alternative treatments and possible causes of the condition.

In my reading I found that there are treatments that bring a degree of relief and do not require immediate surgery.By learning to take care of myself I have experienced a good degree of relief from the constant pain I was causing myself because I didn't know how to avoid it.

I would not recommend only reading the book and not seeking medical attention, but by knowing the questions to ask one can make more intelligent decisions concerning treatment options.

The research seems creditable and the author seems to have had considerable experience with the syndrome. ... Read more

Product Description
August 21, 2005 Clinical Research 2005:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is Secondary to Undiagnosed Shoulder Problems TOS 85 Patients Treated &A Reproducible, Inexpensive, Effective Non-Surgical Treatment For Peripheral Nerve Compression 100 Patients TreatedNon-Surgical Neuro-Vascular Decompression (NSNVD) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

It really works!
I have been a patient of Dr. Rahn's for about a year. My carpal tunnel, misdiagnosed by another chiropractor, was almost at a point of no return.
Roger used his technique of massage and ultrasound and I'm almost 100%,
WITHOUT SURGERY!!! Knowing the physiology of thoracic outlet syndrome
helps understand why this method works. I encourage professionals learn
this technique.

Incredible recovery, healing and it's in the book!
As a patient of Dr. Rahn's, I was excited to review his book as I have experienced the remarkable results his techniques can bring.When I first began treatments almost 4 years ago, I had been diagnosed with bone on bone presentation and told by a medical doctor that I needed knee replacement for both knees.Thanks to regular deep tissue and chiropractic treatments, I am pain free and have regained enough strength and mobility to return to full time employment.Thankfully, I no longer take pain meds and am not even considering surgery.

Dr. Rahn has accomplished a lot for many patients, and his book makes it possible for even more to be helped with other practitioners using his revolutionary techniques.It is written so that both professionals and their patients can benefit and learn.Highly recommended!!

Fantastic!
This book is totally aweseome! Not only does it give an indepth explanation of chiropractic adjustments, techniques, theories, and so on, but it also deals with the issue of "how to correct the problem". Today, there are so many chiropractors out there that spend about 2 minutes with you "snap, crackle, and pop", charge you $50.00 and throw you out the door...without ever fixing the problem! This book is incredible considering that it focuses on the treatments and how to get yourself better. THe section which talks about Carpel Tunnel is excellent, and if you, or someone you know has carpel tunnel, you need to buy this book. It will help you immensely! Carpel Tunnel is very serious, and it stops us from doing what we love...such as playing the guitar, typing, and just every day activities. This book tells us how to "correct" the problem and reverse the carpel tunnel.

Review by Medical Editor (Lisa at EditAvenue.com)
Review by Medical Editor Aug. 30, 2005
"Dr. Rahn: I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your work. You have a great writing style that makes complex terms and ideas appear simple which is not easy to do. I found I wanted to continually read on and never got bored, well done! " ... Read more

Book Description

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, with its surgical profile, is a must for those specialising in this condition (hand surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, physiatrists and hand physical therapists), for both experts and newcomers to this field. For the young surgeon just starting out, the book explains the technical modalities of surgical treatment for this condition and describes alternative non-surgical procedures. It also depicts the complications that can arise in treatment. For more experienced surgeons, this book is an instrument for deepening their knowledge of this condition and its management. It can be considered a moment for reflection on a condition that is erroneously considered simple to treat and easy to resolve. The surgical chapters compare various complications as well as various conservative and rehabilitative treatment options, thus underlining that this condition must not be underestimated. Incorrect treatment can have many negative ramifications: not only that the patient is dissatisfied but it can also lead to the hands functional loss and render the patient an invalid. This book is also intended for all physicians and medical students interested in this subject, presenting the broad range of problems caused by this condition and how best to manage them.

Book Description

The number of people afflicted with carpal tunnel syndrome has grown in recent years. A medical condition in which the median nerve becomes "pinched" in the carpal tunnel, the condition causes sufferers considerable pain and/or numbness in the hands and wrists. Widely recognized for the past 15 years, this is not a new condition; in fact, it was clearly defined more than 100 years ago.

Customer Reviews (1)

Very comprehensive and reader friendly
I bought this book when I found out that Dr. McCabe, with whom I had made
an appointment for carpal tunnel treatment, had written a book on the topic.It was very thorough.The technical parts were written to be quite easy to understand.I appreciated the hand exercises which were included.There were also open-minded discussions of the possible pros and cons of non medical alternatives to carpal tunnel treatment, with patient feed back on some of them.

As for me, I had tried many of the alternatives, B6, pilates, exercises from the book Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, over the counter medication for pain, hand braces and even learning to use my left hand to do the extensive note taking required in my job as a speech pathologist. These methods provided some relief for over a year, but never made the problem go away.

When I met Dr. McCabe my daughter was with me while he did his examination and asked extensive questions.She commented later, "He seems like a poster boy for how medical practice should be done."My overall impression is that this book was written with the spirit of truly trying to help others through his expertise in this field.

So far my treatment has been an injection which seems to be working well.
I have met one lady who chose surgery over an injection because she is needle phobic.For those like her I wanted to say that the injection was like a mild pin prick (though this may depend on the surgeon - I don't know) that I believe would not even have brought a tear to most children.
The "pain" was gone in seconds and I have experienced no side effects.
You can drive home easily after an injection.

If injections do not seem to be sufficient for resolution of my carpal tunnel, I am no longer so leery about hand surgery.For one reason, the physician who did my nerve conduction study test said that many of the
"horror stories" of carpal tunnel surgery are due to people getting treatment from doctors who are not specialists in hand surgery, for example from orthopedic surgeons.I would hope anyone would research surgeons carefully before deciding to get that invasive type of treatment.

If you can get back to normal with alternative methods, how wonderful for you.But if you try them for a few months and they don't work, please seek expert help so that things don't get worse for you and maybe be less treatable as time goes by. ... Read more

Product Description
If your profession involves working at a computer or a requires repetitive motion then the probability that you will experience an injury is very high. Perhaps you are already experiencing symptoms such as tingling, pain, tightness or numbness in your wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck, or back.The good news is that there is a lot you can to do to prevent, eliminate and reduce the possibility of injury. Office Ergonomics is the only book available to offer comprehensive solutions for avoiding and reducing costly, painful, and debilitating injuries. Features:100's of tips for making your workstation comfortable, efficient and for reducing the risk of injury.Causes and treatment of repetitive motion injuries.Positions and setups you must avoid.Fixes that don t work.Behavioral prevention tips.How ergonomics helps.Bonus: Exercises to relieve stress at computer & workstations. ... Read more

Book Description
The article is excerpted fromGale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.
"Gale's products are known to be thorough, well-researched, and good reference tools.This item is no exception...
This is a valuable resource for readers who are seeking information on complementary medicine and herbal remedies. The scope of this encyclopedia is comprehensive, but not definitive. Readers should use this as a supplement,.to professional healthcare consultation. This source has been a long-awaited product for the consolidation of general alternative medicine information."
-- ARBA (2002)

Information on recommended therapies for specific disorders and diseases, medicinal uses for plants and herbs are balanced by conclusions of studies on efficacy and analysis of current levels of acceptance by traditional scientists and doctors. Biographies of pioneers in the field -- including Deepak Chopra, Edward Bach and David Palmer --appear as sidebars through the text. Included are 39 sidebars. Each volume contains a color photo insert containing images of herbs. There are more than 275 disease/condition entries, 300 herb/remedy entries, and 150 therapies. ... Read more

Book Description