Do you experience hand pain and tingling when you raise your left hand over your head? Uncomfortable tingling sensations in your hand can be surprising and strange, especially when you don’t understand why the sensations are happening. Learning more about the potential explanations for the tingling and pain in your left hand can help you make informed treatment decisions.
In many cases, the underlying cause of tingling and pain in your left hand can be addressed by physical therapy. To get a better understanding of your particular condition, a comprehensive PT evaluation can be highly informative. After assessing your condition, your physical therapist will start developing a personalized treatment plan. The most effective treatments vary from patient to patient. Your particular treatments will be based on your condition, needs and long-term wellness goals. Not sure if you need physical therapy? Discovering some of the most common reasons for left hand pain and tingling can show why PT is often a great choice for treatment.
Reasons for left hand tingling when raised overhead
- Cervical radiculopathy — Cervical radiculopathy refers to compression of the nerve roots in the neck region. A compressed nerve can cause a range of symptoms including radiating pain, numbness and tingling. You may experience a sharp or burning pain around your neck and throughout your arm. Raising your arm above your head can exacerbate this condition, leading to more acute symptoms. This may be why you feel tingling in your left hand whenever you raise it above your head. Physical therapy is one of the best ways to manage cervical radiculopathy.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is another kind of nerve compression. Instead of affecting the neck, CTS occurs in the wrist. CTS is considered to be a peripheral neuropathy because it occurs outside the central nervous system. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the medial nerve, which runs through the wrist into the hand, becomes compressed. In the wrist, the medial nerve is surrounded by the carpal tunnel. Compression typically happens when this tunnel becomes irritated and swollen, causing it to press against the nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, numbness, weakness and tingling in your hand. If you have CTS, physical therapy can help you manage your symptoms.
- Trigger points — Trigger points, sometimes called muscle knots, are areas of muscle tissue with highly concentrated tension. If you have a lot of muscle tension, it can lead to symptoms such as persistent aching and tingling. Trigger points can develop in muscle tissue throughout your body. If you are experiencing tingling in your hand, it may be the result of muscle knots in your shoulders and upper back. This is because muscle knots can restrict blood flow, leading to a “pins-and-needles” sensation. Think you might have trigger points? PT treatments like dry needling can be highly effective in bringing relief.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome or neural tension — Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) occurs when the nerves or blood vessels that enter your arm from your neck are compressed by tight muscles in the chest or neck, decreasing blood flow and resulting in tingling or numbness. When you move your arm overhead or in certain directions that increase the tension on these muscles, it compresses these sensitive structures, which can result in these symptoms. Physical therapists can help pinpoint which muscles may be contributing to these symptoms and tailor a treatment to bring relief quickly.
Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness can help you address the tingling in your left hand
Ready to find relief from your left hand tingling? Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness is here to help. With plenty of experience and a diverse array of treatment options, we are prepared to address many different conditions. Our team is committed to helping you effectively treat your condition.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.