Nerve Compression Expert, Belfast
Carpal Tunnel
Treatment
Tingling, numbness or pain in your hand and fingers, particularly at night.
- Pain extending into the forearm or arm
- Difficulty gripping
- Dropping objects
- Struggling with buttons or keys
- Unable to get a good nights sleep
These are the hallmark signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common nerve compression condition in the upper limb.
Carpal Tunnel and Nerve Compressions can respond well to specialist Hand Therapy, when treated early.
Hand Therapy
for Carpal Tunnel
- Specialist differential diagnosis
- Custom night splinting
- Nerve and tendon exercises
- Ergonomic and activity modification
- Post-surgical Carpal Tunnel release rehabilitation
Ms Razo is a Consultant Hand Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with specialist experience in diagnosing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome non-operatively.
The CHT is the highest internationally recognised credential in Hand Therapy, requiring a minimum of 4,000 hours of specialist clinical practice and a rigorous independent examination.
This depth of experience means your condition is assessed and treated by a clinician who has seen carpal tunnel syndrome many times before.
No referral needed.
Self-refer directly to Ms Razo.
Or call +44 (0)28 9099 3464
Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist.
The compression produces what can feel like tingling, numbness and pain. Onset can be caused by repetitive hand and wrist use, sustained wrist positions, pregnancy, diabetes and previous wrist injuries.
Common signs and symptoms
- Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers — often worse at night
- Pain in the hand, wrist and forearm, sometimes radiating to the elbow and shoulder
- Waking at night with the need to shake or hang the hand to relieve symptoms
- Weakness and clumsiness of the hand: dropping objects, difficulty with fine-motor tasks
- Wasting (atrophy) of the thenar muscles at the thumb base in severe or long-standing cases
- Symptoms lasting more than six weeks
- Waking at night more than three times a week
- Noticeable weakness or dropping objects
- Symptoms not improving with rest or over-the-counter splints
Early specialist assessment leads to better outcomes. Book a consultation
What patients say
"I had been having pain in my wrist that was shooting pains up my arm. Michelle gave me a thorough examination and gave me exercises, it continued to improve each time and I feel more comfortable and my strength is back."
Debbie B · Wrist pain
"Michelle was able to provide a diagnosis of trigger finger, issues with my ulnar/median nerves and forearm muscles. I wasn't able to get this diagnosis elsewhere and Michelle made me very confident that I would be able to return to my sport without the need for steroid injections."
Caitriona D · Trigger finger & nerve issues
"As a healthcare professional myself I would not hesitate to recommend Michelle. Michelle gave a definite diagnosis during the initial appointment and provided a comprehensive holistic treatment plan. I was impressed with her clinical knowledge and examination technique."
Healthcare professional · Wrist injury
Frequently asked questions
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Yes. Mild to moderate CTS often responds well to non-operative treatment. Symptoms resolve without surgery in approximately one in three people within six months of diagnosis (Futami et al, 1997), and structured Hand Therapy including splinting and activity modification can significantly improve outcomes for the majority.
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Yes. Although carpal tunnel syndrome originates at the wrist, the median nerve runs the full length of the arm. Symptoms can radiate beyond the hand. Forearm pain, elbow ache and pain running up the arm are all recognised features of CTS, particularly in more significant or longstanding cases. When symptoms extend up the arm, it does not necessarily mean the condition is more severe. However, they should be assessed to rule out nerve compression at a higher level.
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Following carpal tunnel decompression, most patients experience relief of nocturnal symptoms almost immediately. Full recovery of sensation and strength can take several weeks to months, particularly if the nerve was significantly compressed before surgery. Specialist Hand Therapy addresses and promotes an efficient return to all home, work and leisure activities of daily living. Find out more about specialist rehabilitation after surgery.
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Certain occupational activities, including prolonged vibrating tool use, sustained forceful gripping and repetitive wrist flexion, are recognised risk factors for CTS. If your symptoms are work-related, Ms Razo can provide ergonomic assessment and advice and prepare reports to support occupational health or medico-legal requirements.
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No. You can self-refer directly. No GP letter or consultant referral is needed. If you have existing imaging or referral letters, it is helpful to bring them along to your first appointment.
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An initial consultation with Ms Razo is £86 for 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are £66 for 45 minutes. If a custom splint is required, prices start from £30 depending on the type and size. Ms Razo is a registered provider with BUPA and H3.
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This depends on the severity of your symptoms and how early treatment begins. Many patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome see a significant improvement within four to six weeks of consistent splinting and activity modification. Ms Razo will give you a realistic assessment at your first appointment.
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Symptoms resolve without treatment in approximately one in three people within six months of diagnosis. For the majority, some form of treatment is needed. Early treatment with splinting, activity modification and Hand Therapy is associated with better outcomes and can often prevent the need for surgery.
Other wrist conditions
Clinically reviewed by Ms Michelle Razo CHT · April 2026
Ready to take
the first step?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo and receive a thorough assessment, precise diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.