Golf is a game of timing, flow and control. But when something like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) appears, your swing can feel way off.
At On Point, we do not just treat pain. We figure out why it is happening. We look at the whole body and how everything works together. Let us break down what CTS is, how we tell it apart from other problems, and why it matters so much for golfers.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel happens when the median nerve in your wrist gets squeezed. That nerve runs from your forearm into your hand, and when it is tight or irritated, it can lead to:
- Numbness or tingling in your thumb, index, middle and part of your ring finger
- Weak grip strength
- Wrist or hand pain, especially at night or when holding things
This usually happens from too much repetitive motion, poor posture, or muscle imbalance...not just one bad swing.
Not Always Carpal Tunnel
Other conditions can feel like CTS, so we ask smart questions and perform hands-on tests to figure it out:
- Cervical radiculopathy (radiation of pain coming from the neck) may affect the whole arm, not just the hand. We assess your neck and shoulders using movement assessments.
- Pronator teres syndrome or anterior interosseous nerve entrapment involve the median nerve in different areas. Muscle testing helps isolate the cause.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome may cause numbness but usually shows different patterns of weakness.
Using functional assessments, we determine if your wrist pain is just a wrist issue or if it comes from your shoulder, neck or upper back. Everything is connected.
Carpal Tunnel and Your Golf Swing
Golf requires good grip, precise timing, and smooth wrist motion. CTS can interfere with all these. If you have carpal tunnel, you might:
- Alter your grip to avoid pain, leading to inconsistent contact
- Experience numbness or weakness, making it hard to control the club
- Struggle with follow‑through, affecting ball flight and distance
And what many golfers miss: limited wrist motion or tight forearms can restrict your backswing, even before CTS occurs. If wrists are stiff, other body parts compensate...often inefficiently.
Strong Wrists Support Better Golf
Strengthening wrists, forearms and hand muscles helps prevent CTS and improves performance:
- Absorb swing forces more effectively
- Maintain better clubhead control
- Reduce strain on the nerve through muscular support
Simple exercises like wrist curls, forearm rolls, grip work & rotation drills can be a game-changer. It's all part of our “1% better every day” mindset.
How Our Movement Assessments Help
We use the golf standard in movement assessments, especially as it relates to golf, in order to find the real cause. CTS is rarely just a wrist issue. These assessments often reveal:
- Poor thoracic spine rotation causing wrist overuse
- Limited shoulder external rotation leading to forearm strain
- Neck dysfunction affecting nerve tension and mobility
Once we identify the underlying issue, we create a targeted custom treatment plan that gives long-lasting results.
Final Thoughts
At On Point, we connect the dots. Carpal tunnel is often a signal, not the whole story. The body may have been compensating over time, especially in active golfers.
You do not just need rest.
You need a plan to move better, get stronger, and fix the root cause.
If you are a golfer dealing with wrist pain or numbness, it is time to stop guessing and start understanding.
Take your game and health to the next level and Get On Point.
Dr. Ryan A. DiPrimo
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