MLS Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel
Wake up at night with tingling hands? Drop things because your grip isn't there? MLS Laser Therapy in Fairfax reduces the inflammation behind carpal tunnel symptoms.
What carpal tunnel actually is
The carpal tunnel is a small passageway in your wrist. The median nerve runs through it, along with several tendons. When the tendons get inflamed (from typing, repetitive gripping, pregnancy, or just bad genetic luck), they swell and squeeze the nerve.
The result is the classic symptoms: tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger. Hand weakness. Waking up at night to shake out your hand. Dropping things because the grip isn't reliable.
How MLS Laser helps carpal tunnel
The laser delivers light energy into the wrist, where it reduces the inflammation in the tendons that's pinching your median nerve. It also helps the nerve itself recover from chronic compression.
Most patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel respond well. Symptoms ease as the inflammation decreases, often within the first three to five sessions.
When carpal tunnel surgery is the right call
Severe, long-standing carpal tunnel with permanent nerve damage may still need surgical release. But for most patients, especially those caught early or in the moderate range, conservative care with MLS Laser, wrist bracing at night, and activity changes often resolves the problem.
If you've been told you need surgery and haven't tried laser therapy yet, that's a conversation worth having first.
What treatment looks like
Your first visit is an evaluation. Dr. White checks for the specific signs of carpal tunnel, tests grip strength, and rules out other causes of hand numbness like cervical radiculopathy from the neck.
Each session is short, about 10 to 15 minutes. We may recommend a night wrist splint and small ergonomic changes to your work setup. Most patients see meaningful improvement within four to eight sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can MLS Laser replace surgery for carpal tunnel?
For mild to moderate cases, often yes. For severe long-standing cases with muscle atrophy, surgery may still be needed. We'll be honest about which category your case falls in.
How fast will my hand stop tingling?
Most patients notice some relief within the first three to five sessions. Bigger, lasting changes usually show up by session six to eight. We tell every patient up front: if you're not feeling real progress by then, we change the plan.
Does insurance cover this?
MLS Laser Therapy is generally not covered by insurance. We'll discuss the cost and payment options openly at your first visit. Most patients find the price reasonable compared to the long-term cost of medications, injections, and missed work.
Should I wear a wrist brace?
Wearing a wrist brace at night is one of the most effective things you can do for carpal tunnel. We'll talk about whether yours fits well and how long to use it.
What if my numbness is actually coming from my neck?
Some hand numbness comes from a pinched nerve in the neck, not the wrist. We'll figure out the source at your first visit. The good news is MLS Laser works for both.