Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel (in the underside of the wrist when in playing position). There are various reasons why this might happen (for instance, inflammation of the tendons or tendon sheath within the confined space of the carpal tunnel can lead to compression of the nerve). As the median nerve supplies the muscles of the thumb, the second and third finger and part of the fourth, and provides sensation in those digits, CTS can result in numbness or weakness in the thumb side of the hand.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is also linked to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The median nerve stems from the neck and can also get compressed in the thoracic outlet between the collarbone and the top rib, producing similar symptoms.
Sign in to view if you have purchased access to this content or see purchase options below.
This content is available as a separate, once-off purchase or as part of a subscription. Click "Buy" to purchase it or on "Subscribe" to get access to this content in addition to our growing library of over 300 articles for as little as £13.99 per month or £119.99 per year.
Penelope Roskell is equally renowned as a performer of international calibre and as an inspirational teacher and professor of piano at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. She is the author of The Complete Pianist: From Healthy Technique to Natural Artistry and is the leading UK specialist in healthy piano playing. She holds a clinic at the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine for pianists with injuries and her guide to preventing and recovering from injury is available here.
Author profile >>