General:
Q: Bottom line, what is the point of the CTExerciser and CTFlexer?
A: Almost any task that requires repetitive use of your hands can eventually lead to cumulative trauma dysfunction if you don't take the proper precautions. This is because repetitive tasks accumulate tension in the fascia tissue. The best preventative and rehabilitative measure is to incorporate the use of the CTExerciser and CTFlexer into your daily routine. Use both throughout the day.
Q: What are the benefits of the CTExerciser?
A: The purpose of the CTExerciser is to intervene and restore hand and upper extremity function where
injury has occurred (at its source). This will then alleviate the symptoms. The CTExerciser:
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Helps reduce pain in the hand, wrist, arm and neck
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Mobilizes all 7 actions of the wrist in one easy-to-use tool
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Promotes relaxation of the fascia restrictions in the hand and arm
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Improves circulation as the restrictions are released
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Helps reduce inflammation and pain
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Increases flexibility of hands and wrists
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Supports balanced muscle activity in the hands, wrist and upper extremity
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Reduces strain on the fascia system
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Promotes eye hand coordination
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Promotes perceptual motor function
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Increases range of motion in the wrist (if deficient)
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Is extremely cost effective
Q: How do I reduce the STRESS on my hands and not loose valuable work time?
A: It takes 30 seconds to use the CTFlexer, or per hand with the CTExerciser, to stretch and relax the hand all the way to the neck. The average worker spends more time than this shaking out numb fingers, or dropping and retrieving items. We recommend 30/30 breaks. This entails working for 30 minutes and then take a 30 second break. Alternate your breaks between using the CTExerciser, CTFlexer, and then any other 30/30 break which would include getting a drink of water, using the restroom, etc. Break from what you are doing, so your work is not "repetitive" and you aren't sustaining the same postural position, causing trauma to the body. The more you can do this throughout the day, the better for your body's health. Movement is good for you! You will be reducing stress and removing restrictions on your body.
FAQ's
CTExerciser Specifics:
Q: Is the CTExerciser hard to use?
A: No. In fact it is designed to be easy to use. Children love it, as do the elderly. Everybody else should
find it especially easy to use. (Not recommended immediately post surgery. Check with your medical
professional).
Q: How long does exercise take with the CTExerciser?
A: It takes about 30 seconds to perform a complete revolution (forward and return) per hand. This should
be performed at least three times during an 8 hour working period. (See instructions for more detail).
Q: How does the CTExerciser work?
A: When in the open position, the user grasps the handle with a firm, but gentle grip. By rotating the hand, through the wrist, all the way to the shoulder, the user causes a yellow slider to move from one side of the coils to the other. When the slider has been moved from one side to the other and returned to the starting point (marked with a red band), the wrist, forearm and upper extremity will have performed 360 degrees of movement possible in the wrist, forearm and shoulder. It is the completion of all of the movements possible in the wrist, forearm through the shoulder, which makes reversal of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms possible. *See video on home page for a demonstration.
Q: What is the CTExerciser made of?
A: The CTExerciser handle is made of ABS, which is non-allergenic and feels good to the touch. It is attached to a track of continuous loops in which the slider moves upon. The slider material provides the appropriate amount of resistance needed to do the exercises properly. Additionally, the track is made of a flexible material allowing it to be compressed for storage and expanded for use.
Q: How would I store the CTExerciser in a confined space?
A: The CTExerciser folds for storage and opens in less than 5 seconds. It travels well in a briefcase or suitcase.
Q: Are there other uses for the CTExerciser?
A: The CTExerciser may be used as a fun and easy to perform tool to promote improved perpetual motor function. It may be used to promote increased range of motion, flexibility, and eye hand coordination.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS):
Q: What are the warning signs of CTS?
A:
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Night time awakening with pain/ numbness in the hand
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Numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger
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Tingling in the forearm, thumb, index and middle finger
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Swelling in the hand and fingers
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Hand clumsiness
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Weakness in the hand
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Sudden loss of grip
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Neck tension
Q: What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
A: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the compression of the median nerve at the tunnel through the carpal bones (wrist bones) in which the nerves, tendons and blood vessels pass. The median nerve compression can be caused by swelling, boney compression, a growth, such as a tumor, and fascia (connective tissue) restriction, as well as hardware used to fix a fracture. It affects the thumb, index and the middle finger.
Q: What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?
A: STRESS is the primary cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. STRESS in the head and neck from static sustained posture causes the surrounding and connecting fascia (connective tissue) to tighten in a protective mode. If this posture is not interrupted, the STRESS of the tight fascia causes restrictions to occur in the neck, shoulders, and eventually all the way to the hand. The average worker “deals” with the uncomfortable and even painful tension in the neck and shoulders for sometimes years. When the tension reaches the hands, the STRESS can no longer be ignored. Any additional STRESS added to the hands, such as repetitive work, will only worsen the problem.
Q: Does this mean I will have to have surgery?
A: No. It means that it is necessary to interrupt the pattern of static sustained posture, reduce the stress and eliminate the problem. This can be done without surgery by using a CTExerciser!
Corporate Testimonial
"I am an insurance adjuster. A large company I represent was experiencing an escalation in lost time and surgeries for CTS. Caryl said she could help. Our employees stayed on the job during the course of therapy, the contract deadlines were met, and our worker comp costs for CTS decreased 80% that year."
-DO, Insurance Adjuster/Risk Manager, TX
Personal Testimonial
"In the course of my job, I work at a computer over 5 hours each day. Needless to say, this wears on my wrists causing stress and pain. I was introduced to the CTExerciser a number of years ago and by exercising with it on a regular basis, I have been able to strengthen my wrists and alleviate the pain. I am very happy that I found the CTExerciser as I feel confident that it's use has eliminated any need for surgery." -Kitty Bertlin, Business Manager
Alternative Treatments:
Q: What are the alternatives, and why aren't they working?
A: Unlike the CTExerciser, traditional approaches for treating Cumulative Trauma Dysfunction do not consider the whole body. Instead of treating the cause, most methods treat the symptoms. Traditional approaches include resting splints, surgery, other rehab and exercise devices, and steroid injections. Splints are meant to restrict movement. It may only temporarily relieve pain. Lack of motion is counterproductive and does not resolve the disorder.
Surgery is another option. Surgery and recovery demands lost work-time and possible loss of job. The use of the hand is restricted during the healing process, and even after complete healing, one may never gain full use of the hand and wrist again. After the ligament heals, scar tissue may form only to cause further compression of the median nerve and desensitivity of the fingers, causing cumulative trauma dysfunction. According to NIOSHA, only 23% of all CTS patients were able to return to their previous professions following surgery. There is an 80% chance of having more surgeries for the same problem. After one surgery, patients are expected to have another surgery within 2-5 years if they return to the same job. Each time one undergoes surgery, 15% or more of the functional use of the hand is lost. This is not a loss of strength; it is a 15% loss of function of your hand. Ultimately, surgery may offer temporary relief but only treats the symptoms, not the cause, and may produce other problems and more restrictions/loss of use. Medications and steroid injections may help alleviate the pain temporarily, but also doesn't treat the cause. There are other rehab and exercise devices on the market for CTS, but there is nothing currently that is a complete exerciser mobilizing all 7 actions of the hand/wrist/forearm movement, designed to treat the problem at the source, which is exactly what the CTExerciser does.
