Overview
Guyon’s Canal Syndrome (Handlebar Palsy)
This condition, similar to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is common in cyclists. It occurs when the ulnar nervous is compressed in the canal above the wrist. Usually, the cause is found by resting your hands on the handlebars of your bicycle.
Treatment is similar to that for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – activity modification, such as wearing a padded glove during cycling, rest, splinting, hand therapy – including ultrasound/iontophoresis, exercise, and less often, surgery.
Treatments
Possible Treatments
- Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy
- Electrotherapeutic Modalities
- Hand Active Range of Motion
- Isometric Exercise
- Iontophoresis
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
- Physical Agents
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Stretching/Flexibility Exercise
- Wrist Active Range of Motion
- Wrist Joint Mobilization
- Wrist Passive Range of Motion
- Wrist Resistive Range of Motion
Goals
Possible Treatment Goals
- Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
- Improve Muscle Strength and Power
- Decrease Nerve Compression
- Increase Oxygen to Tissues
- Improve Range of Motion
- Improve Relaxation
- Self-care of Symptoms
- Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities