Carpal tunnel syndrome is possibly the most common nerve disorder experienced today and affects women three times more than men. Common characteristics of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, tingling, pain or a dull ache in the fingers, hand or wrist which is caused by a compression of the median nerve. The median nerve and several tendons run from your forearm to your hand through a small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and first three fingers. The use of a wrist splint, especially at night, reduces the pressure on the median nerve while limiting mobility. It has been found that massage therapy of the hands, arms and shoulders has been a highly successful treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome as it reduces the inflammation, promotes circulation and helps relax the muscles and tissues. Massaging of the shoulders, neck and upper back will also help reduce pain and will improve sleep.