These days, many of us use a keyboard. It might be a comfortable, full-sized one connected to a desktop computer, one on a small laptop, or one on a tiny tablet or smartphone. And unless we’re careful - or fortunate - it’s likely that the place where we use our keyboard isn’t ideal; using a device at the kitchen table, propped on the arm of a sofa, or your lap encourages bad habits and poor posture. The result? Pain in the hand, wrist and forearm.

Sometimes it’s temporary and you can just shake it off but if the discomfort goes on over time, it may be the beginning of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The NHS usually recommends two non-surgical treatments - wrist splints, which may be worn at night, or a Corticosteroid injection, directly into the wrist; the only other option on offer is surgery.

Alternatively, massage offers an effective, non-invasive treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by:

• Stroking with moderate pressure from the tips of your fingers to the elbow
• softening and stretching the forearm muscles and fascia
• reducing inflammation
• using skin rolling and cross hand stretching to relieve pressure

Over time, the results can be significant and long-lasting. There’s an interesting survey here from the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies which summarises the positive effects of massage therapy on 16 people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.