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Experiencing forearm pain, tingling, or weakness when gripping objects? You might have Pronator Teres Syndrome (PTS). While uncommon, PTS is a treatable condition often confused with carpal tunnel syndrome, golfer's elbow, or cervical radiculopathy (nerve compression in the neck). In PTS, the median nerve is compressed in your upper forearm, specifically at the pronator teres muscle. This muscle rotates your forearm, like when you turn your palm down to pour a drink or use a screwdriver.

At Spectrum Healthcare, conveniently situated in North Ryde and Macquarie Park, Sydney, we recognise the complexities of forearm pain. Let's explore PTS and how we can assist you in finding relief and returning to your daily activities without pain.

Who is at Risk for Pronator Teres Syndrome?

PTS is uncommon, but more frequently seen in adults whose jobs or hobbies involve repetitive forearm motions or gripping. This includes:

• Tradespeople
• Chefs
• Athletes

Overuse can cause the pronator teres muscle to enlarge (hypertrophy), narrowing the space for the median nerve and leading to compression. While studies vary on whether PTS affects men or women more, the common factor is repetitive forearm use.

What are the Symptoms of Pronator Teres Syndrome?

The main sign of PTS is a dull pain at the front of your upper forearm, which gets worse with twisting or gripping actions. You may also notice:

• Tingling or numbness in your palm, thumb, index, and middle fingers.
• Weakness when pinching or gripping.
• In severe cases, subtle muscle wasting.

How does PTS differ from other conditions?

• Cervical Radiculopathy (Neck Pain): PTS symptoms are not related to neck issues.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Wrist Pain): Carpal tunnel pain often worsens with wrist extension and at night, unlike PTS.
• Golfer's Elbow (Elbow Pain): Golfer's elbow usually causes localised pain on the inside of the elbow, without neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness.

Because symptoms can overlap, a thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosing Pronator Teres Syndrome at Spectrum Healthcare (North Ryde & Macquarie Park)

At Spectrum Healthcare, we utilise a combination of your clinical history and hands-on testing to diagnose PTS accurately. Serving the North Ryde and Macquarie Park communities, we may recommend further imaging:

• Ultrasound: An affordable and dynamic option to visualise active nerve compression during movement.
• MRI: Excellent for detecting muscle changes and identifying other potential causes of compression, such as cysts, tumours, or bone spurs.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: May be helpful in severe cases to assess nerve function.

How Spectrum Healthcare Can Help You Find Relief From Forearm Pain

Our goal is to provide effective conservative care for PTS, which often involves a combination of therapies:

• Manual Therapy: We use a range of hands-on techniques, including soft tissue release, dry needling, cupping, scraping, and trigger point therapy, to release the pronator teres muscle and relieve pressure on the median nerve.
• Neurodynamics (Nerve Gliding): Specific exercises designed to relieve nerve compression and improve nerve mobility. Our experts can guide you through median nerve neurodynamic exercises.
• Rehabilitation: Focused exercises to correct muscle imbalances in the forearm and enhance overall function.
• Referral: In some cases, we may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation or, in severe cases, surgery to decompress the nerve. We work closely with trusted allied health professionals to ensure you receive the best possible care.