I have been babying my hands for years and getting along ok kind of. Lately the prickling and numbness has increased a bunch. Luckily I can still play and it hasn't affected my ability and I just try to ignore it while performing or anything else as far as that goes.

I recently had another nerve conduction test. A few years ago it was considered moderate. This time it is diagnosed as severe.
The doctor is referring me to an orthopedic surgeon.

Don't know if he is just wanting to do surgery or try a more conservative approach like wearing splints and physical therapy.

Would like to especially hear from anyone with first hand experience, (no pun intended), regarding surgery success or problems and splints and physical therapy.

Thanks

Scott

These German specialists have developed exercises for such problems that seem to be helpful for many people. Although Roland Liebscher himself isn‘t even a medical doctor, but an engineer (his wife and partner, Petra Bracht, is a medical doctor), some orthopedists have joined their programs. They work a lot with fascia massage and special stretching exercises.
https://www.liebscher-bracht.com/en/?itm...tseite-03062020

Scott, a close friend had the same systems you are talking. He was a professional guitar player. He had the surgery, his hands functioned well the first year. When the problem returned, they gave him short mini surgeries – not very effective.

I strongly suggest physical therapy; have orthopedic surgery if all else fails.

I have Parkinson Disease, some of the systems are the same. I go to physical therapy two times a week – there are days when I feel improvement, and days when there is no change. The good news is that I am not losing my battle; I am holding my own.

Scott, this is the best that I have, John C.

Scott I had severe carpal tunnel on both hands. My surgeries on each hand lasted about 45 minutes each time and the incision was about less than a half inch. Two days later I was doing most things. Two weeks later everything was fine. Before surgery mine was the most painful during an evening's sleep. Not much of a problem playing. The wearing of a brace and exercising may put off the need for surgery for a while. Good Luck.

From my experience, most of these procedures are very successful, but like all surgical procedures, there are some that don't provide success. If there is a valid, documented method of avoiding surgery, I would give it a try.

Good luck on whatever you decide upon,

Gary

Thanks for the input. Very much appreciated. I'm going to see a hand doctor next week and welcome any other comments that may be helpful in choosing the best options for me.