Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Forearm pain from screwdriver motion 

I am a machinist. Woke up literally in tears this morning wondering how in the world I was going to make it to work, but knew I had to go. My arm was useless, but in so much pain. Made it to work, sat in the parking lot and found this video. Arm isn't 100%, but boy does it feel a lot better. Thank you, thank you so very very much!

Finally found the name of my pain!

Your tutelage on massage technique is invaluable to me. I saw a chiropractor years ago who was like you. Patient education instead of grifting is an increasingly rare quality, I certainly appreciate you making this video for everyone seeking to diagnose and treat their humbling and depressing condition. God Bless!

I performed this massage technique you describe and felt immediate relief! Thank you!

I was very skeptical about this video first but let me say it was so extremely helpful. It resolved weeks of pain and concern, thank you soooo much!

Wow. I can’t thank you enough. For years I couldn’t bend my wrist forward without my hands going numb. Instant relief. Diagnosed with carpal tunnel and this seems to help tremendously

thank you so much doc, I have wasted 8 months thinking it was tennis elbow. I have been done with it for a couple of weeks now with icing in the nights I have almost 80% recovered. I will keep doing it. Great job :)

Thank you for this! I bought a new phone and I hold it with my pinky. Due to the weight, my right elbow area has been hurting for weeks. I can already tell the difference doing these massages. I will continue to do them. You are a life saver ❤ 🙌

This is by far the most informative video on the internet for this syndrome.

I was a tennis pro for years and had this pain pop up and knew immediately it wasn’t tennis elbow, but the pain and weakness of grip has been rough especially with a 3 year old and 8 month old. This video has been awesome! Already feeling a lot of relief. Thank you!

great video i’ve had this pain for a couple of days and the doctors didn’t do nothing and it really helped !

I've been in so much pain for over 2 weeks, and this is the most relief I've gotten. Literally cut my pain by 75 percent.

Fantastic effect on sharp pain in elbow (with click during supination). Thank you!

Wow, just a few mins and I'm already feeling relief. I appreciate you bro. I needed this. lol

Thank You so much, my pain in my left forearm comes and goes for about a year or so. Hope Your exercises will work, start immediately. All the best to You

This just saved my life. THANK YOU.

YES !! Had been misdiagnosed after ultrasound diagnosis and steroid injections (which only lasted 2 months). I will be starting and staying with these exercises/massage Thank you !

Dude Thank you very very much . Ive been having this problem for a while now stemming from going to the gym too much and also going extremely heavy almost every time also ... But this explanation and technique really really works ... Thank you again

Thank you this has been helpful.goind to do this every day.

Thank you so so much! I felt so much better after doing this.

Amazing video. Ive been to MULTIPLE sessions with a professional….and this really HELPED !!!

Im a competitive armwrestler, we have a saying for these "It only hurts the first 10 years" 🤣

Good advice Doctor.

Thank you Doc. Help a ton.🙏🏾

this guy actually knows what he's talking about i've watched so many vids an nothing's worked i've tried for months i just came across this vid now an wow it works like magic

Finally found the issue with my elbow, this got so bad that my forearm went numb, complete weakness and palsy of the wrist. I stopped all arm exercises for 6 months to recover having been told it was tennis elbows but knowing none of those triggers points were my trigger points. This video described everyone of my trigger points and helped relieve and break up those muscle groups, along with some simple gliding exercises to release that radial nerve. I am back to doing bicep days with these messages and additional gliding exercises and see how it goes.

I still can't believe it. This really works. I've been suffering with this pain when doing biceps dumbbell lift. The pain is still there but it's 80 percent better. Thanks man.

Thank you ❤️ this has helped me a lot

Great information and accessible.

great video. thank you very much. I feel so much better.

Thank you. It's helping a lot!

I had been dealing with this problem for the last few months and just tried taking one of those reciprocating massagers and jammed it into where you jammed your thumb at 8:10 and the next day the nerve pain was gone and it’s so far stayed gone. The spot where I jammed the massager was sore, but healed, too, in a couple days. Felt like a miracle cure.

Really thank you... i was misdiagnosed for 2 years as Tennis Elbow. Just yesterday an ortho Dr told me by phone it seems to be Radial Tunnel Syndrome... then i found ur channel ... it seems to be as u explained...Really thanks

i tried it and it really works on me. Thank you

Great video. thanks this helps alot.

Awesome video! Found the origin of my pain too!

At last I can do something about this because I had no idea what it was. Just over training and it happened. Sooo saving this !!

Bro this helped so much! Had inflammation from boxing. You’re the best bro.

Thanks doctor

I’m a medical dr and you certainly know your stuff!

thank you for this

In pain working out and had to take a break today and thank god I found this video 🙏. Tom I'm gonna be able to workout again thanks alot.

Thank you doctor

Great education dan practise. Great appreciation from Indonesia.

Ive had pain in that spot for over a year. Any bicep curl or hammer curl was impossible to do. Physio was unsure what it was, hand specialist was as unsure what it was, and surgeon said it was tennis elbow is making the radial nerve sore and i am going to start acupuncture for it. Im still confused about exactly what it is but this is the first video that described my pain in the same spot so will definitely try these techniques. Thanks a lot

Mabuhay doc. Im from the Philippines. Thank God i found your RU-vid channel. Honestly while listening and watching you tutorial on how to massage i do it also. It really help me to lessen my almost 3 weeks of forearms pain. Hopefully it will continues healing in God's name my savior. Godbless ang keepsafe doc❤️❤️❤️

Thankyou for this Video!! It is a great help for me as A Fitness Instructor... GodBless and continue to be a blessing...🙏😘👍💪

Oh dam I was in pain a few days found this fallow along and I found relief wow

Amazing! Thank you so much! 😢. I have been in pain for 2 and a half months now. Misdiagnosed with tennis elbow. I have barely been able to work the whole day (something as simple as clicking the mouse all day killed me). I am feeling some relief now. I will continue to do these

I think I got this from boxing. When extend my left jab it hurts. I feel tightness. Great Video. It's keep me out of the gym for months now.

Wow this is work for me. Thank you for sharing ❤

Thank you! That brought a lot of relief. Definitely pinpointed the tender spots, lol.

Thank you .

Thank you

Thanks that helped a lot

Great technique! Thank you so much for this. I have these symptoms, and it only hurts when I pronate; supination provides relief. Advice? And, do you have advice for a winged shoulderblade and sagging shoulder with uneven collarbone? Thank you again!

**Updates below** *Original comment:* I have so many issues with my shoulders and forearms from lifting. I had a shoulder arthroscopy a year ago that honestly just made it worse. But my forearms are definitely the bigger culprit and a chronic issue that affects me in everything I do, all the time. I've been to so many doctors...orthos, neurologists...had a thousand different xrays, MRIs, CTs, EMGs, etc. Been to multiple physical therapy sessions. Nobody can seem to figure out what it is that's causing the pain. Like you mentioned, it comes from movements like using a screwdriver but also simple things, like holding a book or a phone in bed, or carrying bags of groceries. It's especially bad when trying to do any pulling exercises, so basically back day at the gym is hell. It gives me anxiety because I don't know if it will ever get better. I wonder if this (what's in the video) is wrong with me. I'm going to try your techniques here and see how it works! *Update:* Hello again all, After almost 6 years of pain, countless doctors, and an incalculable amount of appointments and therapy, I saw a hand specialist, another orthopedic doctor, and a third internal medicine doctor who all three worked with me in the same clinic and were able to diagnose me with exertional compartment syndrome in both forearms. They used a tool that measures the pressure in all three forearm compartments (volar, dorsal, and mobile wad). They numbed me up and stuck each compartment with a needle that has a pressure gauge and got a reading before, immediately after, and 5 minutes post irritation (had me doing exercise to intentionally make symptoms flare up). Ultimately from the findings, they have decided to do a fascial release on both the dorsal and mobile wad compartments, as that is where the worst of my symptoms are. Apparently it is a very rare spot to have the condition and is mostly seen in Olympic rowers but can be seen in people who lift and have larger than average forearms, so I was told. I have my first surgery this Tuesday on the right arm and my second surgery on the left two weeks after that. I'll check back here again once everything is healed up and let you all know how it's going. Until then, maybe this information can help you in discussing it as a possible symptom with your doctor. Best of luck all! *Second update:* Had the surgery on both arms and I am now pain-free when lifting and while doing everything else that was causing me problems. It's so relieving to finally be rid of the constant pain and weakness and be able to do my normal activities again. Again, for anyone having similar problems, definitely mention it to your doctor! *90-day Post-op images here for anyone interested:* imgur.com/a/MU5y00m

Rather than using your thumb, you can rest your arm on a folded towel a table and use a 1.25 litre soda bottle (the kind with legs) then use one of the legs to dig into the tendon.. that will give you a fair amount of pressure without having to exert yourself.. then if you want more pressure you can use a 2 litre bottle.. and for even more pressure you can rest your chin on the bottle. that allows you to apply pressure for a long time without wearing your thumbs out. im doing that right now as I watch this video.

You're the man!!!!!

Thx you!

Just some feedback for you: 1 I’ve had “tennis elbow” since January 2020 and I’m 23, in to sports. Very healthy and hurt my arm in jiu jitsu through a pulling motion, this is the second video out of hundreds that’s actually addressed the problem unlike most generic tennis elbow videos so great work. 2: the video is very details but I’d argue you do not need half this detail, simple diagnosis and treatment would likely get you many more views and results. Keep it up

Thx a lot form Poland :)

Thank you ! i have gone thru tons of videos...all of them are exercises about nerve gliding, but doesnt help much. you are actually touching and freeing the tendons..i think this is the only way of freeing the tensions. I'm a computer professional and for the past 18 years i have been using the keyboard..i guess thats the reason for my acute pain in forearm. You have correctly diagnosed it "Radial Tunnel Syndrome" only a specialized hand surgeon uses this word. My only worry is...this way of freeing the tension in tendons by putting pressure like in this video.. will it have any long term negative effects (like injured or torn tendons ) ?

Thank you for the tips. What do the applied pressure + movement do? Does it only provide pain relief or does it help heal whatever the problem might be? It is something to do with releasing fascia adhesions? Many thanks!

This is insane. I've been trying to find what my pain was for months. At least 6 months. Kept being told it's tennis elbow or golfers elbow. I have no doubt this is what I'm experiencing. I use pliers for my job every day in a twisting motion. It's affecting my by not being able to pick things up I could simply do before. I will be doing this from now on and definitely telling my coworkers.

I took months off from the gym and on my third day back I did hammer curls with dumbbells that were probably too heavy. Ever since then, my forearm hurts when I do the screwdriver motion like unlocking a door with a key, turning the key clockwise.

Worked for me i messaged exactly they way you said i had this pain for fhe last 8 months thought it would go away but it was always there didn't know what to do actually the pain has reduced and can twist my hand without any pain

Some of my clients call me the torturer. I don't have tiny dagger fingers for nothing 🤣💆🏻‍♀️

SUPER!!!!!!!!!!

My problem seems to be between the radius and ulna when I supinate. It is about 2 inches below the elbow between the two and it pops down in that area. I'm a flooring installer so overuse is a constant.

at 11:45 - this is the exercise that did it for me. that supinator was brutally tight and messy. Will try to come back in a couple months to give an update.

How long should I massage each section and how long should I wait before doing it again? I tried it on myself and OMG it hurts , but felt relief afterwards.

This video is great. I am learning about my condition and hope to finally treat it. How long per day should one massage for this condition at a sitting? Multiple times per day? Thanks.

Im in a bunch of pain .A volley ball hit my hand and hurt my arm up into the area you are discussing...couple days later I was working and heard a pop from the upper inner forearm followed by excruciating pain...Im scared its a torn tendon.

Thanks for your video just want to know how often to do this. Everyday or 2-3 times a week please.

My pain is near the elbow but pretty much where u pointed it do t even know how I got it becuase. I dont lift anything heavy at the time but ill give this a shot going on my 3rd week with the pain

I've been doing some pull-ups and push-ups lately, and I'm a heavy guy, about 105kg. That put a lot of strain on my joins, no doubt, and I did start to feel some tenderness especially my right elbow, but nothing I couldn't tolerate. I started going easy on my exercises non the less. However, I had to move some stuff around the house and I made some pushing movement with my right arm, then heard and felt some sort of ripping sound. It's hard to locate where exactly - forearm/bicep area, kind of general elbow area. I felt tremendous pain, and was unable to rotate my forearm back and forth. That hurt a lot. Extending and contracting my arm wasn't really an issue. I felt a little better over a few days time, and I can now rotate my forearm both directions, but at the end points I start feeling a lot of pain. There is definitely no way I can exercise, even have trouble doing some every day stuff. There was never any swelling, nothing is broken (I suppose). Is it possible to estimate what could be going on there just based on my description?

Injury in 2020, now entire arm but specifically the area you’ve mentioned just recently. So informative. Whiplash as a pedestrian. Need some diagnostics. Thank you

Oh geez. If you want to fix radial tunnel it’s easy peasy. It’s caused by repetitive movements like surfing with your index finger on a tablet all night, using a computer mouse, etc. When the wrist is in flexion (bent), you stretch the extensors of the forearm and contract the flexors. This causes the extensors to stretch and contract. That contraction and tightness is expressed on the radial nerve. Step on use a stylus on your tablet. Keep wrist straight using a mouse. Lastly you need to do wrist curls (regular and reverse) with dumbbells. High reps 20-30, 3 sets a day. Do not stretch as you’ll just cause more spasms in the extensors. Massage will make it worse.

I mostly have some pain and tightness around 5-6 inches from my wrist on the top of my forearms.

Thank you for this information, I have "wrist drop", Happy New Year, right? How often would you suggest to do this? I don't want to overdo it, but I need to heal this.

At first i thought it was a tennis elbow but naaah it's the radial nerve . Will def torture that forarm area with massages till it's gone. Thank you for these very usuful moves

Thank you very much for your help and video. I have been having this pain for a sometime now, and it happened to me 2 years ago doing bicep curl without warming up, but the pain gone after 3 months, but it happened to me again one week ago from skipping ropes , and now I have this pain when using spoon or fork to eat and also I have the pain when brushing teeth. Do you think my forearm pain is related to Radial Tunnel Syndrome? I have been applying BFST "Blood flow Stimulation Therapy" from King brand. Thanks so much for your video. I think I have found my solution, your comment will be much appreciated. Love from Mongolia

Holy smokes. I’ve been dealing with shoulder pain and wrist/thumb pain in my right arm since December. I thought I had an impingement. MRI just showed inflammation. My orthopedic doctor totally dismissed my wrist pain as new mother’s wrist. Turns out my radi nerve is pinched. Couldn’t find the magic spot that alleviates wrist pain and shoulder pain UNTIL THIS VIDEO. Forearm must have some kind of compression band similar to wrist? I wonder if there is decompression surgery for bicep ?

Can this affect shoulder they say I have frozen shoulder

I cant extend my arm due to pain in my bicep and forearm. If I wiggle my fingers, my upper forearm cramps up. Also, I noticed my arm is slightly swollen compared to my left arm. I had to get a sling because just holding my arm up to my stomach, I have sharp pain from my bicep and forearm. I think I over stretched it while sleeping. A couple of days ago I remember waking up in the middle of the night with my arm numb and used my left arm to move it towards my upper body. When I woke up in the morning it felt like I had pulled a muscle. As the day progressed the pain got worse to where I could not even extend it fully. I cant lower my arm without the help of my left arm, but I can easily move it towards my upper body and head. Its been 3 days, it hasnt got worse but still painful to lower or do too much with it. Any advice?

I have the lateral epecondilytis? Not sure if I spelled that correctly. Do you have a recommendation to work on that and possible strengthen and strengthening options for the pec minor and serratus anterior. I have pec minor syndrom and thoracic outlet syndome

I had an injury where my arm was broken and the nerve severed, after surgery my hand is great at closing but I can't open my hand which I think you describe but I didn't get it

Daaaiiiim this was over due. Kudos to you Sir. I wish other massage therapists were of your standard. Move to Sydney Australia you’ll make a fortune and develop. Cult following.

Thank you..and is this problem causes headache coz i have rhis shoulder or arm pain but also headache.

Exercises feel good. Can it be a combination of both tennis elbow and redial tunnel. My elbow seems tender and the muscle on top sore. These exercises and some magnesium cream have helped.

How often should you do the massage? daily/every other day etc?

Now my hand is aching 🤣 But my arm feels better. Ty

Will going to a very skilled massage therapist be effective for this as well? My understanding is I just need to unjunk everything that’s congested around this nerve

I still haven't found any PT who is able to help me but I'm pretty sure It's RTS. In my case the only pain I have is when I try to press my right arm with my left hand - the biceps part close. to the elbow (somwhere deep) is where it hurts. I don't understand why only those certain movements hurt so much and only in this biceps part. It's a struggle ...

Hi. How long does it take to recover and heal?

if i have pain here, can i continue to workout or will it make it worse? thx edit: wow i just did this for 5 mins and definitely feels better!

I donated plasma twice, then had 2 panic attacks, now in that area when I move my arm fast, or certain ways it feels like under my skin is on fire. It's making my anxiety worse with worry, so idk why it's feeling that way.

ive had this pain for years and when i hit those pressure points in my forearm i get referred pain into my tricep.

I have a problem, I can't turn my forearm, I broke my right hand during my school time, that hand is working well now. Earlier it was having the same problem. Now I can't turn left forearm. Note: earlier I couldn't turn both the forearms.but, now I can turn the forearm which was broken.