Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis & Treatment in Davenport, IA
If you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, hand weakness, or pain—especially at night—you may be dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome. At Vitality Physical Medicine, we specialize in the accurate diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, helping patients find relief while avoiding unnecessary procedures.
Led by Joseph E. Brooks, DO, a board-certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, our clinic offers comprehensive evaluation, advanced diagnostic testing, and precision-guided treatment options—all in one location.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This compression can lead to symptoms such as:
Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, or middle fingers
Hand or wrist pain, often worse at night
Weak grip or dropping objects
Hand fatigue or clumsiness
Because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions—such as neck nerve compression or peripheral neuropathy—an accurate diagnosis is essential before pursuing treatment.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Not all hand numbness is carpal tunnel syndrome. Treating the wrong condition can lead to ineffective injections, delayed recovery, or unnecessary surgery.
At Vitality Physical Medicine, diagnosis is never based on symptoms alone.
EMG/NCS: The Gold Standard for Carpal Tunnel Diagnosis
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) are considered the gold standard for confirming carpal tunnel syndrome and determining its severity.
Dr. Brooks has performed over 15,000 EMG/NCS studies throughout his career, bringing a level of expertise that is difficult to match. These tests help determine:
Whether carpal tunnel syndrome is present
How severe the nerve compression is
Whether symptoms may be coming from the neck, elbow, or another nerve
Results are clearly explained to patients and shared with referring providers when appropriate.
What to Expect During EMG/NCS Testing
Testing is performed in-office by a board-certified PM&R physician
The study evaluates nerve and muscle function
Most patients tolerate the test well
Results help guide safe, appropriate treatment decisions
This diagnostic precision allows us to tailor care to your specific condition—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Many patients with carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated without surgery, especially when the condition is identified early and accurately.
Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injections
For appropriate candidates, steroid injections may help reduce inflammation and pressure on the median nerve. At our clinic:
Injections are performed using real-time ultrasound guidance
This allows for precise placement and improved safety
The goal is symptom relief and improved hand function
Orthobiologic Treatment Options (Including PRP)
In select cases, orthobiologic treatments such as platelet-based injections may be considered. These treatments use components derived from the patient’s own blood and are intended to support the body’s natural healing response.
Orthobiologic treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome:
Are not surgical
Are typically self-pay
Are discussed thoroughly to determine appropriateness on an individual basis
No single treatment is right for everyone. Your care plan will be based on your diagnosis, symptom severity, and overall health.
Why Choose Vitality Physical Medicine?
Patients choose Vitality Physical Medicine for carpal tunnel care because we offer:
Board-certified PM&R physician expertise
Extensive experience in EMG/NCS testing
Accurate diagnosis before treatment
Ultrasound-guided injection precision
Non-surgical, evidence-based care
Convenient Davenport, Iowa location
Trusted referrals from other medical providers
Our focus is on helping you return to daily activities with less pain and better function—using the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many cases, yes. EMG/NCS testing helps confirm the diagnosis and ensures that treatment is directed at the correct cause of symptoms.
Many patients experience symptom improvement with non-surgical treatments, especially when diagnosed early.
Relief varies by individual and treatment type. Some patients experience short-term relief, while others have longer-lasting improvement.
Orthobiologic treatments such as PRP are typically not covered by insurance and are offered as self-pay services through our Wellness Center.
EMG/NCS testing helps differentiate carpal tunnel syndrome from cervical radiculopathy or other nerve conditions.
Schedule a Carpal Tunnel Evaluation
If you’re experiencing hand numbness, tingling, or wrist pain, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward relief.
Relief is Near
Vitality Physical Medicine serves patients in the Quad Cities area, including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Le Claire, Eldridge, Clinton, and Muscatine.