Sign Language Interpreting with Essential Oils: Managing Joint, Nerve, and Muscle Discomforts Associated With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Every year, interpreters all over the world suffer from some form of a repetitive stress injury coming to be known as interpreter's wrist. The most common of these injuries is what we know as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is not unique to Sign Language Interpreters alone, it is also common among grocery store workers, computer programers, pianists, women who are pregnant, smokers, etc.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is typically caused by repetitive wrist movements, but can also be caused by other things. One of the nerves in your wrist known as the median nerve becomes irritated or receives too much pressure. This causes numbing, tingling, shooting pains, etc.

As someone who suffers from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I have had many times where I have lost functionality of my arm and have suffered the numbing, tingling, and shooting pains.

There are some exercises that you can do to help such as stretching your wrists, circling your wrists, clenching your fists, spreading your fingers, fingerspelling the alphabet, and so on. All of these things help with prevention. However, there is still always a chance of getting it.

The question may be asked, "Why is it that interpreters get CTS, but Deaf people don't?" The answer to this is in the process of interpreting. You see, when people just sign, typically they are relaxed and casual with their wrist movements. But when interpreting, you become more tense and stressed because you are trying to convert an idea from one language into another while trying to keep up with the speaker, and maintaining composure. It's not as easy as it sounds, especially when some people speak or sign so fast you can't even process a few words.

Even for Deaf Interpreters (This is a Deaf individual that interprets what an ASL Interpreter is interpreting), CTS is a possibility, because the strain is still there.

A few weeks ago, I was interpreting at an essential oils seminar, my arm began to give and I started having the tingling and sharp pains. When the seminar finally had a break period, I was massaging my arm and stretching my wrists, trying to get them loosened up. My wife Laura took me aside and with concern asked me if I was alright. I explained to her what was happening. Laura took me in to a different room and opened up her bag of oils and had me take off my shirt. She pulled out a bag with her Massage and Soothing blends, and began with the Soothing Blend. She placed a few drops in her hand and began to apply it in to my arm and around my shoulder. After working in the Soothing blend she went on to use the Massage blend by the same method. When a couple of minutes went by, the pain in my arm began to let up. From then on, I was able to finish interpreting the seminar with minimal pain and by the time the seminar was over, the pain had subsided.

Since that experience, I began an investigation into the practical use of essential oils with discomforts associated with CTS. As I studied it out, I found some very helpful and useful information, and have begun using some protocols with success.

Here are some recommendations I have for preventing and managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Prevention: It is important to stretch before you interpret, but I would also recommend massaging either Cypress or Lavender with a carrier oil (a oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, etc. to help with dilution) to your hand, wrist and arm before interpreting. These oils will assist with relaxing the muscles and increase blood circulation. Coconut Oil is my preferred carrier oil, however, Olive Oil works as well. When you are finished interpreting, I would recommend using the Wintergreen by the same method.

Management: If you develop CTS, you may want to try a different approach. For general discomforts, the Soothing blend is one of the best blends to use. Following the Soothing blend, I would apply the Massage blend. To help prevent nerve damage, massage Helichrysum over the affected areas. To assist your body with healing connective tissues, use Lemongrass. For muscle discomforts, Marjoram would be best. Frankincense is wonderful for promoting healing. These treatments should be used as needed and will make all the difference in your experience with CTS.

The way I see it, is you can live with pain, or you can live with relief and using essential oils to help your body heal itself!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at:
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