From Pain to Progress – My Experience With Braces, Red Light Therapy, Chinese Medicine & Lifestyle Shifts
Dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome—or any form of chronic wrist and hand pain—can be frustrating, exhausting, and emotionally draining. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably Googled every natural remedy, tried a dozen wrist braces, and debated acupuncture or red light therapy more than once. After years of trial and error, I’m sharing my honest journey: what worked, what didn’t, and how I’m feeling today.
How It Started: Unexpected Pain on the Road
My journey began in a very unexpected way—while pulling my luggage at the Dubai airport. I noticed this sharp, uncomfortable pain in my wrist, something I had never felt before despite being a frequent traveler with heavy bags in tow. At first, I attributed it up to just dragging too much weight. But the pain didn’t go away. In fact, it slowly got worse over time.
As the months passed, I started connecting the dots: the pain wasn’t just about luggage. It was also from phone overuse, typing on the computer, and maybe even how I sleep. It all started to make sense—but figuring out how to fix it? That was a whole other journey.
Treatments I Tried & What Actually Helped
Red Light Therapy – My Game Changer
I cannot rave about this enough. I do red light therapy twice a week now, and it’s honestly the most effective treatment I’ve tried. The sessions not only reduce the pain in my wrists, but they also make me feel relaxed, improve my skin, boost my mood, and help me sleep better. It feels like my entire body benefits, not just my hands.
I use red light beds (LightStim) locally and also use a red light belt wrap at home for targeted sessions. I also splurged on the Omnilux Contour Glove, a professional-level device designed specifically for hands—and it’s incredible.
- Deep Wave Red Light Therapy – San Diego
7151 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA - Omnilux Glove: Shop here
- Red Light Belt Wrap: Shop here
Wrist Braces – My On-the-Go Support
Wearing wrist braces—especially at night—helped relieve a lot of my pain by preventing bad sleep positions and reducing wrist movement. I’ve tried several types:
- Basic Wrist Brace: Amazon link
- Splint-Stabilizing Brace with Straps: Amazon link
- WristWidget®: Great for TFCC injuries Amazon link
During the day, I often use a smaller, sleeker version that doesn’t feel bulky or look overly medical. These helped a lot, especially when typing or doing daily activities. I don’t love the look, but honestly—when the pain hits, vanity goes out the window.
Natural Remedies & Creams
- Voltaren Arthritis Gel: Effective for short-term relief. I used this often in the beginning but didn’t love how frequently I had to reapply. Amazon link
- Arnica Gel: Another natural anti-inflammatory that works for some soreness. Amazon link
I also tried a red herbal pomade from a Mexican holistic market at Kobey’s Swap Meet in San Diego. It was cooling and soothing—my mom loved it for her ankle pain—but it stained my hands red, which wasn’t ideal.
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
I tried several acupuncture clinics—including one in Hong Kong that blew me away. The combination of acupuncture and acupressure from a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor in Sai Wan, Hong Kong, gave me noticeable relief. She even showed me pressure points I still use today.
In San Diego:
- Hillcrest Community Acupuncture
- Vinh Hoa Hong TCM – Kearny Mesa
- Siu Hoi TCM – Hong Kong (Tracy S. Y. Liu)
A TCM doctor in San Diego gave me herbal supplements (15 pills, 2x a day!). I haven’t fully committed to trying them yet, but they’re still on my kitchen counter…
My Diet Shift: From Vegan to Meat-Eater
I was vegan for nearly two years—lots of fruits, veggies, and occasional eggs or fish. But I recently switched back to eating meat, and I noticed a major improvement in my energy and joint pain. I’m not a doctor, but I suspect the added collagen, iron, and nutrients from meat helped my body heal more efficiently.
Key Takeaways & My Advice
If you’re dealing with carpal tunnel or chronic wrist pain, here’s my biggest advice:
- Start with lifestyle changes: ergonomics, sleep position, and reducing screen time.
- Try multiple approaches: braces, red light, acupuncture, and nutrition all played a role for me.
- Track your pain: knowing when and why it hurts helps you make smarter treatment choices.
- Stay consistent: no solution works overnight—but over time, you will see improvements.
Treatment Locations
- Deep Wave Red Light Therapy – San Diego
- Hillcrest Community Acupuncture
- Vinh Hoa Hong Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Siu Hoi TCM (Tracy Liu) – Hong Kong
