These carpal tunnel relief exercises for the wrist will reduce pressure inside the carpal tunnel space directly. That pressure is the underlying cause of carpal tunnel symptoms. 

As with all carpal tunnel exercises, start with range of motion maneuvers. For the right hand, interlace your fingers with your left hand. Then flex and extend the right wrist as far as possible – but not to the point of being painful. Then move the right wrist from side to side. Repeat this exercise once again. Then switch hands and repeat it for the left hand.

This exercise requires you make a loose fist with your right hand, and with the palm up. Then use the other hand to press down against the fist. 

This is a "flex resistance" exercise. Be gentle, but resist the force with the closed right hand for 5 seconds. Make sure you keep your wrist straight. Repeat this once again. Then switch hands and repeat the exercise for the other side.

The most common carpal tunnel exercise for the wrist requires you hold one hand straight up in front of you at shoulder height. Keep the fingers together and the palm facing outward (pretend you’re saying “STOP!”). 

With the other hand, bend the STOP hand backward with fingers still held together. Hold this for 5 seconds. Then spread the fingers and thumb of the STOP hand while it’s still bent backward. Hold this position for another 5 seconds. Repeat this exercises once again, then switch hands.

The final carpal tunnel wrist exercise requires you hold ONLY your index and middle fingers up while you close the other fingers. 

While holding your hand steady and halfway extended in front of you, draw 5 clockwise circles in the air with two fingertips. However, only rotate your wrist while keeping it in the same place in the air in front of you. Similarly draw 5 more circles in the counterclockwise direction. Then repeat this carpal tunnel exercise with the other hand.

One of the best carpal tunnel exercises for the fingers and hand is to clench the fingers of both hands into a tight fist. 

Release the fingers while fanning them out. Do all this in slow motion. Repeat this process 2 times.

Don’t forget to exercise the thumb. It's usually the finger most affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Effective carpal tunnel exercises for the thumb involve folding the thumb against the palm of that hand - just beneath the little finger. 

Hold it there for 5 seconds. Then spread all fingers apart. Now hold that position for another 5 seconds. Repeat this exercise with the other hand.

Another easy and effective carpal tunnel exercise for the thumb is to gently pull it out and back. 

Hold the thumb in this position for 5 seconds and relax. Do this 5 times. Repeat this exercise with the other hand. 

Do not force this exercise! Also, you may hear or feel cracking or popping at the joint. This is normal.

It’s essential to exercise the forearm which contains all of the hand’s flexor tendons. These are the tendons which cause carpal tunnel syndrome when they become restricted.

An effective exercise for the forearm is to put both hands together in front of your chest with fingers pointing upward. This is the “prayer position”. Keep both palms flat together and then raise both elbows to stretch out the forearm muscles. 

Stretch them for 10 seconds. Then drop your hands. With both hands limp at your sides, gently shake both hands out for a few seconds to loosen them up. Repeat these relief exercises regularly when arms and hands get tired from over-activity.

It’s helpful to perform carpal tunnel relief exercises to loosen neck and shoulder joints. That's because they contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome indirectly.

Sit upright and put your right hand on top of your left shoulder. Hold that shoulder down and slowly tip your head down toward the right side. Keep facing forward or turned slightly to the right side if possible. 

Gently hold this stretch for 5 seconds. Repeat this exercise on the opposite side.

The final exercise will also greatly help relieve carpal tunnel symptoms. This exercise helps loosen tissues in the neck and shoulders. And this area contributes to getting carpal tunnel syndrome.

Stand in a relaxed position with both arms at your side. Shrug both shoulders up and then squeeze both shoulders backward, in an exaggerated "at attention" position. Then stretch both shoulders downward, and then press them forward. 

You’re essentially making circular motions with each shoulder. Do this this carpal tunnel exercise for 5 complete rotations.