Does it happen that people get relief from carpal tunnel syndrome by massage therapy?

CTS: Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by swelling about the flexor tendons at the wrist. "tendon gliding excercises" have been shown to decrease tendinitis and pressure at the carpal canal and thereby improve the symptoms if carpal tunnel syndrome. Massage modalities may benefit in a similar way but studies are limited regarding this.

Sometimes: Carpal tunnel happens in individuals who are predisposed to having excessive pressure on their median nerves at the wrist by virtue of their wrist anatomy i.E smaller or larger carpal tunnel, sensitive nerve. On top of that predisposition, overuse of the wrist and specifically flexing/extension will bring on symptoms. While massage may presumably "loosen" up the tightness, the relief may be short.

Yes. You can get temporary relief of CTS with directed massage, as well as with acupuncture, electrotherapy and some types of physical therapy. The problem is the time for treatments and the costs, and many times the symptoms return. Medicines and surgery are also not very effective, and expensive.

Agree with my colleagues that massage is temporarily beneficial, as is "hand therapy". It seems that conservative measures are best used as long as possible, as surgery may not be as valuable as once thought in the past. Can follow changes via EMG testing.