my dad had it done.  he does not wear a brace.  I believe he waited 4-6 weeks or something like that.
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I had it done twice on the right hand and just recently on the left (I'm right handed). I cannot stress enough that if it's your bowling hand requiring the CT Release give it PLENTY OF TIME TO HEAL! I have suffered chronic pain and weakness in my wrist and hand ever since my first surgery TWENTY YEARS AGO which might have been in part to bowling too soon. I have to wear a support device or my wrist is like a wet noodle.

This is not a surgery without possible complications. It's not at all unusual to suffer permanent weakeness to some degree (they are cutting a ligament for pete's sake!). My advice is to make sure your surgeon has plenty of experience and post surgically do the recommended exercises, build that strength up slowly and then start bowling with a ball that is 2 to 3 pounds lighter (I used a 12 pounder).

Typically you should be able to bowl within a couple months or sooner depending on the advice of you Doctor. TAKE YOUR TIME.......I guarantee you-you do NOT want my wrist (although I've learned to overcome most of the pain and limitations).

Here's a forum that might answer more of your questions: http://www.handhealth.info/index.php?a=forum&f=5

BEST OF LUCK!

Edited on 3/12/2007 12:18 PM

I thought they cut a bridge in there where the ligaments passed thru? This is what it was explained to me as...but I don't remember what the bridge was made out of.....

Sawbones can you comment on this.....
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Ten pin??? Where?? I throw a BUZZSAW there is NUTTIN left on the deck...

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Member of the FOS, if there happens to be a 9 pin standing just toss a saw and cut it down~~!

About 20 years ago, I was bowling alot, with an aggressive, cupped wrist delivery, that and my occupation at the time (auto mechanic) gave me the classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness in fingers, hand "falling asleep" at night etc. I was all set to go thru with the surgery when I was told that there would likely be a permanent loss of some grip strength.
Hearing that made me investigate other options. I changed my delivery to a firm wrist with a support (not cupped) and wore a splint at night.
After a while, the symptoms subsided, and I am ok to this point.
My suggestion to you is to work with your doctor(s) and make sure you have tried/covered all non-surgical options first.
Joe

Edited on 4/8/2007 7:43 PM

Edited on 4/8/2007 7:44 PM

I had carpel surgery on BOTH wrists about 5 or so years ago and everything went great and still have no issues at all.. If I remember correctly, I was out of bowling for about 4 months while it totally healed..

NO reason to live with the pain, just have the surgery.. the procedure hurts alot (at least mine did) but its worth it all in the end.. I am very glad I had it done.. Also, make sure to pick a very good surgeon if you can. I had a great doctor that had a 80-85% success raate for this type of surgery.. If you have carpel tunnel, most of the time, surgery is the ONLY way of relieving the pain. I had zero luck with all the therapy and such they tried before surgery.

You do not have to wear a wrist brace, just make sure your wrist is totally healed before you try it. DO NOT rush back..
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I think the great slump of 2006-2007 is finally coming to an end!!





Edited on 4/9/2007 11:05 AM