Neuropathy is a term used to describe damage to the nerves of your peripheral nervous system. This can be caused by either injury to the nerve as a result of trauma, such as head or spinal cord trauma, or as a result of disease, such as multiple sclerosis or cancer. Neuropathy can present itself either as a numbness in your arms and legs, or as a tingling, pins and needles sensation that runs up and down your limbs. Neuropathy can be painful and debilitating, affecting your quality of life. Physical therapy treatment can be used to help treat some of the symptoms of neuropathy, and to help repair damaged nerves in order to regain function in your affected limbs.
TENS
Physical therapists will sometimes use a TENS unit in order to control neuropathy pain. TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and may be effective in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. A TENS unit consists of an electrical stimulation device that is attached to multiple electrodes. The electrodes are placed on the surface of your skin over the parts of your body that are experiencing neuropathy. Your physical therapist can control the amount of electrical current that runs through the electrodes and stimulated the nerves in your affected area to contract. Stimulating the nerves with an outside electrical source may help them heal, thereby lessening the effects of neuropathy.
Occupational Therapy
Peripheral neuropathy can disrupt many aspects of every day life. In many cases, you must re-learn how to perform every day tasks as a result of the damage to your nerves. Occupational therapy is a method used to help you return to every day tasks despite your neurological limitations. Occupational therapy involves teaching you to perform tasks such as brushing your teeth, combing your hair, and walking. Your physical therapist will prescribe a wide range of functional exercises that are specific to the task you are trying to perform.
Vibration Platforms
A vibration platform is a device used by physical therapists and other neurological specialists that stimulates the nerves in your peripheral nervous system to fire rapidly and can be an effective treatment of neuropathy pain. A vibration platform works by vibrating in very rapid, short intervals while you stand on its surface. The vibrations cause your nerves to fire in rapid succession in order to help you maintain balance while standing on the platform. Stimulating the damaged nerves in your affected area can help them heal more rapidly, and can also create new neurological connections which can help you regain function in your limbs.
Resistance Training
Resistance training is an effective technique used by physical therapists to reduce the effect of peripheral neuropathy as well as help you regain normal function in your affected area. When the nerves in your limbs have been damaged, the muscles that the nerves innervate may become weak and atrophy, or loose size and strength. As a result, you may experience pain and a loss of muscle function in that area. Resistance training stimulated your skeletal muscles through the use of bands, free weights, and exercise machines and will help rebuild weak or damaged muscle tissue. Since your skeletal muscles are simulated by the nerves of your peripheral nervous system, resistance training may help create new neuromuscular connections, thereby creating new nerve tissue.
References
- "Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques"; Carolyn Kisner and Lynn Colby; 2007
- "Introduction To Physical Therapy"; Michael A. Pagliarulo; 2011
