Peripheral Neuropathy
Are you suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy? Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the peripheral nerves that travel to your arms and legs. When the nerves become damaged, they stop functioning in the way they are supposed to, which can cause issues. People who suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy tend to experience little-to-no sensation in their toes and fingers, which results in issues with function and movement in the affected body parts.
While there are several conditions that can cause Peripheral Neuropathy, the most common one is diabetes. In fact, according to the American Diabetes Association, “60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes will develop neuropathy within their lifetime.” Fortunately, Peripheral Neuropathy can be treated through our specialized physical therapy services at REHABILITY. For more information, contact our Freehold therapy office today.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral Neuropathy is a nerve disorder known to affect millions of people throughout the United States. It is a complication found in several different medical conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Diabetes
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Cancer and chemo/radiation treatments
- Metabolic disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Auto-immune diseases
- Kidney disorders
- Hereditary disorders
One of the most common symptoms of the conditions listed above is impaired circulation to peripheral blood vessels, particularly the smaller ones, which are known as “capillaries.” Without sufficient blood flow to nerve tissues, oxygen and nutrients cannot get into the tissues and the waste products of metabolism cannot get out. When functioning normally, nerve tissues receive nutrient-rich, highly-oxygenated blood through the capillaries. However, capillaries can easily get clogged when circulation is impaired. The peripheral nervous system eventually becomes distressed and damaged due to starvation and toxicity. In advanced cases of diabetic neuropathy, blood glucose can also damage the walls of these tiny blood vessels supplying nerves, especially those in the legs and feet.
How is Peripheral Neuropathy treated?
At REHABILITY, we specialize in a unique, integrated treatment approach to peripheral neuropathy methods and modalities for treating Peripheral Neuropathy. This will be decided based upon the discretion of our Freehold physical therapists after a physical examination, analysis of medical history, and the evaluation of your symptoms. While there unfortunately is no known cure for Peripheral Neuropathy, there are treatments that we can provide at REHABILITY in order to slow down the progression of nerve damage, maintain function in the affected areas, and decrease any pain you may be feeling. Some of the most common physical therapy treatments for Peripheral Neuropathy include:
- MicroVas Therapy: Also referred to as MicroVascular Therapy, is an electrical-based neuromodulator used to help stimulate blood flow, primarily in the extremities. This treatment is used to help patients experiencing neuropathy symptoms particularly in the feet and hands due to poor circulation and/or nerve damage, such as numbness, altered sensation tingling, burning, shooting pain and cramping most commonly.
- Manual Therapy: Medical massage and mobilization techniques geared to stimulate blood flow, lymphatic drainage and promote healing, while relaxing muscles and soft tissues affected by nerve dysfunction.
- Therapeutic conditioning to improve function, strength, balance and endurance for long-term relief. Contact REHABILITY today! If you are suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy, or you think you might be, Contact Us today to get started! We can help you take back control of your life by relieving your pain and helping to improve your function. Don’t continue to suffer in silence – We are ready to help you restore your quality of life so you can remain healthy, active and independent!
