If you have been diagnosed with neuropathy, you may be wondering what your treatment options are. One option that you may want to consider is physical therapy. Physical therapy can help improve your symptoms and quality of life. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of physical therapy for neuropathy and what you can expect from treatment.
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What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves. The most common type of neuropathy is diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. Neuropathy can also be caused by other conditions, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and shingles.
Some of the common symptoms of neuropathy include numbness, tingling, and pain. Neuropathy can make it difficult to do everyday activities such as walking, cooking, and brushing your teeth. Neuropathy is a serious condition that can lead to amputation, so it is important to see a doctor if you think you may have neuropathy.
There is no cure for neuropathy, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms.
General Principles Of Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best course of treatment for neuropathy will vary depending on the underlying cause of the condition. However, there are some general principles of treatment that can be applied in most cases.
Identify
The first step in treating neuropathy is to identify the underlying cause of the condition. This can be difficult, as there are many potential causes of neuropathy, and some causes may not be obvious. In some cases, a thorough medical history and physical exam will be enough to identify the cause. In other cases, additional testing may be necessary.
Treat the underlying cause
Once the underlying cause of neuropathy has been identified, treatment should focus on addressing that cause. In some cases, such as when neuropathy is caused by diabetes, this will involve treating the underlying condition. In other cases, such as when neuropathy is caused by an injury, treatment may focus on relieving pain and restoring function.
Manage symptoms
Even when the underlying cause of neuropathy cannot be treated, symptoms can often be managed. This may involve medications to relieve pain, physical therapy to improve mobility, and lifestyle changes to help manage stress and promote overall health.
How To Treat Neuropathy?
The following are some specific treatments that may be used for neuropathy:
Medications
Medications can be used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help prevent further damage. Commonly used medications include over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as well as prescription drugs such as opioids and anticonvulsants.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can help to improve the range of motion, reduce pain, and prevent further damage. It may involve exercises, massage, and the use of heat or cold therapy.
Lifestyle changes
Making certain lifestyle changes can help to manage symptoms and promote overall health. These changes may include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat neuropathy. This is typically only done when other treatments have failed and when the condition is causing significant pain or disability.
Complementary and alternative therapies
Some people with neuropathy find relief with complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, and massage. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of these therapies.
Is Physical Therapy The Best Option To Treat Neuropathy?
When it comes to neuropathy, there are a variety of treatment options available. But is physical therapy the best option? The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of your neuropathy and your overall health.
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for neuropathy, but it’s not right for everyone. If you’re considering physical therapy for neuropathy, it’s important to talk to your doctor about all of your options and whether or not it’s right for you.
How Long Will It Take To Get Rid Of Neuropathy?
How long it will take to see results from physical therapy for neuropathy will vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual. In general, however, most people will see some improvement after a few weeks of treatment.
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can be a debilitating condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Neuropathy is often caused by diabetes, but it can also be caused by other conditions such as chemotherapy, alcoholism, or even vitamin B12 deficiency. While there is no cure for neuropathy, there are treatments available that can help improve symptoms and quality of life.
One treatment option that is often recommended for neuropathy is physical therapy. Physical therapy for neuropathy can help to relieve pain, increase the range of motion, and improve circulation. This therapy can also help to prevent further nerve damage.
If you are considering physical therapy for neuropathy, be sure to talk to your doctor about what to expect and how long it may take to see results.
Things To Do Along With Physical Therapy To Speed Up The Process
There are activities you can do to speed up the recovery. If you do these in combination with your physical therapy, you are bound to get back in the game in no time.
Focus On Posture
A lot of times, when people have neuropathy, their posture changes. This is because they are trying to avoid putting pressure on the affected area. But, this can lead to more problems down the road. So, focus on your posture and make sure you are standing and sitting up straight.
Get Plenty Of Rest
When you are injured, your body needs time to heal. So, make sure you are getting plenty of rest. This doesn’t mean that you have to stay in bed all day. But, you should avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of sleep at night.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone. But, it is especially important if you are trying to recover from an injury. Eating a healthy diet helps to ensure that your body has all of the nutrients it needs to heal. Foods that are high in antioxidants, like berries, can help to reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, can also help to reduce inflammation.
Manage Your Stress
Stress can delay the healing pocess. So, it is important that you find ways to manage your stress. Some ways to do this include yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into the skin. It has been shown to be effective in treating various conditions, including neuropathy.
Follow Your Physical Therapy Plan
Your physical therapist will give you the plan to follow. It is important that you stick to this plan. If you don’t, you could delay your recovery.
These are just a few of the things you can do to speed up your recovery from neuropathy. If you focus on these things, you will be back to your old self in no time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, physical therapy for neuropathy can be an effective treatment option for those suffering from this debilitating condition. While there is no cure for neuropathy, physical therapy can help to improve symptoms and quality of life. If you are considering physical therapy for neuropathy, be sure to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if it is the right treatment option for you.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
