Retain or Regain Your Independence

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy – is nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system which affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord to a one nerve or multiple nerves is a complication found in a number of different underlying conditions. These are also known as nerve pain, peripheral neuropathy or polyneuropathy. Sometimes the underlying cause cannot be determined and it is called idiopathic neuropathy.

The pain is usually described as being a tingling or burning sensation or a loss of sensation.

What Can Cause Neuropathy

The most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes. Other causes could be infection, physical trauma, and metabolic problems.

Physical Therapy Can Aid in the Improvement of Functionality in Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy

When encountering functional difficulties, quality of life can often be improved by physical therapy. A physical therapist will obtain a complete history to understand the person being treated and develop a plan to include measure, treat, and reassess the patient’s baseline functional levels.

Physical Therapy may utilize different approaches by using equipment, to attack the problem to help resolve the functional deficit, or work indirectly to circumvent the underlying problem. Therapy can use other methods such as electric stimulation, ultrasound and therapeutic/functional exercise to help make progress. Each patient can react differently to treatment; however with careful progress over time treatment will prove to be successful.

All patients have an opportunity to improve their functional deficit by working with a physical therapist. However, there are no guarantees that all patients can achieve their desired functional level. You need to make every effort to help yourself by opening every door and getting the best possible therapy program.

We offer free screenings. Please call the office to schedule a 15 minute appointment to see if physical therapy can help you.