The chronic side effects of peripheral neuropathy can be debilitating. It results from nerve damage, and many people experience sharp pains, poor coordination, and muscle weakness. If you’re dealing with this condition, here's what you should know about the importance of physical therapy in managing the symptoms.

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

Every case of neuropathy is different. They’re all related, however, in that they involve the peripheral nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. These transmit information from parts of the body to the brain, such as hot, cold, pain, and texture.

Nerve damage is often caused by injury, though many other factors contribute. Peripheral neuropathy is a side effect of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, bacterial infections, diabetes, and kidney disease. Some people develop it from alcoholism and medication, while others get it as part of hereditary conditions.

What Are the Different Types?

There are over 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, and they’re often broken down into four categories. Motor neuropathy involves damage to nerves that control muscles. This ranges from those you use to talk to the ones used while walking. Sensory neuropathy impacts nerves that sense touch or temperature. The autonomic type affects autonomous nerves that control breathing and heartbeat, and some people have combinations of two to three neuropathies.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy focuses on helping people manage peripheral neuropathy symptoms, and when possible, prevent them. Stretching and strength-building are integral to pain management. 

Loosening muscles prevents tension-related pain, so the physical therapy team will create a custom stretching plan to use at home. Strength-building with bodyweight exercises like squats also helps by making muscles more injury-resistant.

These exercises also help with motor skills and balance because the resulting strength and flexibility allow the body to better support itself. Along with these routines, the physical therapist will teach balance exercises—like standing on one leg—and encourage aerobic workouts like swimming or walking. Some of these you’ll do in the office on a treadmill, while holding light weights, and using resistance bands. Others, like bodyweight exercises and light cardio, you can do at home.

If you’re dealing with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, contact Sunnyvale Physical Therapy in Forest Hills, NY. This practice creates custom exercise programs for patients to help them reach their goals and alleviate discomfort. They'll help you manage your peripheral neuropathy by guiding you through routines to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. Learn more about their treatments online, or call (718) 275-4700 to schedule an appointment.