Can neuropathy be reversed? Here's what physical therapy can do

Neuropathy happens when nerves are damaged or malfunction. These nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system, which sends information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Damage to these nerves can disrupt communication. It can feel like burning, tingling or numbness in your hands, feet or other areas. An estimated 20 million Americans are affected by neuropathy.

Neuropathy is classified based on the location and the nerves affected. The main types of neuropathy include:

• Peripheral neuropathy — A type of neuropathy that usually affects the hands and feet, and can cause pain, numbness and muscle weakness

• Autonomic neuropathy — Neuropathy that affects involuntary bodily functions like digestion, heart rate and bladder control

• Proximal neuropathy — A rare form of neuropathy that usually affects the hips, thighs or buttocks, causing sudden pain and muscle weakness

• Focal neuropathy — Neuropathy that targets a specific nerve or groups of nerves, often causing sudden weakness or pain, like in the wrist or eye muscles

Neuropathy symptoms can vary depending on the type and the nerves affected. Common symptoms include:

• Sharp, stabbing or burning pain

• Numbness and tingling

• Weakness

• Sensitivity to touch

• Balance and coordination difficulty

• Muscle cramps

• Digestive issues

• Lightheadedness, fainting or dizziness

• Bladder problems

Can neuropathy be reversed?

Whether neuropathy can be reversed depends on the underlying cause and the extent of the nerve damage. In some cases, addressing the underlying cause can lead to improvement and stabilization of the condition. For example:

• Diabetes — Strict blood sugar control can help slow or halt further nerve damage.

• Vitamin deficiencies — Taking supplements can help reverse neuropathy caused by vitamin deficiencies.

• Infections — Sometimes, nerve recovery is possible by treating the infection. 

• Medications or toxins — Discontinuing the offending medication or avoiding the toxin can help. 

However, in many cases, nerve damage is permanent. In these cases, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing further deterioration. 

Key benefits of physical therapy for neuropathy pain 

Physical therapy plays a vital role in managing neuropathy pain and improving the quality of life of those affected. The key benefits of physical therapy include:

• Reduced pain

• Improved function

• Increased independence

• Boosted circulation

• Reduced risk of falls

• Prevention of further damage

Physical therapy can help improve a person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being on their journey coping with neuropathy pain. 

Physical therapy techniques for neuropathy pain

Physical therapists use a wide range of hands-on and movement-based techniques intended to help relieve neuropathy pain. Techniques your physical therapist may incorporate in your personalized treatment plan include:

• Aquatic therapy — Aquatic therapy involves doing exercises and therapeutic activities in a warm water pool. The buoyancy of water reduces the effects of gravity, making it easier for you to move and exercise with less stress on weight-bearing joints and muscles. This can be beneficial if you are experiencing weakness, pain or impaired balance with your neuropathy. Aquatic therapy allows for a wide range of exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination in a safe and supportive environment. 

• Soft tissue mobilization — Neuropathy can contribute to or be accompanied by soft tissue dysfunction, such as muscle tension, trigger points and fascial restrictions, which can exacerbate pain and limit movement. Your physical therapist may use soft tissue mobilization techniques to help release these restrictions, reduce muscle tone, break down adhesions and boost circulation to the affected tissue. Soft tissue mobilization can result in lowered pain, improved flexibility and restored normal movement patterns. 

• Joint mobilization — Neuropathy can indirectly affect joint movement and function. Joint mobilization involves your physical therapist using skilled, passive movements on joints experiencing stiffness or abnormal joint loading due to muscle weakness or altered walking patterns. This technique helps address these issues by restoring proper joint alignment, increasing joint mobility and reducing pain and stiffness. 

• Flexibility exercises — Neuropathy can lead to muscle stiffness, tightness and decreased range of motion, which can contribute to pain and functional limitations. Flexibility exercises, or stretches, can help counteract these effects by lengthening muscles, improving tissue extensibility and increasing joint mobility. Improved flexibility can reduce pain, make movement easier and improve overall function, making daily activities less challenging.

• Balance training — Balance training involves your physical therapist guiding you through exercises and activities designed to improve stability, coordination and the ability to hold your center of gravity. Neuropathy can affect sensory input from your feet and legs, which can affect your balance and increase your risk of falling. Balance training helps to challenge and improve the various body systems involved with keeping your balance, including the vestibular system, proprioception and vision. By improving your balance, these exercises can help reduce your risk of falling and increase your overall stability and coordination. 

Neuropathy pain can be frustrating and disruptive, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Understanding the type of neuropathy you have, recognizing the symptoms and working with a physical therapist can make a big difference. While not every case is reversible, consistent physical therapy can help improve your comfort, mobility and quality of life. Don’t wait to find relief. Early treatment and the right support can help you move again with confidence. 

Take charge of your neuropathy with personalized care from KC Rehab

At KC Rehab, we specialize in helping people manage and reduce their neuropathy pain through personalized, evidence-based care. Our team of experienced therapists creates customized treatment plans that focus on your specific type of neuropathy, lifestyle and recovery goals. We believe that healing isn’t just physical, it’s also emotional. That’s why our approach is rooted in comprehensive and compassionate care, treating you as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. Our goal is to help you regain strength, restore function and improve your quality of life.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.