Diabetic Neuropathy Physical Therapy Treatment

Diabetic neuropathy manifests itself in different ways. Tingling, burning and loss of sensation in your hands or feet are the result of nerve damage, also called peripheral neuropathy. There is a strong correlation between high blood sugar levels and diabetic neuropathy. Lowering blood glucose levels can help prevent and possibly reverse some symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Physical therapy is another treatment that can help restore balance and sensation that you may have lost.

Physical Therapy

• Diabetic neuropathy is a painful condition, so the thought of physical therapy may not seem appealing, as it involves movement. However, physical therapy will help you regain motions that you may have lost or improve your balance when walking. A personalized course of treatment will first analyze what physical therapy is best for you. This may include the use of braces and splints as well as exercise machines. Then, you will receive a progressive treatment plan.
  Treatments will focus on maintaining and improving your range of motion, as well as strengthening your muscles. For example, something as simple as learning how to stand without getting dizzy may be a part of diabetic neuropathy physical therapy. You will also learn how to maneuver over different surfaces to avoid tripping and falling when you go about your everyday activities. Improving your balance, which may have worsened with neuropathy, will also be included in your physical therapy.
  Splints and braces may also be included as part of your physical therapy. Using wrist splints can help you to learn and use proper techniques when picking up or grabbing objects. Your physical therapist may wish to fit you with a back brace to enhance correct posture to help combat pain caused by nerve damage.

Improving Quality of Life

• One of the main goals of physical therapy is to improve your quality of life, alleviating the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Improved range of motion and balance will permit you to be more active and independent. The sooner you seek physical therapy, the more likely it is that your condition will improve. Therefore, talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you start to feel tingling or burning in your hands or feet or develop problems walking and grasping objects. Lowering your blood glucose levels will help you to avoid further complications. Since muscles burn glucose much more efficiently than fat, physical therapy that includes resistance strength training can help you achieve lower blood sugars.