Peripheral neuropathy is one of those unhappy companions that join some of us along our journey through this life, and there has, until recently, been only very little that could be done for it. Physical therapists with appropriate training can provide specialized treatment using dry needling. This type of therapy is uniquely able to improve nerve signaling and promote enhanced nerve regeneration, giving your nerves a chance they otherwise may not have for recovery.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Symptoms typically include numbness, burning, aching, and/or tingling sensations that begin at the toes. Over time, they gradually develop through the foot and into the lower leg in what is commonly described as a “stocking distribution”. Peripheral neuropathy is different from other nerve problems like sciatica or other “pinched nerves” as these conditions typically create a traceable nerve pain that begins further up the leg. In contrast, peripheral neuropathy starts at the toes and progresses upwards.
The treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends partially on the underlying cause. Reduced blood flow due to peripheral artery problems or diabetes are common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Still, neuropathy can develop from other less known or undetected conditions as well. The appropriate provider should treat the underlying causes of peripheral neuropathy to prevent the condition from worsening. However, regardless of the root cause, the result is the same: damage to the delicate small nerves in the periphery. Once this occurs, common treatment typically shifts to managing symptoms using medications such as gabapentin and conducting skin checks.
The discomfort from burning and tingling feet and lower legs can be maddening. Having numbness in your feet can be very bothersome and increases your risk of falling. The lack of sensation means you lose awareness of ground contours and a sense of where you are in space. As sensation lessens in the feet, the risk of injury increases. In advanced cases, it’s possible to step on a sharp object and not even know! Diminished or absent sensation can result in unnoticed injuries. If wounds go unattended, they can lead to infection and can even become life-threatening.
So, what can be done?
Hands-on treatments and exercises to try and drive greater blood flow and stimulate the nerves in the feet and lower legs in addition to balance and gait training are common in physical therapy practices to help the body compensate. These are excellent starting places, but there is a limited effect size inherent to massage and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and balance training is limited by the ability of the other balance systems in the body to compensate.
Dry needling for nerves
Novel treatment with dry needling along the peripheral nerve pathways paired with a particular frequency of electrical stimulation has been shown to:
improve the ability of the nerves to signal
improve blood flow along the nerve pathway as well as into the leg and foot itself
and it can be beneficial in aiding nerves undergoing natural repair processes
Essentially, dry needling provokes a host of your body’s natural responses necessary for healing and guides the body to the intended target. Nearly all physical therapy treatments are designed to work this way, even exercise, as they introduce a stimulus or stress to which the body must respond. The human body is tremendous at healing, but sometimes your systems need a nudge in the right direction.
This specific treatment for treating nerves requires specialty training to provide therapy competently and effectively. Fortunately, the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Precision Osteopractic are trained and ready to administer this type of therapy! If you or a loved one is dealing with peripheral neuropathy, schedule an evaluation today to determine if treatment with dry needling is right for you!
