4 Physiotherapy Exercises For Peripheral Neuropathy

Key Takeaways

Physiotherapy is a recognized therapy intervention for people with peripheral neuropathy.
It improves ankle and foot function, muscle strength, postural stability, walking speed, range of motion, and neuropathic symptoms.
Four exercises for neuropathy relief include ankle pumps, towel curls, calf raises, and back, side and front leg raises.

Peripheral neuropathy is a chronic condition that occurs when the nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. This condition often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet.

What you need to know:

How can physiotherapy help with peripheral neuropathy?
Try these 4 exercises for peripheral neuropathy relief

How can physiotherapy help with peripheral neuropathy?

Physiotherapy has shown promising results in dealing with peripheral neuropathy. Strength and endurance training positively impacts muscle strength, balance, and function. Physiotherapy interventions can lead to a reduction in symptoms associated with pain and numbness, thus improving the overall quality of life. Physiotherapy and strategic therapies can help maintain and improve muscle strength and range of motion. It can further prevent deformity and shortening of muscles, improve balance and coordination, and help with pain management.

Try these 4 exercises for peripheral neuropathy relief

Exercise and physiotherapy for peripheral neuropathy have been shown to improve ankle and foot function, muscle strength, postural stability and balance, walking speed, range of motion, and neuropathic symptoms. Here are 4 exercises to include in your physiotherapy for peripheral neuropathy:

Ankle pumps

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Ankle pumps are simple exercises to improve foot function. Lie down flat on your back with your legs stretched out. With your heel touching the ground, extend the ankle out. Hold it for 5 seconds and repeat 5 times. Then pull your ankle back and in to contract it. The next position is pulling the ankle and extending it to the side. Hold each position to a count of 5 and do five repetitions for each position.

Towel curls

Towel curls are simple strength improvement exercises that require a chair, a towel, and some lightweight like a shoe or a book. Sit upright on the chair and spread the towel on the ground in front of you. Place your feet on one end of the towel and place the weight (shoe or book) on the opposite end of the towel. Plant your heels firmly and curl your toes to pull the towel in. The weight acts as a resistance that improves the strength in your feet and legs. Repeat 5 times.

Calf raises

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Stand straight in an upright position with your hands by your side. Lift your heels to contract your calves. Hold the position for 5 seconds. You’ll feel a nice stretch in the calves’ muscles when you return to the neutral position. Repeat 5 times.

Leg raises

Leg raises are effective strength and endurance training for the lower body, especially the legs. Stand upright with a chair or wall in front of you for support.

Back
Gently raise your leg behind the body. Make sure your knees are in an erect position. You’ll feel a nice stretch in your hamstrings and a contraction in your glutes and lower back muscles. Repeat 5 times for each leg.
Sides
With support from the chair or the wall, extend your leg to the side and raise it comfortably as much as possible. You’ll feel a stretch in your glutes and the side of the thigh muscles. Repeat 5 times for each leg.
Front
Raise your leg in front of your body with an erect knee, like kicking a football ahead. You will experience a stretch in the calf, hamstring, and groin muscles and contraction in the quadriceps muscle. Repeat 5 times for each leg.

Physiotherapy for peripheral neuropathy is an effective way for you to overcome the limitations of pharmacological treatments in relieving pain without serious adverse effects.

Summary

Peripheral neuropathy damages nerves, causing weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet. Physiotherapy, with exercises like ankle pumps, towel curls, calf raises, and leg raises, improves strength, balance, and mobility while reducing symptoms.

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