Can MyoKinesthetic Treatments Help Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is the term for damage to nerves of the peripheral nervous system and most commonly affects the feet and hands. There are many ways that this type of damage may be caused such as injuries, infections or exposure to toxins. Diabetes is the leading cause of neuropathy in the United States with some 60-70% of people with diabetes experiencing neuropathy. Chemotherapy is also a common cause of neuropathy and there are now studies coming out showing that peripheral neuropathy can result as a side effect of having Covid-19. Some cases are idiopathic which means that there is no known cause.

Neuropathy may be associated with varying combinations of weakness, autonomic changes, and sensory changes. Loss of muscle bulk or twitching of muscle may be noticed. Common symptoms associated with damage to the sensory nerve include pain and loss of sensation. Common symptoms associated with damage to the motor nerve are muscle weakness, cramps, and spasms. Loss of balance and coordination may also occur. Damage to the sensory nerve can produce tingling, numbness, and pain. Pain associated with this nerve is described in various ways such as the following: sensation of wearing an invisible "glove" or "sock", burning, freezing, or electric-like, extreme sensitivity to touch.

MyoKinesthetic treatments can be very helpful in reducing the pain and increasing sensation in people with peripheral neuropathy. Of note, Duke University uses this technique to treat neuropathy in their Integrative Medicine department and has great success with it.

If this sounds like something you would like to try, please give me a call or schedule an appointment online! I have locations in Bellingham, Wa and Custer, Wa.