For some, it's a constant buzzing in the feet that makes it feel like walking on fire. For others, it's weakness in the hands so severe that buttoning one's shirt becomes nearly impossible.

These are a few of the ways that peripheral neuropathies can impact patients' lives. Peripheral neuropathies are a group of disorders that affect the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, disrupting communication between these structures and the rest of the body. These conditions can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and pain, which often interfere with basic daily activities like walking, gripping objects, and/or maintaining balance.

Affecting up to 7% of people worldwide, peripheral neuropathies significantly reduce quality of life and pose challenges for effective treatment and rehabilitation. With a multitude of treatment options available for these conditions, many patients struggle to make the right decision. But a recently published study shows that one intervention consistently stands above others: physical therapy.

What happens when nerves misfire

Peripheral neuropathy isn't just one disease–it's a tangled web of many conditions with similar symptoms. It can develop from diabetes, injuries, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, and even certain medications (eg, chemotherapy). Although the specific process may differ in each of these conditions, they all damage certain peripheral nerves, causing symptoms that vary depending on which nerve is involved:

• When sensory nerves are affected–which control feelings like heat, cold, and touch–symptoms include pain, tingling, or numbness


• The motor nerves are responsible for muscle control; symptoms involving these nerves include weakness and muscle wasting


• Autonomic nerves communicate messages about automatic body functions like heart rate; when damaged, symptoms include dizziness, sweating issues, or digestive problems

Unfortunately, because nerves regenerate slowly–if at all–early intervention is critical. This is where physical therapy can be a game–changer.

A fresh look at rehabilitation for peripheral neuropathies

Just as there is a multitude of conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathies, there are also many treatments available that claim to alleviate symptoms. This can cause patients to feel overwhelmed and experience difficulty making treatment decisions, which is further complicated by guidelines that are often scattered or incomplete. With this in mind, researchers conducted a large study to analyze the massive pool of data on treatments for peripheral neuropathy to map how rehab is currently done and figure out what really works.

Instead of a standard review, researchers used a technique called a lexical analysis with graph theory. This involved analyzing the words and topics in over 300 research papers about peripheral neuropathies and rehabilitation, which helped them see which exercises and treatments frequently appeared together to reveal trends and gaps in knowledge. Here's a closer look at what they did and what they found:

• Data scope: over 300 papers discussing different types of neuropathies (like diabetic neuropathy, nerve injuries, and entrapment syndromes) and various rehab methods


• Interventions examined: exercise programs, physical agents like laser and ultrasound therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, vibration therapy, and the use of orthoses (braces/splints)


• Key takeaway: exercise and physical therapy stood out, as they were frequently used to manage various peripheral neuropathies and found to be effective for these conditions by improving muscle strength, endurance, balance, and sensory feedback, all of which are key for smoother movement and less pain


• Other effective tools: physical agents such as laser therapy and ultrasound showed positive effects on symptoms like pain and nerve function; neuromuscular electrical stimulation helped prevent muscle wasting


• Current challenge: rehabilitation protocols vary widely, and there's no one–size–fits–all formula yet; therefore, researchers stressed the need for personalized, targeted rehab plans that are based on a thorough clinical evaluation

Bringing physical therapy into the fold

Physical therapy is already at the forefront of treatment for peripheral neuropathies, and these findings back up what many therapists already know and practice:

• Tailored exercise programs aren't just “nice to have”–they're central for improving patient outcomes


• Incorporating physical agents like ultrasound or laser therapy can complement exercise, especially for pain relief


• Addressing the unique features of each patient's neuropathy–type, severity, and cause–is essential in crafting effective rehab plans

Simply put, physical therapy is a powerful tool to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Ready to take control of your nerve health?

If you or a loved one are struggling with numbness, weakness, or pain from peripheral neuropathy, don't wait. Our therapists design comprehensive rehab programs for each of our patients that blend expert assessment, customized exercises, and to get you back to living life on your terms. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.

Or if you're interested in digging further into the featured study, click here for the full text.