Physical Therapy for Diabetic Neuropathy

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Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication from diabetes, in which nerves are compromised as a result of high blood sugar levels. This condition may present itself in several different ways. Some of the symptoms may include tingling, burning and loss of sensation in your hands or feet. This is the result of nerve damage, also called peripheral neuropathy. Lowering blood glucose levels can help prevent and possibly reverse some of the effects of diabetic neuropathy. Physical therapy is an effective treatment that can help restore balance and sensation that has been lost.

Diabetic neuropathy can put a person in a very painful state, so the thought of physical therapy may not seem appealing since it consists of continuous movement. However, physical therapy will help you regain motions that you may have lost or improve your balance when walking. A personalized plan of care recommended by our therapists will first analyze what physical therapy is best for you. You will receive a progressive treatment plan throughout your time at our facility. The goal of treatment for diabetic neuropathy is maintaining and improving your range of motion, as well as strengthening your muscles. Simply learning how to stand from a sitting position without getting dizzy may be a part of your physical therapy treatment. Other exercises may include gait training and maneuvering over various surfaces to avoid tripping or falling and to improve overall balance when you go about your everyday activities. Regaining sensation in the hands and feet can also be treated with various exercises during physical therapy.

The goal of Physical Therapy is to improve your overall quality of life and alleviate you from the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Improved range of motion and balance will permit you to be more active and independent. Lowering your blood glucose levels will help you to avoid further complications. Muscles are able to burn glucose much more efficiently than fat, therefore physical therapy which includes resistance strength training can help you to achieve lower blood sugar levels. Please talk to your doctor as soon as possible if your hands or feet start to feel tingling or burning or if you begin to have problems walking or grasping items. The sooner we can treat you, the sooner that your condition can improve