Neuropathy

There are numerous types of neuropathy. Sensory neuropathy affects not only your ability to feel touch or how you experience pain, but it also damages the balance sensors in your feet and ankles. This leads to unsteadiness and possibly a sense of dizziness when standing and walking. For some people, the neuropathy only affects the feet and lower legs, but for others if affects the hands too. Motor neuropathy causes weakness of the affected muscles. Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) is a specific type of neuropathy. In this condition, it is critical that the therapy provider has expertise in caring for people with progressive neuropathy. Certain muscles and joints need to be protected and rested, while other muscles need to be strengthened to offer support to the affected areas. Exercise prescription is done very differently, ensuring energy efficiency and protection from overuse weakness and stress. For all types of neuropathy, testing is performed with you on your first visit, to determine your exercise and adaptive needs. Bracing and assistive devices can be considered to make your day easier to navigate. The frequency of clinic visits is determined together with you, considering tolerance to activity, current schedules, travel distance to the clinic, and symptom types. This can range from twice weekly to once monthly. Duration of therapy can be weeks to months, depending on the severity of your condition. Many people with neuropathy continue with semiannual wellness check ups upon the completion of their therapy program. This offers you the ability to have your status professionally monitored for any changes to sensation, strength, flexibility, balance, and walking pattern. Your home exercise routine is then adjusted as needed.