From Discomfort to Freedom: Tailored Treatments for Nerve Pain
From paper cuts to headaches to broken bones, there are many types and severities of pain. One of the ways we can categorize pain is as nociceptive or neuropathic. When your tissue is damaged, such as a cut or bruise, you feel nociceptive pain in the area. The surrounding nerves transfer these pain signals to your brain, and you will most likely experience achy, dull, sharp, or throbbing pain.
Alternatively, if the damage occurs to your nerves themselves, it is neuropathic pain. Nerve pain may be described as “electric,” often with a stabbing or burning sensation. Nerve damage frequently involves other sensations like numbness and tingling. Though treatment will depend on the cause of your neuropathic pain, physical therapy is often a vital step to relieving nerve discomfort and healing damage.
What Causes Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain physical therapy can help alleviate pain caused by damage or injury to the nerves, including a pinched nerve. If you have a pinched nerve or other nerve condition, you may experience a range of symptoms, including tingling, numbness, burning, and shooting pains. Discomfort may be localized or occur in multiple areas of the body.
Several medical conditions can cause neuropathic pain, such as:
- Neuropathy
- Herniated discs
- Sciatica
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Nerve impingement (pinched nerve)
- Radiculopathy
How Can Physical Therapy Help Nerve Pain or a Pinched Nerve?
The first step to treating neuropathic pain is finding the cause. One of our physical therapists can help you identify potential causes, and physical therapy can be a highly effective way to treat or manage nerve pain. Our team will conduct a thorough evaluation and work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
PT treatments for neuropathic pain often include stretches and exercises to increase flexibility and strengthen muscles. In the case of nerve impingement, strengthening key muscles to correct movement and posture can take pressure off the pinched nerve. Your therapist may also utilize manual therapy or cupping therapy to reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Additionally, nerve mobilization techniques are also used to help decrease pain and restore normal nerve function.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Nerve Pain
Neuropathic pain can greatly impact your daily life and prevent you from certain activities or tasks. Left untreated, it can also worsen or result in permanent damage. That’s why it’s essential to consult a medical professional like Dr. Megan Mullin or a member of her team, and it’s best to seek care for nerve pain before it becomes too severe.
There are four primary benefits of PT for neuropathic pain:
- Alleviate pain. Physical therapy can help alleviate nerve pain by reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow, and promoting healing.
- Improve mobility. Nerve pain can restrict movement and make it difficult to perform daily activities. Physical therapy can also help improve mobility and range of motion, making it easier to perform daily tasks.
- Functional Improvement. Tailored exercises and techniques enhance nerve function, restoring mobility and functionality.
- Prevent future injury. By addressing the root cause of your nerve pain, physical therapy can also help prevent future injury and reoccurrence of your symptoms.
Take the Next Step
Interested in Physical Therapy (PT) for nerve pain? At Megan Mullin Physical Therapy, our mission is to help you optimize your health and fitness for strong, pain-free living. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment with a physical therapist in Woodstock, NY, or San Luis Obispo, CA. We also offer virtual appointments for some PT services.
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