Exercise
Why is exercise important?
- Exercise has been shown to be a very effective way to prevent progressive degeneration of peripheral nerves
- In some cases, exercise has even improved the functioning of the peripheral nerves and been shown to increase nerve conduction velocity
- So far, exercise is the only scientifically proven way to reduce neuropathic pain and numbness without taking medication — and it can often help in addition to medication
Our Members Suggest
- Regular low-impact exercise like walking or swimming can help stay active while still not aggravating your Peripheral Neuropathy — aerobic exercise like this can also benefit your overall health
- Strength-stability exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, or Yoga can help improve muscle strength and balance, two things that Peripheral Neuropathy can often negatively impact
- If standing is too difficult, chair versions of these exercise forms are popular on YouTube
- Often, Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy can help you find a personalized set of exercises that work for your specific condition — it can also help to have someone monitor you when you are starting out, just to make sure you don’t aggravate your condition
Articles
If you want to learn more, click on the links below that we used to get our information.
- Benefits of exercise intervention in reducing neuropathic pain
- Exercise + Physical Therapy for Neuropathy
- What you should know about neuropathic pain
- 4 great exercises for neuropathy
- Nerve glides/nerve flossing as part of your physical therapy
- Physical therapy for PN: using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Webinars/Videos
Watch webinars and presentations about exercise and physical therapy.
- Physical therapists demonstrate exercises for PN sufferers
- Physical Therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck discuss Peripheral Neuropathy (5:11 is relevant)
- Tai chi, qigong, and sound healing
- PN relief for hands (Ask Doctor Jo)
- PN relief in the feet/legs (Ask Doctor Jo)
- Leg/foot pain home remedies (Michigan Foot Doctors)
Stories
Read personal stories about how exercise has benefited people.
Podcasts
Here are some useful presentations and podcasts we have come across.
These are resources we’ve compiled from our members. We hope you can learn something from them. Keep in mind that this is mostly anecdotal information on what has and has not worked for our members. You should always defer to your doctors for medical advice.
– The Peripheral Neuropathy Support Network