Don’t Let Peripheral Neuropathy Cripple your Lifestyle

Peripheral neuropathy affects the peripheral nerves in the hands and feet. The condition results in symptoms such as numbness, pain, and weakness. It leads to changes in sensation and can impact both movement and involuntary functions. Pain is the body’s best defense against hurt and injury. Without pain, it becomes next to impossible to detect injury and hurt especially in the absence of blood. This is what makes peripheral neuropathy a dangerous condition. The numbness caused due to peripheral neuropathy makes it difficult for a person to recognize an injury.

In addition to sensory nerves, peripheral neuropathy can cause autonomic and motor nerve damage. When motor nerves are damaged, it can lead to partial or total loss of muscle control which in turn impairs movement. Muscle atrophy or loss of muscle tissue is not uncommon in people with peripheral neuropathy and when this happens a person’s ability to perform certain tasks such as writing is affected. On the other hand autonomic nerve damage can impact important involuntary functions such as swallowing.

 

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?

 

There are several factors and causes of this condition. However, some of more common causes include the following;

  • Hereditary factors.
  • Chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment.
  • Infections such as HIV.
  • Exposure to toxins such as mercury and lead.
  • Certain types of prescription medications such as those used in controlling high cholesterol.
  • Excessive alcohol intake.

 

The condition is called idiopathic neuropathy in cases where a specific cause cannot be attributed to the disease.

 

Massage Therapy as an Alternative form of Relief from Peripheral Neuropathy

 

While the condition is mostly difficult to treat and cure given the fact that any kind of nerve damage cannot be completely reversed, certain forms of treatment and alternative medicine in particular can offer considerable relief to anyone with peripheral neuropathy.

 

At Sean’s Massage Center, professionals are trained in the art of reflexology, acupuncture and a variety of massage techniques each of which can effectively relieve pain and discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy. The benefits of massage therapy are multiple and for most patients of peripheral neuropathy the added relaxation that comes with a good massage can really help in dealing with the stress that the condition causes especially with respect to reduced motor functions.

 

Some of the benefits of massage therapy include:

  • Relief from pain.
  • Improved circulation to the area that is massaged.
  • Visible and tangible ease in tension and stiffness of the body’s muscles.
  • Relaxation of the mind and body.
  • Strengthening of the healing process as the body and mind are almost prepped for improved response to allopathic treatment.

 

If you or someone you know is suffering from peripheral neuropathy then contact Sean’s Massage Center for a customized massage therapy treatment for relief from pain caused by the condition. Professional massage therapy can effectively increase circulation to affected areas and to damaged nerves. With increased blood flow to damaged nerves, the pain, the numbness and the tingling or burning sensation can be alleviated to a large extent.

 

Visit our peripheral neuropathy page to learn more or to book an appointment today.