Neuropathic Dysfunction Treatment in BC
The symptoms of neuropathic dysfunction, including those resulting from denervation supersensitivity, can vary based on the location and severity of nerve sensitivity.
Common symptoms include:
– Burning, Shooting, or Stabbing Pain: Patients may experience sharp, intense pain, often described as burning or shooting.
– Numbness and Tingling: A sensation of “pins and needles” or numbness in the affected area.
– Hypersensitivity: Areas affected by denervation supersensitivity may respond excessively to normal stimuli, leading to discomfort or pain.
– Weakness: Muscle weakness or coordination issues if motor nerves are involved.
IMS, also known as dry needling, involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points within the muscle, particularly those that have become tight or dysfunctional due to nerve irritation or injury. This technique offers several benefits:
– Deactivation of Trigger Points: IMS targets myofascial trigger points that develop as a result of neuropathic dysfunction. By stimulating these points, IMS can help release muscle tension, reduce pain, and restore normal muscle function.
– Nerve Stimulation: The needles used in IMS can stimulate the nerves, helping to reset abnormal nerve function. This can reduce the hypersensitivity and pain associated with neuropathic dysfunction, particularly in cases of denervation supersensitivity.
– Improved Blood Flow: The needling process promotes local blood flow, which can help in the healing of irritated or inflamed nerves and muscle tissues, thereby reducing pain and improving function.
– Neuromodulation: IMS can help modulate the nervous system, reducing the intensity of pain signals and helping to restore normal nerve function. This is particularly important in cases where the nervous system has become overly sensitized.
In addition to IMS, a variety of physical therapy techniques can be employed to address neuropathic dysfunction:
– Manual Therapy: Techniques such as myofascial release, joint mobilization, and soft tissue massage can help alleviate muscle tightness, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain. Manual therapy can also assist in normalizing the nervous system’s response to stimuli, reducing the sensitivity associated with neuropathic dysfunction.
– Therapeutic Exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises are crucial in managing neuropathic dysfunction. These exercises help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance, which can alleviate pressure on nerves and reduce pain. They also play a role in improving motor function and reducing the risk of further injury.
– Nerve Mobilization: Specific exercises and techniques designed to mobilize and stretch nerves can help improve nerve function and reduce symptoms of neuropathic pain. Nerve mobilization can decrease tension on the nerves, improve their gliding through tissues, and reduce the sensitivity associated with neuropathic dysfunction.
– Electrotherapy: Techniques such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or ultrasound therapy can be used to modulate pain and promote healing. TENS, for example, helps disrupt pain signals, providing relief from neuropathic pain.
