Chemo-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Physical Therapy For Treatment

By Cheryl Guarna, PT, MPT, CLT

Oncology Rehab and Wellness Resources, LLC

. http://oncrehabandwellness.com/

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Chemo-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Physical Therapy For Treatment

Chemotherapy is a powerful and effective treatment for cancer, but it is not without its risks and side effects.  One side effect of chemotherapy is a condition known as chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).  It is a painful numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.  The sufferer can also experience muscle weakness and balance problems.  Once the diagnosis of CIPN is made by a medical professional, treatment may include medical management, acupuncture, massage, manual lymph drainage, and physical rehabilitation.

CIPN can appear as early as after the first dose of chemotherapy and may subside within weeks or months. Symptoms can include pain and numbness in the hands and/or feet and can progress to muscle weakness in arms or legs.

For a majority of people, symptoms will resolve slowly over time. If symptoms interfere with your daily life or impair your ability to walk, your doctor may refer you to a rehabilitation specialist who can help. A physical therapist will assess your balance, walking, and overall symptoms and will develop a program to help manage these symptoms through exercises. Aerobic conditioning helps improve circulation and nerve regrowth. It also helps address any de-conditioning that is the result of lack of exercise due to the pain and numbness. Strength exercises can improve your ability to walk and function.

Your therapist will assist you in improving your balance on a neurological level with exercises that will challenge your static and dynamic balance.  Your therapist will assist you in improving your walking through gait training over level and uneven surfaces, up and down ramps and stairs, and in the community environment. If indicated, a PT can advise on the use of a cane or walker or by prescribing an orthotic.

Other strategies for relieving CIPN symptoms include using rubber gloves when washing dishes to protect hands that have lost sensation. Prevent injuries and avoid things that seem to make your symptoms worse, such as touching hot or cold items with your bare hands and feet, or wearing clothes or shoes that are too snug. If you have CIPN in your hands, be very careful when using knives, scissors, box cutters, and other sharp objects. Use them only when you can give your full attention to your task.

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms mentioned in this article, please follow up with your doctor. They will be able to suggest ways to make you feel better and function better.