Understanding Numbness + Tingling and How Attain Physical Therapy Can Help

What is Numbness + Tingling?

Numbness and tingling are sensations that can occur in any part of the body but are most commonly felt in the fingers, hands, feet, arms, or legs. These sensations can range from a mild annoyance to a severe disruption of daily activities. Numbness is a loss of sensation, while tingling is often described as a "pins and needles" feeling. Understanding the specific cause of your numbness and tingling is crucial for effective treatment.

Symptoms and Causes of Numbness and Tingling

Numbness and tingling can manifest through a variety of symptoms, including:

• Loss of Sensation: Affected areas may feel numb or have reduced sensitivity to touch.
• Pins and Needles: A tingling sensation, often described as "pins and needles," may be felt in the affected area.
• Weakness: Muscle weakness in the affected area can accompany numbness and tingling.
• Burning Sensation: Some people may experience a burning sensation along with tingling.
• Pain: Pain can sometimes accompany numbness and tingling, especially if the underlying cause is nerve-related.

The causes of numbness and tingling are varied and can include:

• Nerve Compression: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, and herniated discs can compress nerves, leading to numbness and tingling.
• Poor Circulation: Reduced blood flow to certain areas can cause these sensations, often seen in conditions like peripheral artery disease.
• Neuropathy: Nerve damage, often due to diabetes, can cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to numbness and tingling.
• Injuries: Trauma or injury to nerves can result in these sensations.
• Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of certain vitamins, such as B12, can lead to nerve damage and numbness.
• Infections: Some infections, including Lyme disease and shingles, can affect nerves and cause numbness and tingling.
• Chronic Conditions: Conditions like multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia can also cause these symptoms.

How Physical Therapy Helps with Numbness + Tingling

1. Comprehensive Assessment

• Detailed Evaluation: Physical therapists conduct a thorough assessment to identify the specific causes and contributing factors of your numbness and tingling. This may include a physical examination, medical history review, and discussions about your lifestyle and daily activities.
• Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation, a customized treatment plan is developed to address your unique needs and goals, considering the multifaceted nature of numbness and tingling.

2. Pain and Symptom Management

• Education: Our therapists will provide education to help you understand your symptoms better, we also educate you on ways to take control of your own pain.
• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, including massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation, help relieve pressure on nerves, improve circulation, and enhance tissue mobility.

3. Nerve Mobilization

• Nerve Gliding Exercises: Specific exercises designed to mobilize and stretch the affected nerves, reducing compression and enhancing nerve function.
• Desensitization Techniques: Techniques to reduce hypersensitivity and improve the nerve's ability to transmit signals effectively.

4. Restoring Mobility

• Stretching Exercises: Specific stretches to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension around the affected areas.
• Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle exercises to restore movement and reduce stiffness in the joints, promoting better overall mobility.

5. Improving Strength

• Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to build strength in the muscles that support the affected areas, reducing the burden on nerves and improving overall stability.
• Progressive Resistance Training: Gradually increasing resistance to build strength without exacerbating symptoms, tailored to your tolerance and progress.
  

6. Enhancing Function

• Functional Training: Exercises and activities designed to mimic daily tasks and improve functional abilities, helping you regain independence and confidence in your movements.
• Gait and Posture Training: Teaching proper walking patterns and postural alignment to reduce strain on nerves and promote better body mechanics.

7. Ergonomic and Postural Education

• Posture Correction: Assessing and correcting poor posture that may contribute to nerve compression and irritation.
• Ergonomic Advice: Providing recommendations for optimizing your work or home environment to reduce strain on nerves.

8. Education and Self-Management

• Symptom Management Strategies: Teaching techniques for managing numbness and tingling at home, including exercises, lifestyle modifications, and environmental adjustments.
• Preventative Measures: Offering advice on how to prevent future episodes of numbness and tingling, including proper body mechanics and ergonomic practices.