Understanding Neuropathic Pain & Diabetic Neuropathy

Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain state caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. Patients describe it as a burning, shooting, electric, or "pins and needles" sensation. A major cause is diabetic neuropathy, where prolonged high blood sugar damages delicate nerve fibers, typically starting in the feet and hands.

This condition can also result in nerve sensitivity (allodynia, where even a light touch feels painful) or a complete loss of sensation, which puts patients at high risk of undetected injuries or ulcers.

How Physiotherapy Helps Neuropathic Pain

Physiotherapy helps modulate pain signals and restore nerve health. We use Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to block pain signals from reaching the brain, nerve mobilization (flossing) to restore movement within nerve pathways, and desensitization techniques to calm overactive nerve endings.

Our Treatment Protocol at Siragugal

• TENS Therapy: Micro-currents to block pain transmission pathways.
• Nerve Mobilization: Gentle glide exercises to release trapped nerves from adjacent tissue.
• Tactile Desensitization: Exposing hypersensitive areas to various textures to normalize sensation.
• Nutritional & Lifestyle Guidance: Advising on diet and vitamins (B-complex) for nerve health.

Expected Recovery Timeline

Nerve healing is a gradual process. While TENS therapy offers immediate temporary relief from burning sensations, significant reductions in chronic nerve pain and improvements in functional sensation require 6 to 12 weeks of structured therapy.