Here are some great hand and finger exercises for anyone managing the condition of neuropathy. For more information on neuropathy, click here. Beginning position: These exercises can be done from a seated position. Move to the front edge of the chair and firmly plant the feet on the ground. Take a
moment to get the body into good postural alignment with the shoulders back and down and spine lengthened. For more posture strengthening exercises, click here. Hand and Finger Exercise #1 – Touch the pad of the thumb with the pad of the index finger. Move the index finger down to the base of the thumb. Repeat twice with the index, middle, ring, and little fingers
in succession. Hand and Finger Exercise #2 – Place palms of your hands on your lap. Lift index fingers twice, and tap your lap. Repeat twice with each finger in succession. Hand and Finger Exercise #3 – Clasp your hands loosely together. Circle your thumbs around each other. Hand and Finger Exercise #4 – Roll a 2-4 inch diameter ball between your hands and up and down each finger. This exercise stimulates the receptors in the palm. Practicing these exercises daily would benefit those managing neuropathy. Hand and Finger Exercise #5 – Touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger, making a circle. Stretch the hand open. Repeat with the middle, ring, and little fingers in succession. Related Blogs:Foot and Leg Exercises for Neuropathy Balance Exercises for Neuropathy Fall Prevention Exercises for Somatosensory System Recommended DVD’s:By Dawn Heiderscheidt  Undergoing chemotherapy can have a two-fold effect on the body. While it can slow or stop the cancer, it can also cause unintended consequences such as neuropathy of limbs. Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is a sensory peripheral neuropathy that can affect one or both hands or feet and is often referred to as a “stocking and glove” pattern of sensation issues and pain. While this (and all symptoms) should be discussed with your doctor, they may refer you to a therapist to receive help. If you’re wondering how a therapist can help with some of these symptoms, Occupational Therapists/ Physical Therapists (OTs/PTs) are uniquely positioned to assist individuals with CIPN. They have knowledge of anatomy, disease processes and progression. Each person will have a different journey, but a therapist can individualize the approach to you. CIPN can include numbness and tingling, as well as cold/hot sensations or pain. It can decrease your ability to perform daily activities or cause an increased fear of falling. As a result, there are several things you can do to address these deficits that an OT can help you through. OTs can help you adapt the activities you perform, obtain equipment or direct you to the correct resources to obtain your own, and teach you new habits and routines (performance patterns) to address any lingering deficits you may experience from treatments. Here are five general themes an OT may address and suggestions they may make while working with individuals with CIPN:
CIPN can be impactful across many domains of your everyday life, but pairing holistic approaches with traditional medication approaches has shown to have positive effects on both the healing and management of symptoms post chemotherapy. While this list is not comprehensive, it can show you the benefits of an OT consult while dealing with CIPN. If interested, discuss an Occupational Therapist referral with your doctor. Dawn is an Occupational Therapist and Founder of a mobile outpatient therapy practice, Aurora Independence. After switching careers from teaching she graduated from Temple University with a Masters in Occupational Therapy. Since then, she has worked in a variety of rehab settings treating a variety of diagnoses’. Currently, when not seeing clients in their home/ community she is partnered with a local 55+ community center offering online fall recovery workshops, she trains dogs and enjoys hiking the Wissahickon with her own dog, Odin. Can occupational therapy help with neuropathy?Whereas physical therapy focuses on mobility and restoring body function, occupational therapists treat neuropathy by helping patients adapt to their environments and learn new ways of accomplishing tasks without experiencing neuropathic pain.
What is the best treatment for hand neuropathy?The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include: amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression. duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression. pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.
Are there exercises for neuropathy in the hands?Hand and Finger Exercise #1 – Touch the pad of the thumb with the pad of the index finger. Move the index finger down to the base of the thumb. Repeat twice with the index, middle, ring, and little fingers in succession.
Can you reverse neuropathy in hands?While you can't reverse the damage from neuropathy, there are ways to help manage the condition, including: lowering your blood sugar. treating nerve pain. regularly checking your feet to make sure they are free of injury, wounds, or infection.
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Occupational therapy treatment for neuropathy in hands
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