Nerve injuries are more prevalent than most would think. The incidence of peripheral nerve injury has been estimated to be between 13 and 23 per 100,000 per year and is even higher in patients with trauma. Car accidents, falls, surgery, repetitive stress, and even prolonged pressure on a limb can all be to blame. Healing can take time, but choosing the right treatment is essential. A large number of people around the globe rely on physical therapy for nerve injury. And their choice is correct, as physical therapy is the most natural, safe, and effective method for dealing with such issues.
What Are The Effects Of An Injured Nerve?
Nerves are basically wiring. They carry signals to the brain and the rest of our body. Further, they command the muscles to move and the skin to feel something. When a nerve is damaged, its wiring is disrupted!
It can lead to the following symptoms:
- A “pins and needles” feeling or numbness that does not go away.
- Muscle weakness in the area where nerves control.
- Dysfunction in fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt, holding a pen, etc.
- The arm extended outward and seemed to have no place or belong to the body.Â
There are some nerve injuries that heal on their own. For others, there is a need for real intervention, and for too long, it may make recovery more difficult than it should be.
What Can an Injury Do to a Nerve Impairment?
A damaged nerve isn’t a problem that is contained within the physician’s files. It’s found all over.Â
- When you are unable to type or write quickly, you begin to get upset.
- When you can’t feel and/or control all of your feet, your walking changes.
- If the tingling or pain increases during sleep, it disrupts sleep
- Cooking, driving, and other activities appear to be risks.
- When your body doesn’t respond to you in the same manner as it did before, it’s a confidence killer.
It’s not like it’s in your head! When a nerve is damaged, the function of the body is impaired, and the effect of this damage is seen in pretty much everything you do throughout the day.
When to See a Physician for a Nerve Injury?
Not all tingling requires the help of a specialist. But sometimes this isn’t the right course of action.
If any of the following are present, it is a worthwhile idea to consult with a physical therapist:
- Numbness or weakness has lasted more than a few days
- You’re seeing some muscle loss or a leg or arm that’s smaller than the other
- Over time, basic tasks are becoming more difficult, rather than easier.
- Pain is affecting sleep or functioning in the daytime.Â
- Pain is disrupting sleep or activities during the day.
- Surgery was performed close to a nerve, and surgery did not return movement as anticipated.Â
They evaluate strength, sensation, and movement in order to determine what and how much is affected. That evaluation will serve as the basis for the recovery plan.
Can Physical Therapy Heal a Nerve Injury?
It’s the first question that everyone asks, and the truth is, yes, it can make a huge difference in most cases, depending on the injury. Physical therapy for nerve damage usually involves more than one of the following:
- Nerve gliding exercises designed to move the nerve in a normal manner around surrounding tissues rather than get stuck or compressed.
- Building up the weakened muscles with the help of increased activity (nerve signal is not present)
- Sensory re-education, which retrains the brain to interpret the area’s signals the correct way again.
- Manual therapy to decrease swelling/tension around the site of injury
- Active recovery means doing real work, such as walking, gripping, or typing, not just exercises; training in a way that makes it more functional.
Nerves regenerate slowly. It is not the same as a sprained ankle! However, during this healing process, physical therapy for nerve injury prevents muscles from wasting away.
Physical Therapy For Nerve Injuries At The Back 2 Health Clinic!
Back 2 Health is a trusted clinic with a team of expert therapists who have helped and healed more than thousands of patients. They offer exceptional physical therapy for nerve damage!
The Back 2 Health clinic is in Sterling Heights, and it is near people living in Warren, Troy, Shelby Township, and Clinton Township. Further, those in Woodhaven, Trenton, Riverview, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Southgate, and Taylor can consider the Back 2 Health clinic in Brownstown.Â
The Progress Of Nerve Injury Rehabilitation
If you have been dealing with a muscle or nerve injury causing loss of feeling, weakness, or pain in your everyday activities, you must get it properly diagnosed. The sooner it’s brought up, the more choices there are typically.
People are often surprised that getting better after an injury to a nerve is not a linear process. Further, progress is not consistent and happens one muscle group at a time.Â
It’s tedious and sometimes really discouraging for some weeks. However, if the nerve is performing as it should, then it will make steady, incremental changes. A competent therapist keeps a close eye on this and modifies as things change.
Conclusion
Nerve injuries can be unpredictable; however, they aren’t something you need to live with the rest of your life. If you notice some serious symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit a therapist and get your body evaluated. Physical therapy for nerve injuries is a natural yet safe way to recover in a speedy manner. Further, it offers a genuine chance for a return to function, rather than symptom management.
FAQs
Q1. Typical length of physical therapy for nerve injuries?Â
The duration depends on the nerves and severity of the injury. Many people work with a therapist for months. Â
Q2. Is there a way to recover from a damaged nerve?Â
Yes, for mild to moderate injuries, in most cases. While severe nerve damage may not recover fully, nerve damage physical therapy can restore much function and prevent additional muscle loss.
Q3. Does physical therapy hurt a person with a nerve injury?Â
It shouldn’t be. Therapists carefully work around sensitive areas, and exercises are modified according to how much pain/sensation you experience rather than through pain.
Q4. So, what is the distinction between physical therapy and rest of a nerve injury?Â
If you’re resting so heavily that other muscles aren’t involved, you can get weak and stiff in those muscles during the healing period. Physical therapy helps maintain the adjacent muscles and joints mobile and ready for use by the body when the nerve is better.
Q5. When should I be concerned that a nerve injury isn’t healing properly?Â
Going back to the physical therapist or doctor after a few weeks and seeing if numbness, weakness, or pain is improving or worsening is a good idea rather than waiting it out.Â
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