Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Rehabilitation

Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that results in nerve damage. It is a progressive disease with a wide range of symptoms that can affect almost any nerve in the body. Diabetic neuropathy can cause anything from pain and numbness in your feet to problems with the functions of your internal organs, such as your heart and bladder, depending on the type of neuropathy you have.

There are many types of diabetic neuropathy. The type in which we specialize is the most common type: Peripheral Neuropathy. About 1/3 to 1/2 of diabetics have peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy typically affects the legs and feet. However, in rare cases it can affect the arms, abdomen, and back.

Many people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy experience numbness or tingling in their fingers, hands, feet and toes. Others may experience a burning, sharp, or aching pain (diabetic nerve pain). The pain may be mild at first, but it can get worse over time and spread up your legs or arms.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is typically diagnosed with such diagnostic tests as:

• Electromyography (EMG) - measures how well your muscles respond to signals from the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons).
• Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) - measures the strength and speed of the electrical activity in a nerve to determine if nerve damage has occured.

Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy is pleased to announce development of a state-of-the-art rehabilitation program for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

A twelve-visit rehabilitation care path consisting of the following:

• Thorough functional evaluation.
• Balance screening and testing as indicated.
• Appropriate therapeutic exercise including strength, balance and gait training.
• Monochromatic infrared energy therapy (MIRE).
• Manual therapy intervention as indicated.
• Home management and written home exercise program.

Reported Efficiency: 90% + effectiveness. Please access the following references:

• Anodyne.com (MIRE therapy)
• Kochman, Alan, Canegic, Dale, Burke, TJ Symptomatic Reversal of Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Diabetes, Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, March 2002, Vol 92 (3): 125-130 Data on file. Abstract in process.
• Thomasson, TL., Effects of Skin-Contact Monochromatic Infrared Irradiation on Tendonitis, Capsulitis and Myofascial pain, J Neurol Orthop Med Surg, 1996, 16: 242-245 Reigger-Krugh, J. Orthop Sports Phys. Ther, 2001