Is there anything you can do for hand/feet neuropathy after chemo??
Hi Michael,
there is something she can try, even though there is no guarantee that it will work for her.
I am a MELT instructor and thus have been using the MELT Hand and Foot Treatment often with any number of people and their problems. In the case of neuropathy, I have seen some improvement in re-acquiring sensation in hands and feet. In fact, I just started with a client with neuropathy, and it was my recommendation that she do it every day. I actually have a testimonial on my web site on neuropathy.
Unfortunately, I found that neurological disorders are often unpredictable, and what works for one does not necessarily work for another. But it is worth giving it a try. It has absolutely no side effects. Check out the web site www.meltmethod.com where you can order the products ($40). You can also check there to see whether you may have a MELT instructor in your area (even though you won’t need one for this because it comes with DVD and all and is very easy to do).
I wish your client best of health.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Michael, peripheral neuropathy is a common clinical observation in individuals who have had chemotherapy. It is referred to as neurotoxicities.
Hopefully you have performed the proper assessments. After you have done that I would include exercises that enhance motor unit recruitment as well as exercises that improve balance and coordination.
Always listen to your client, let his/her symptoms determine whether or not you train him/her on that day.
Hello Michael,
Have you and she spoken to the doctors for advice? The doctors are there for assistance after the procedure is done; so, lean on them for support.
You may also try looking for a self help group and meetings in the area, which may be very helpful. People going through the same thing are able to help in all aspects of the social experience and atmosphere.
I wish you both luck for desired results.
Any new program should be approved and cleared by their physician. All clients should be instructed in how to move all of the joints in as full a range of motion as they can without injury.
In the case of the foot/ankle, the toes can be flexed/extended and spread and the ankle can be taken through plantar/dorsiflexion, eversion/inversion, and cricumduction.
The hands can be moved in similar ROMs along with making a fist and taking the fingers through opposition with the thumb. And each finger can be taken through it’s own ROM individually.
This is where you could start and build from there. As long as the person has no wounds on the feet, I would also incorporate aquatic exercise. Myofascial release is a possibility, but all of these should be cleared through their physician.