Peripheral Neuropathy

Jessica Farrell, PT, DPT Counterstrain Portland
Portland, Oregon

Description

Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, weakness and pain in the affected area. There are many possible causes of peripheral neuropathy such as, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, alcohol use, infections, inherited disorders, tumors, kidney disease, liver disease, hypothyroidism, exposure to poisons, medications, injury, vitamin deficiency and chronic pressure on a nerve. When treating peripheral neuropathy it is important to address the underlying condition that caused the nerve damage. Once the underlying condition is addressed Facial Counterstrain can be very helpful to provide an optimal healing environment for the involved nerves.

Fascial Counterstrain Treatment

Fascia is the deep connective tissue found everywhere in the body. Fascia is in our arteries, veins, nerves, viscera (digestive system, lungs and heart), ligaments, muscles and bones. Many of the conditions listed above can trap swelling and cause tightening of the fascia around a nerve or other tissues that impact the nerve. Fascial Counterstrain uses a combination of gentle tissue glides and comfortable positioning guided by a system of tender points to drain swelling and improve the mobility of tissues. In the case of peripheral neuropathy we use Fascial Counterstrain to facilitate drainage around the impacted nerves via the lymphatic and venous system, increase arterial blood flow to the nerve, decrease irritation of the nerve and improve mobility of any musculoskeletal structures that may be compressing the nerve. Additionally we can treat the spinal cord to increase drainage of inflammation and increase blood flow. This helps to further relieve tension on the affected peripheral nerve. In this way we can provide the best conditions for the nerves to heal so that symptoms can decrease and resolve.