PT and Exercise

Unless you are in the very small number of people that like to go to the gym, pretty much nobody wants to exercise. 

Despite that, some simple exercises do help in managing neuropathy pain. Through exercise you can improve circulation, flexibility, and maintain your strength.

Here are three of the most effective (and easy) exercises I have found:

• Swimming - I am fortunate to have a community pool and I find leaning towards or back to the wall kick feet and ensure foot is fully extended.

• Walking - This is a tough one depending on your pain level. I have found that walking just a short distance to the end of the street and back is super beneficial. I use a walker and helps with balance.

• Gentle Stretching and Range of Motion - Targeted movements like calf stretches and seated toe curls, these are awesome for relief from the tension and cramping. These calf and toe curls have been, by far,  the most effective for me! Helps get a little relief.

Neuropathy brings lots of stress, for me it manifests in pain and tightness in the lower back, neck and shoulders. If you are experiencing similiar pain and are  interested in relief I recommend 100% that you find a nearby Planet Fitness. They have incredible massage equipment. These are in order of preference:

• Hydro Massager - awesome spa bed that you lay on and choose any area you want to massage. Pressurised water heated at about 100 degrees massages you through comfortable bed. AWESOME!

• Traditional massage chairs - These are the one that use mechanical rollers and compression cuffs on arms and legs. I love these chairs!

The monthly cost for a black card membership is $25/mo with no contract. I generally go about 19 or 20 times a month because I get so much pain and stress reduction. Over the past year I hoped to get interested in actually working out or running on a treadmill - but not yet. I suspect I will start as soon as I figure out the supplements are working !