PT / 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 get good pain relief from swimming. I float along the wall either facing it or with my back to it and kick my feet, keeping each foot 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 are awesome for relief from the tension and cramping. These calf and toe curls have been, by far,  the most effective exercises for me in breaking the pain cycle.

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, I recommend finding a nearby Planet Fitness. The one near me has incredible massage equipment. 

These are in order of my preference:

• Hydro Massager - this is a spa bed with pressurized water jets, heated at about 100 degrees, that massage you through the surface you are on. You don't get wet and there's no need to remove clothes. You just lay on your back and can choose the areas you want to massage. So comfortable - AWESOME!

• Traditional Massage Chairs - These use mechanical rollers and compression cuffs on the arms and legs. I love these chairs!

Typical Cost: $25 per month

The monthly cost for a black card membership at Planet Fitness is $25/mo with no contract. I generally go about 19 or 20 times a month because I get so much pain relief and stress reduction. Over the past year I had 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 that the supplements are working!