Peripheral Neuropathy

Physical Therapy for Women with Chemotherapy-Related Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of cancer treatment, often causing numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the hands and feet. Physical therapy can help manage these symptoms, improve function, and enhance quality of life.

Key Components of Physical Therapy for CIPN

1. Balance and Gait Training
   • CIPN can affect coordination and increase the risk of falls
   • Balance exercises (such as standing on one leg or walking on uneven surfaces) help improve stability.
   • Gait training focuses on improving walking patterns and reducing fall risk.
2. Strength Training
   • Weakness in the hands, legs, and feet can make daily activities difficult.
   • Resistance exercises using light weights, bands, or body weight can help maintain muscle strength.
3. Sensory Re-Education
   • Neuropathy can cause decreased sensation, leading to difficulty feeling textures, temperatures, and objects.
   • Exercises involving different textures (soft, rough, firm), temperature contrasts, and vibration therapy can help retrain nerve function.
4. Pain Management Techniques
   • Gentle massage, stretching, and desensitization techniques can help reduce discomfort.
   • Modalities like heat, cold therapy, and electrical stimulation (TENS) may provide relief.
5. Flexibility and Range of Motion Exercise
   • Stretching the hands, feet, and legs can help prevent stiffness and improve mobility.
   • Yoga or Tai Chi can also enhance flexibility while promoting relaxation.
6. Functional Training
   • Therapy includes training for daily activities, such as buttoning clothes, gripping utensils, or climbing stairs.
   • Adaptive strategies and assistive devices may be recommended for safety and ease of movement.