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Physiotherapy for Nerve Injuries



What is a nerve Injury?



A nerve injury is usually sustain through a traumatic incident but can also occur due to repetitive movements. Nerve injuries that occur outside of the brain and spinal cord have the ability to heal and benefit from Physiotherapy. Dependent upon how far up the length of the nerve is damaged, will alter the healing period, some injuries may require surgery whilst others will heal with Physiotherapy alone. Some of the signs and symptoms of a nerve injury are:
  • Pain/burning sensation
  • Weakness
  • Loss of function (difficulty moving limb)
  • Altered sensation (numbness or pins and needles)

Types of Nerve Injuries



Peripheral Nerve injuries can be categorised into two groups:
  • Complete nerve lesion – where all of the nerve fibres are separated, resulting in loss of movement to the muscles supplied by this nerve and loss/altered sensation. This type of injury is likely to require surgical repair.
  • Incomplete nerve lesion – Some of the nerve fibres remain intact, improving chances of a good recovery with conservative management.
Nerve injuries can be separated into five categories. Categories one to three require a conservative management strategy as some of the fibres remain intact (incomplete lesions), whereas groups four and five require surgical intervention to assist with the never repair as more of the fibres are separated or have a complete loss in nerve continuity (complete lesion). The lower the number category the least effected the nerve is.

How can Physiotherapy help Nerve Injuries?



Physiotherapy can help with the management of nerve injuries whether complete lesions requiring nerve grafts or incomplete lesions requiring conservative management. Physiotherapy can assist to:
  • Optimise healing
  • Improve sensation
  • Increase strength
  • Maintain and increase muscle length
  • Help control pain
Nerve injuries can cause the individual a great deal of pain and discomfort where relief sometimes cannot be found. Physiotherapists from Manchester Physio can assist optimise healing and help manage pain. Please contact us or call 0161 883 0077 to arrange an appointment.

What Physiotherapy treatments can be expected for Nerve Injuries?



There are many different types of Physiotherapy treatments available at Manchester Physio for the rehabilitation of Nerve Injuries. Some of the treatments can include:
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Muscle stretches
  • Functional Electrical Stimulation
  • Bracing
  • Self Management strategies
These treatments can assist the recovery of the injury regardless if the individual has had surgery or not.

Summary



Nerve injuries, dependent upon how far along the nerve length is damage will affect the recovery period, causing pain, discomfort and disability. Physiotherapy can assist optimise healing and help manage pain experienced regardless of surgical intervention or not. Please contact us or call 0161 883 0077 to arrange an appointment with an experienced Physiotherapist from Manchester Physio today.

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