Rehabilitation for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Written by Cynthia on March 15, 2021 |
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What is Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy?
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a problem that can develop during chemotherapy treatment for cancer. It occurs due to the toxicity of certain chemotherapy drugs which may damage the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, or tingling of the hands or feet, and there may be balance problems as well. As many as 68% of cancer patients may experience CIPN, depending on their medications and other factors. The symptoms associated with CIPN are usually temporary but may last longer. People with prior nerve problems of the upper extremities or lower extremities are more vulnerable to developing CIPN (1).
Rehabilitation for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
We are pleased to announce that we are now offering a specialized program to treat patients with CIPN. Our rehabilitation program is based on scientific evidence that supports sensory rehabilitation. This treatment is one-on-one therapy and entails very pleasant combinations of gentle exercise and sensory stimulation. Patients are given a detailed home program to perform that is gentle and pleasurable. Therapy includes exercises and interventions that promote relaxation of the body; blood flow and flexibility of muscles, tendons, and nerves; gentle manual therapy; and sensory stimulation with specific techniques. All these interventions promote improved circulation and flexibility to the tissues and stimulate nerve receptors.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us!
For More Information On Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy, Visit One of Our Clinics
Cynthia has been a hand therapist for over 40 years. She works as a mentor and resource to the ProActive therapists who treat patients with upper extremity diagnoses. She is also providing training in her program to treat patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Cynthia has presented at numerous national and international hand therapy meetings. Last year she was invited to speak at an international hand therapy conference in Berlin. She was scheduled to speak at an occupational therapy conference in Prague this fall but that conference has been postponed for one year due to COVID. She has provided volunteer hand therapy education and treatment in Ghana, Bolivia, and Peru. She has also volunteered at a free medical clinic at UCSD and has helped coordinate rehabilitation volunteers to help refugees in tent cities in Mexico.
Cynthia received the Paul Brand Award from the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) on November 12, 2020. This award “recognizes individuals who have exemplified humanitarianism in their work as a hand therapist in addition to providing clinical and professional excellence in several facets of practice”.
Cynthia is the editor of the textbook “Fundamentals of Hand Therapy”, which is in its 3rd edition and which is used in OT curriculum to educate rehabilitation professionals in a humanistic approach to hand therapy.
Currently Cynthia is working with Occupational Therapists at the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Malta to create a website for education on treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. She is also collaborating with oncology researchers in Arizona on a study about CIPN and is on the advisory board of a new research project about CIPN with colleagues in Minnesota.
