Postherpetic Neuralgia
Physical Therapies
Physical therapy (PT) is an important part of PHN treatment. PT may start with techniques to decrease pain and other symptoms. As you get better, your physical therapist can teach you exercises designed to increase strength, flexibility and stamina. PT may improve symptoms enough that medication or other treatments are not needed.
You may work with recreational, occupational and vocational therapists as well. Recreational therapists design exercises and adapt equipment so you can do the leisure activities you enjoy. Vocational and occupational therapists are trained to adapt work stations and equipment to help you function as well as possible at work.
Your treatments and exercises will change based on your needs and progress over time. Work with your physical therapist to design a program that meets your needs. Follow your therapy exactly as planned, both during therapy sessions and at home. Tell your therapist if you think a treatment is not working.
Your physical therapy plan may include:
You may work with recreational, occupational and vocational therapists as well. Recreational therapists design exercises and adapt equipment so you can do the leisure activities you enjoy. Vocational and occupational therapists are trained to adapt work stations and equipment to help you function as well as possible at work.
Your treatments and exercises will change based on your needs and progress over time. Work with your physical therapist to design a program that meets your needs. Follow your therapy exactly as planned, both during therapy sessions and at home. Tell your therapist if you think a treatment is not working.
Your physical therapy plan may include:
- Cold application – Cold packs help relieve some people’s pain.
- Stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercises – Many people with PHN benefit from a regular exercise routine. Your physical therapist can recommend exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and increase your stamina and energy.
- Relaxation – Deep breathing and other relaxation techniques can reduce stress and help you avoid tensing your muscles.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) – Electrical stimulation may help to decrease your pain. A TENS unit is a small device that delivers tiny electrical impulses to nerves. Small patches (electrodes) placed on painful areas of your skin are connected to the TENS unit with wires. Electric current travels from the TENS unit through the wires and electrodes to nearby nerves, where it breaks up pain messages. You turn the TENS unit on and off as needed for pain. There is no evidence that one type of TENS unit decreases pain better than another. There are many brands, and all types of TENS units potentially may increase pain and have to be stopped.