Peripheral Neuropathy: Whole Body Vibration A Promising Treatment

Introduction

Cancer, a word that has the power to instill fear and dread. However, breakthroughs in medical science have provided us with potent tools like chemotherapy drugs to combat this dreaded disease. Yet, these powerful drugs often bring along a host of side effects, one of the most debilitating being Peripheral Neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves, disrupting their normal functioning. It manifests as numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities. While it may seem like a small inconvenience in the face of fighting cancer, this condition can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.

Traditional cancer care management approaches have often fallen short in addressing this issue. Patients are left grappling with the discomfort and loss of mobility, with little to no respite.

Physical therapy and exercise are proven to be effective in improving the outcomes of patients with cancer but unfortunately, chemotherapy treatment can make exercise difficult in these patients. However, there is a ray of hope. Emerging research suggests a promising adjunctive therapy: whole body vibration (WBV).

Let me be clear, Power Plate whole body vibration therapy will not cure or treat cancer. Nonetheless, it can offer relief from certain side effects associated with cancer and its treatment, including muscle atrophy, impaired lymphatic flow, pain, reduced bone density, anxiety, and loss of balance control. Moreover, Power Plate has the potential to enhance daily functioning and improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to broaden your understanding, a caregiver hoping to learn more ways to help a loved one, or a patient actively dealing with Peripheral Neuropathy, this article aims to equip you with knowledge that can make a difference.

We believe being well-informed is crucial to the battle against cancer.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

2. Chemotherapy Drugs Side Effects Cancer Patients Experience

3. Role of Whole Body Vibration Therapy in Cancer Care

4. Whole Body Vibration Alleviates Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

5. Whole Body Vibration Therapy Beneficial for Cancer Patients

6. Research Evidence Supporting Whole Body Vibration Therapy

7. Whole Body Vibration Therapy Protocol in Cancer Care

1. Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Our peripheral nervous system comprises the network of nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord, facilitating communication between these central structures and the rest of our body. Despite chemotherapy's efficacy in targeting cancer cells, it can unintentionally damage the peripheral nerves, resulting in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). Peripheral Neuropathy refers to conditions stemming from nerve damage within the peripheral nervous system, causing notable sensory and motor impairments.

Symptoms of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy can vary widely among patients, ranging from mild sensations of numbness and tingling to severe pain and motor dysfunction. Beyond the physical consequences, CIPN can profoundly impact a patient's mental well-being, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.

2. Chemotherapy Drugs Side Effects Cancer Patients Experience

????????? Numbness

????????? Tingling (pins and needles)

????????? Pain (sharp, lightening-like, burning, throbbing, or stabbing)

????????? Muscle Weakness

????????? Reduced or Lack of Reflexes

????????? Loss of Balance Control

????????? Increased Risk of Falling

????????? Bone Loss

????????? Gastrointestinal Problems

????????? Fatigue

????????? Mental Health Problems (depression, anxiety)?

The debilitating side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy often result in profound disability, poor recovery, and a notable decline in a patient’s independence and overall well-being. Furthermore, these symptoms can adversely affect clinical outcomes and survival rates.

As of now, there is no definitive method to prevent chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy. However, research indicates that cancer patients grappling with cancer treatment-related side effects may find relief through Whole Body Vibration Therapy.

3. Role of Whole Body Vibration Therapy in Cancer Care

Power Plate whole body vibration therapy is a therapeutic method that exposes the body to various levels of vibrations. It involves standing, sitting, or lying on the vibrating platform. The vibrating platform sends gentle rapid vibrations, up to 50 times per second, in a safe way to destabilize the body. This destabilization forces reflexive, subconscious neuromuscular action in muscular and connective tissues, which in turn restores the balance and stability of the body and leads to a range of physiological effects.

4. Whole Body Vibration Alleviates Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

A. Enhanced Blood Circulation: WBV increases blood flow to the extremities, facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to nerve cells, thereby promoting their repair and regeneration.

B. Neuromuscular Stimulation:

The gentle vibrations trigger muscle contractions and sensory feedback, which may help counteract the sensory deficits associated with Peripheral Neuropathy.

C. Pain Modulation:

Power Plate has demonstrated analgesic effects by influencing pain perception pathways in the central nervous system, offering relief from neuropathic pain.

5. Whole Body Vibration Therapy Beneficial for Cancer Patients?

Power Plate whole body vibration therapy offers a wide range of health benefits that improve the quality of life of cancer patients. Some of the most important benefits of Power Plate whole body vibration therapy are:

????????? Increase of Bone Density

????????? Strengthen the Muscles

????????? Improvement of Balance, Flexibility and Mobility

????????? Relieves Pain

????????? Boosts Immune Function

??????????Improves Lymphatic System

????????? Slows Down/Delays Cognitive Decline

????????? Improves Cardiorespiratory Function

????????? Heals Vascular Tissues

????????? Improves Urinary Function

????????? Improves Skin Function

????????? Boost in Energy, Resulting in Less Fatigue

????????? Reduces Insomnia and Anxiety

????????? Enhances Mental Health

6. Research Evidence Supporting Whole Body Vibration Therapy

Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of whole body vibration therapy in enhancing muscle strength, bone density, balance, and blood circulation, making it a valuable therapy for various conditions, including Peripheral Neuropathy.

In essence, the increase in vascularization, encompassing microvascular enhancements, may mitigate damage to nociceptors, which are believed to be the origin of nerve impulses responsible for the painful tingling and numbness characteristic of Peripheral Neuropathy.

Moreover, when combined with whole body vibration therapy's capacity to enhance proprioception through improved neuromuscular communication, these effects can translate into ameliorated balance control and gait issues frequently observed in cancer patients experiencing Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Notably, the benefits of WBV persisted even after the conclusion of treatment.

In short, an increase in vascularization, including microvascular increases, can reduce damage to nociceptors that are believed to be the source of nerve impulses causing the painful tingling and numbing sensations that are the hallmarks of Peripheral Neuropathy.

This, in conjunction with whole body vibration therapy’s ability to improve proprioception through improved neuromuscular communication, can lead to improvements in the balance control and gait issues that are common amongst cancer patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Furthermore, the benefits of WBV were sustained even after the cessation of treatment.

7. Whole Body Vibration Therapy Protocol in Cancer Care

Integrating Power Plate whole body therapy into cancer care requires careful consideration of patient characteristics, treatment protocols, and safety precautions. Healthcare providers ?should tailor WBV protocols to suit individual needs, considering factors such as vibration frequency, duration, and intensity. Patients with recent fractures, may not be suitable candidates for whole body vibration therapy.

In general, whole body vibration therapy can begin in as little as 90 seconds; however, clinical literature supports 10 minutes of whole body vibration as an acute therapeutic dosage, this can be broken up with rest periods of up to 60 seconds. Example: 60 seconds of vibration followed by 60 seconds of rest, for 10 repetitions.?If well tolerated, three times per week could be an advisable protocol.?

To maximize increase in blood flow, cancer patients should emphasize standing on the vibrating platform, and if possible, perform isometric squats. Another way is to place patients' feet on the vibrating platform while seated in a chair.

Conclusion:

According to experts, Power Plate whole body vibration therapy is highly feasible and safe for neuropathic cancer patients as this therapy greatly helps attenuate motor and sensory deficits.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy poses a significant challenge in cancer treatment, often compromising patients' quality of life. While conventional management strategies have limitations, emerging modalities like Power Plate whole body vibration therapy offer promising results in alleviating neuropathic symptoms and enhancing physical function.

Remember, fighting cancer is not just about eradicating the disease, but also about ensuring that the patient's journey is as comfortable as possible. After all, every individual deserves to live a life of dignity and comfort, irrespective of their health challenges.

For more information, take a look at these?studies .

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