Neuropathy, or nerve pain, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can show up as burning, tingling, electric-like pain, numbness, weakness, reduced balance or a sense that your feet or hands no longer quite belong to you. For many, it’s not just uncomfortable — it’s life-changing.
Unfortunately, a phrase we hear far too often in clinic is:
“I’ve been told there’s nothing more that can be done — I just have to live with it.”
While neuropathy can certainly be complex and challenging, this statement is not always true. Advances in physiotherapy and nerve-focused treatments are opening new doors, offering hope where patients were previously left without options.
Understanding Neuropathy
Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged, irritated, or become over-sensitive. These nerves may begin sending distorted signals to the brain — signals that the brain interprets as pain, even when there is no ongoing injury.
Common causes include:
- Diabetes
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery or trauma
- Nerve compression (such as sciatica)
- In some cases, no clear cause at all
Importantly, neuropathy does not always mean permanent nerve damage. In many cases, nerves are irritated or misfiring rather than irreversibly damaged — which means they may still respond to treatment.
Traditional Treatment Options for Neuropathy
1. Medication
Medications such as nerve pain modulators or painkillers are often the first line of treatment. These can help reduce symptoms, but they:
- Often provide only partial relief
- Can have side effects such as drowsiness or brain fog
- Do not directly improve nerve function
Medication may manage symptoms, but it rarely addresses why the nerve is over-reacting.
2. Passive Modalities (e.g. basic electrotherapy and acupucnture)
Techniques like standard TENS machines and acuuncture are sometimes used. While helpful for some people, they may not reach deeper nerve structures or meaningfully change nerve
behaviour.
3. Nutritional Therapy (and supplements)
A balanced diet rich in colourful fruits, leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3-rich fish can help. Also, try to limit refined carbs, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and alcohol, as this supports nerve health, reduces inflammation, and helps manage blood sugar, crucial for nerve function. Key nutrients include vitamins B, C and B12, plus, magnesium, zinc and antioxidants. It would be wise to seek professional advice from a qualified Nutritional Therapist.
4. “Watch and Wait”
Sadly, many patients are told that neuropathy is something they simply need to accept. This can be incredibly discouraging — especially for people who are still active, working, or wanting to enjoy life fully.
Why “Living With It” Shouldn’t Always Be the Final Answer
Modern pain science has taught us that nerves are adaptable. Just as they can become over-sensitive, they can also become calmer and more efficient under the right conditions.
This is where physiotherapy-led, nerve-focused treatments come in — especially neuromodulation.
What Is Neuromodulation?
Neuromodulation refers to techniques that gently influence how nerves send signals. Rather than blocking pain, neuromodulation aims to:
- Reduce nerve hypersensitivity
- Normalise abnormal firing patterns
- Improve communication between nerves and the brain
It’s a treatment approach used widely in chronic pain management and is supported by growing scientific evidence.
Radiofrequency Neuromodulation and Stimpod Therapy
One of the most promising non-invasive neuromodulation options available in physiotherapy is radiofrequency neuromodulation using the Stimpod device.
What Is Stimpod?
Stimpod is a handheld, non-invasive device that delivers pulsed radiofrequency stimulation to peripheral nerves through the skin. There are:
- No needles
- No injections
- No medication
How Does It Help?
Stimpod works by gently influencing nerve activity. In simple terms, it helps calm nerves that are “stuck in overdrive”.
Research into peripheral nerve stimulation shows that this type of approach can:
- Reduce neuropathic pain
- Improve nerve function
- Support better movement and sensation
Patients often describe the treatment sensation as a mild tingling or tapping feeling, and it is adjusted to individual comfort levels.
Why Stimpod Offers Hope
For patients who have been told “nothing more can be done”, Stimpod offers a different way of thinking about nerve pain.
Instead of asking:
“How do we block the pain?”
We ask:
“How can we help the nerve function more normally?”
This shift is crucial. When nerves become less sensitive and communicate more clearly with the brain, pain often reduces — and confidence in movement improves.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Neuropathy Care
Stimpod is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy approach, which may include:
- Targeted exercise
- Balance and strength retraining
- Movement education
- Breathing and nervous system calming strategies
Physiotherapy at Thorpes Physiotherapy using the Stimpod, also supports the vagus nerve, a major nerve involved in calming the nervous system, reducing stress responses, and supporting healing. A calmer nervous system is far less likely to amplify pain signals.
Is Neuromodulation Right for Everyone?
Not every neuropathy case is the same, and not every patient will respond in the same way. However, for many people — especially those who feel they’ve “tried everything” — radiofrequency neuromodulation represents a safe, evidence-informed option worth exploring.
A Message of Reassurance
Being told you must simply “live with” nerve pain can feel overwhelming and disheartening. While neuropathy can be complex, it does not automatically mean the end of improvement.
Advances in physiotherapy, pain science, and neuromodulation mean that new options are available — options that focus on calming, retraining, and supporting the nervous system rather than giving up on it.
If you’re living with neuropathy and feel out of options, it may be time to ask a different question:
“What if my nerves can still change?”
Here at Thorpes Physiotherapy, we have been getting some fantastic results integrating Stimpod with traditional Physiotherapy, for more info visit our webpage https://thorpesphysiotherapy.com/stimpod-therapy/
If you’d like to learn more or find out whether Thorpes Physiotherapy could help you, speak to our team or book an appointment today.
Your nervous system deserves care too. 🌸
👉 If you would like more information or help, either click the button below to book online or call 01276 37670
If you are unsure if Physiotherapy or podiatry is the correct route for you and would like to speak to one of our experts first, free of charge, then please click here.
Warm regards
Jonathan Smith (MSc BSc FSOMM MCSP SRP)
Director of Thorpes Physiotherapy