Yoga and Exercise for neuropathy

Regular gentle exercise improves blood flow, strength and balance, and may ease neuropathy symptoms. Begin after your doctor has found the cause, and stop if pain worsens or weakness increases.

Safety first

• Wear well-fitting shoes, never exercise barefoot with numb feet
• Use a wall or chair for balance
• Check your feet after each session
• Do not push into pain, and avoid overheating

Aerobic activity

Walking, stationary cycling or swimming for 20 to 30 minutes most days.

Strength and balance

• Sit-to-stand from a chair
• Heel raises while holding a support
• Heel-to-toe standing near a wall
• Light resistance exercises guided by a physiotherapist

Hand exercises

Gentle finger bending, grip with a soft ball and wrist circles help hand function.

Yoga and stretching

• Tadasana (mountain pose) with wall support for balance
• Cat-cow for spine movement
• Seated forward bend, done gently
• Ankle circles and toe wiggles for circulation
• Shavasana and slow breathing to ease stress and pain

Avoid

• Hot yoga and hot environments
• Deep inversions and balance poses without support
• Heavy lifting

Remember

Move regularly and gently, learn from a trained physiotherapist or yoga teacher, and see a doctor if you notice sores or new weakness.

When to get help

See a doctor if you have numbness, tingling, burning pain or weakness that lasts more than a few days, especially with diabetes. Avoid long self-medication and unknown herbal products, and do not use oils, herbs or home remedies on infants or young children without a paediatrician's advice. In an emergency call 112 or 102.