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Above: Assessment of shoulder impingement to treat altered sensation in the arm and handCauses of Pins and Needles
A temporary symptom of pins and needles usually resolves itself once the blood supply to the nerve has been restored or the pressure has been released. This symptom would benefit from Physiotherapy input if chronic / recurrent. There are many causes for recurrent pins and needles. Some of the causes can include:
- Cerebral Vascular Accident (stroke)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Nerve entrapment
- Diabetes
- Raynaud’s
- Neuritis
How can Physiotherapy help with Pins and Needles?
Physiotherapy may be able to decrease the sensation of pins and needles through the following:
- Assessing the cause of pins and needles
- Providing treatments for the potential cause
- Ergonomic advice
- Postural advice
- Decreasing swelling and pressure on the nerve
- Decreasing inflammation
Above: Mobilisations of the knee joint to relieve any impingement causing pins and needles sensation.What Physiotherapy Treatments can be expected for Pins and Needles?
There are a variety of treatments which can be used to help treat the symptom of paresthesia. Some of the treatments which could be beneficial (dependent upon cause) are:
- Stretching exercises
- Neural dynamic stretches
- Desensitisation therapy
- Ergonomic assessment
- Splinting
- Swelling and inflammation management
Summary
Pins and needles is a symptom which is produced by a variety of causes. Frequent or constant paresthesia would benefit from an expert physiotherapy assessment and treatment as appropriate. Physio.co.uk have specialised physiotherapist who have experience of treating this symptom. For an appointment please contact us or call 0330 088 7800 to arrange an appointment.
