Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, is a complex condition that can drastically affect your quality of life. It often feels like burning, stabbing, or tingling sensations and can result from a variety of causes—from diabetic neuropathy and sciatica to pinched nerves and nerve damage. Fortunately, physical therapy can help alleviate nerve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore function through evidence-based treatment strategies.

What Is Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain is the result of injury, inflammation, or dysfunction within the peripheral somatosensory nervous system. Unlike other types of pain—such as those caused by soft tissue injury or muscle pain—neuropathic pain originates from damaged or dysfunctional nerves.

Neuropathic pain is defined as a specific type of pain caused by a lesion or disease affecting the peripheral nerve or central nervous system. This type of pain tends to be resistant to treatment and is associated with symptoms like pain and weakness, tingling, burning, or numbness. Understanding the basis of pain is critical for effective pain management and developing a personalized treatment plan.

Common causes of nerve pain include:

Sciatica
Neuropathy, including diabetic neuropathy
Pinched nerve
Cervical or lumbar radiculopathy
Complex regional pain syndrome

Can Physical Therapy Help Nerve Pain?

Yes—physical therapy can help treat a variety of nerve-related conditions. A physical therapist will work with you to identify the source of the pain and design a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

According to a systematic review and expert consensus, physical therapy plays a major role in the complex management of neuropathic pain. By improving posture, mobility, and strength, physical therapy helps reduce nerve compression and promote optimal function of the nervous system.

Additionally, PT serves as a complementary treatment to standard medical therapies and medications, enhancing the experience of pain reduction through mechanical and neurological techniques.

Physical Therapy Techniques Used for Nerve Pain

Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help treat nerve pain and manage symptoms associated with nerve damage and neuropathy. These may include:

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to mobilize joints and soft tissues, which can reduce inflammation and free trapped or irritated nerves. Learn more in our post: manual therapy vs physical therapy.

Nerve Gliding and Flossing Exercises

These specialized exercises help with nerve mobility, reduce entrapment, and improve range of motion. Nerve gliding is especially beneficial for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.

Electrical Stimulation (TENS)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS therapy) uses low-voltage electric currents to stimulate affected areas, providing temporary pain relief. Electrical stimulation is often used to target specific pain mechanisms in patients with persistent pain or chronic neuropathic pain.

Ultrasound Therapy

This method uses sound waves to heat deep soft tissue, improving circulation and supporting nerve regeneration. It may also help alleviate pain related to tissue damage or peripheral nerve injuries.

Postural Training and Core Strengthening

Poor posture can lead to nerve compression and chronic pain conditions. Core and posture training exercises can correct spinal alignment and relieve pressure on nerves. Complement your recovery with our guide on exercises for speed and agility.

Sample Physical Therapy Plan

When you visit a physical therapist, the first step is a comprehensive physical examination to evaluate symptoms and identify potential peripheral neuropathy or nerve conduction issues. A tailored treatment plan is then developed.

Typical treatment plan includes:

Initial assessment: Including nerve conduction studies if necessary
Custom exercise program: Targeting nerve mobility and pain relief
Frequency and duration: 2-3 times per week for 6–12 weeks
Expected outcomes: Improved mobility, reduced pain, and restoration of function

The physical therapist will work closely with you, adjusting your plan based on progress and pain assessment.

Conditions Treated with PT for Nerve Pain

Physical therapy treatment is beneficial for a wide range of neuropathic pain conditions. These include:

Sciatica: Caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, leading to radiating low back pain and leg discomfort.
Diabetic Neuropathy: High blood sugar levels damage nerves, especially in the feet and hands. Physical therapy can enhance circulation and prevent further nerve damage.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist; can be addressed with nerve gliding and ergonomic training.
Cervical and Lumbar Radiculopathy: These involve irritation of nerve roots in the spine, often leading to neck pain or chronic pain in the lower back.

At-Home Physical Therapy Exercises

In addition to in-clinic sessions, your physical therapist may prescribe at-home routines to help alleviate symptoms and support recovery.

Gentle Stretches

Stretching the neck, back, and legs can ease nerve tension and improve range of motion.

Nerve Flossing Techniques

These are dynamic exercises that help improve mobility of entrapped nerves, particularly in the legs and arms.

Precautions

Stop any exercise that worsens symptoms like burning, numbness, or sharp pain. It’s important to seek guidance if you’re uncertain. Review fascial stretch therapy as a gentle complementary approach.

When to See a Physical Therapist

You should seek help from a licensed physical therapist if you experience any of the following:

Sudden nerve pain or pain and weakness
Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or back
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
Loss of balance or coordination
Pain that is resistant to treatment

If you’re experiencing any of these, a physical therapist may be able to help with your recovery. Consider your insurance coverage—many providers cover PT if referred by a physician. For those dealing with extreme weather conditions, check out our guide on training in hot weather.

Why Physical Therapy Is Effective for Nerve Pain

Physical therapy techniques provide targeted solutions to treat nerve issues by:

Increasing circulation to promote nerve healing
Decompressing pinched nerves
Enhancing strength and stability
Providing long-term pain management strategies

A growing body of clinical evidence, including a recent systematic review, supports physical therapy as a key component of the treatment of neuropathic pain in adults. Additionally, the study of pain shows that exercise can help rewire the brain’s response to chronic pain—especially in cases of nociplastic pain.

By taking an active role in recovery, patients not only experience pain relief, but also learn to manage flare-ups and reduce pain and improve function over time.

In conclusion, if you’re suffering from nerve pain—whether it’s mild to severe or a persistent symptom of chronic neuropathic pain—know that physical therapy can help. With the right treatment plan, tailored techniques, and expert guidance, therapy can help restore mobility and dramatically improve your quality of life.

To learn more about effective rehabilitation options, read our related blog on physical therapy for arthritis.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Nerve Pain