Acupuncture for Neuropathy
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, is a condition resulting from damaged peripheral nerves. It often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet, but it can also affect other areas and functions of your body. Neuropathy can stem from various causes such as diabetes, infections, hereditary disorders, and exposure to toxins. Understanding the type of neuropathy and its root cause is crucial in finding the most effective treatment.
Fortunately, Katrina and her team provide treatments for this often misunderstood and seemingly hopeless disease. What sets them apart from other clinics is the unique combination of acupuncture and advanced integrative therapies. “Our treatments stimulate the nerves, which can regenerate and reverse the damage that causes peripheral neuropathy. The real magic happens when we blend time-tested traditional methods with cutting-edge integrative medical technology.
A Daily Struggle, Not Just a Part of Aging
Too often, those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy are told, “You just have to live with it,” or that it’s simply “a part of aging.” But for those experiencing its effects, peripheral neuropathy is far more than an inconvenience - it’s a daily struggle that impacts every aspect of life.
The symptoms vary widely, from persistent tingling and numbness in the hands and feet to sharp, electric-like pain. Muscle weakness and instability can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming, and the fear of falling becomes a constant concern. In severe cases, something as gentle as a light touch can provoke intense discomfort, while joint stiffness and spasms further limit mobility. Some individuals find that numbness in their feet makes driving unsafe, and restless, disrupted sleep becomes the norm.
With more than 30 million people in North America estimated to have peripheral neuropathy—a number likely underreported due to frequent misdiagnoses—the need for effective treatment has never been more urgent.
Understanding the Impact of Peripheral Neuropathy
Katrina Dollano of What’s Good - Wellness by Design in Oakville shares this belief. “I’ve been treating chronic pain and neuropathy, in all its various forms, for nearly two decades and so often my patients come to me because of the symptoms, not because of the diagnosis. They attended one of my talks, saw me on TV, or spoke to one of our patients and say to themselves, ‘hey, I feel the same thing,’” she says.
When asked how this condition impacts daily life, Katrina adds, “It can be devastating. Imagine trying to go about your day when your feet feel like they're on fire or struggling to sleep because of constant burning and tingling. It can even become dangerous. Many patients can’t safely drive because their feet have become so numb. And because of that numbness, they live in constant fear of falling. What’s most heartbreaking is that they’ve been told it’s just a part of getting older, leaving them feeling hopeless.”
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves which causes pain ranging from discomfort to debilitating. It can be caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, or be due to an unknown cause. Since neuropathy is a degenerative condition, once those nerves begin to deteriorate they will continue to do so until they are completely expired, leaving those suffering with crippling balance issues. “In this case, the absence of pain is not necessarily a good thing," shares Katrina. "This usually indicates that your nerves are hanging on by a fragile thread."
What Does Our Neuropathy Management Program Treat?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, refers to the conditions that result when nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord from and to the rest of the body are damaged or diseased.
Various conditions can lead to neuropathy, including diabetes, certain infections, vitamin deficiency, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins. Sometimes, the cause is unknown.
Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, burning sensation, pain, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination or balance.
Diagnosis may involve a physical exam, blood tests, nerve function tests, and imaging studies to determine the underlying cause and extent of nerve damage.
Treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet, as well as other areas, can include managing underlying conditions, medication for neuropathic pain, physical therapy, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture.
Yes, acupuncture for neuropathy can help relieve symptoms by promoting natural healing and nerve function. It is often used alongside other treatments.
While medical treatment is important, certain natural remedies and lifestyle changes can support nerve health, such as maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, exercising, and using supplements recommended by your healthcare provider.
Some types of neuropathy may improve with time, especially if caused by a treatable condition. However, many forms are chronic and require ongoing management.
Preventing neuropathy involves managing risk factors such as diabetes, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.
Managing neuropathic pain typically involves a combination of treatments, including medication, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and complementary treatments like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Why Patients Choose What’s Good
Many patients seek care at What’s Good after exploring various treatment options. “Most of our patients come to us after having tried everything else without success,” says Katrina. “Our focus is to introduce a new approach to neuropathy treatment. While each case is unique, the body has a natural ability to repair and heal itself.
Sometimes, though -especially as we age- it needs an extra boost to kickstart that process. That’s where we come in. Finding out if we can help begins with an initial consultation.”
At What’s Good, the process begins with a conversation about how the disease affects the patient’s daily life, followed by a sensory assessment to evaluate the extent of nerve damage.
“This helps us determine if we can make a meaningful difference,” says Katrina. “If the damage is beyond a certain level, there’s not a lot we can do. Thankfully, for most patients, we can help, allowing them to once again enjoy life on their terms. We’ve administered thousands of treatments and I’m happy to share that we’ve achieved an 85 per cent success rate. In these patients, we see a significant reduction in pain, enhanced mobility and sensation, and improved sensory re-assessment scores.”
Take Action Today!
When it comes to treating peripheral neuropathy, regardless of its origin, early detection greatly improves your chances of recovery.
While sooner is always better, meaningful improvements may still be achieved even in later stages.