COURTESY OF DR. RENEE MORAN, PT, DPT, CLINICAL DIRECTOR, FYZICAL THERAPY & BALANCE CENTERS EASTERN MAINE
If you’re over 60 and living with diabetes, you may know symptoms like burning feet, numb toes, tingling, or the sensation of walking on cotton. These are often caused by Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN), one of the most common complications of diabetes.
According to research summarized by NeuFit involving 150 participants across 13 physical therapy clinics in the U.S., approximately 60–70% of people with diabetes develop some degree of neuropathy. In other words, more than half of individuals living with diabetes will experience nerve-related symptoms.
What Is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
DPN occurs when high blood sugar over time damages the small nerves, most often in the feet and lower legs. These nerves control touch, temperature, vibration detection, balance, and muscle activation for walking and stability.
When nerves malfunction, symptoms may include pain, burning, numbness, weakness, loss of balance, and increased fall risk.
Many patients tell me, “My doctor says I have neuropathy, and there’s not much that can be done.” Traditionally, medications have been the primary treatment. While they may reduce pain, they do not repair nerves or restore function and often come with side effects.
But there is another option.
A Different Approach: Electrical Stimulation Therapy
Recent research overseen by Neufit compared two types of non-invasive electrical stimulation devices for treating DPN:
- TENS (alternating current) — commonly used for short-term pain relief
- Neubie (direct current) — a newer high-frequency direct current device
In the study, 150 participants (average age 74) received therapy twice weekly for six weeks using exercises combined with either TENS or the Neubie.
What Did the Study Show?
Participants treated with the Neubie experienced significant improvements in neuropathy severity, foot sensation, vibration awareness, pain levels, muscle activation, and nerve conduction speed. Those treated with traditional TENS did not show significant improvement in these areas.
In simple terms, the Neubie didn’t just reduce pain — it improved nerve and muscle function.
Why Is That Important?
Neuropathy is more than pain. The real concerns include loss of sensation, poor muscle activation, slower nerve communication, and increased fall risk.
Improving nerve signaling and muscle activation can enhance balance, walking ability, confidence, and overall quality of life — exactly what this research suggests is possible.
How the Neubie Works
Your nervous system communicates through electrical signals. The Neubie uses a current that closely mimics these natural signals. Unlike older devices, it allows patients to actively move during treatment, retraining nerves and muscles together — a key factor for lasting improvement.
At FYZICAL, treatment combines Neubie therapy with guided exercises to stimulate nerves, activate muscles, improve circulation, and reinforce healthier movement patterns. It’s not passive therapy — it’s system retraining.
If You’re Living with Neuropathy, Know This:
- Numbness is not “just aging.”
- Pain is not something you must accept.
- Falls are not inevitable.
- There are options beyond medication.
If you’ve been told nothing more can be done, consider a second look. Advances in research and technology are changing how we approach neuropathy and offering new hope.
At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we’re proud to provide evidence-informed treatments like the Neubie to help people stay active, independent, and safe — because growing older should not mean giving up your independence.
