Somatosensory rehabilitation

Somatosensory reabiliation often associated with the treatment of neuropathic pain, is a modality that can be used during the 5 stages of a partial lesion of the Aß neurofibers (fibers that detect tactile stimuli) that have not regrown on their own.

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1) Hypoesthesia (reduced sensation when the skin is touched)
2) Allodynia (pain felt when the skin is touched)

3) Hypoesthesia or allodynia with intermittent pain

4) Hypoesthesia or allodynia with constant pain

5) Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

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This modality is used in individuals who have experienced a partial axonal lesion of the Aß neurofibers due to various etiologies (causes), such as:

- Traumatic (e.g., a partial nerve cut)
- Compression (e.g., wearing a cast that is too tight, a hernia, etc.)

- Psychosomatic (e.g., interpersonal conflict, inexplicable, related to the individual)

- Metabolic (e.g., diabetes, multiple sclerosis, etc.)

- Infectious (e.g., infection following a bite, herpes, shingles, etc.)

- Biochemical (e.g., chemotherapy or radiotherapy, etc.)

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Reported somesthetic and/or neuropathic qualities (symptoms) can include:
- Radiation
- Tingling
- Prickling
- Electric shock sensation
- Numbness
- Sensitivity or pain to touch (feels like a sunburn / bruise)
- Loss of sensitivity (numb skin)

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These syndromes may be accompanied by neuropathic pain related to partial tactile

hypoesthesia or neuropathic pain upon touch, associated with mechanical allodynia:
- Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Syndrome
- Budapest Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

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The approach differs from conventional occupational therapy. Individuals benefiting from this approach are required to perform treatments at home daily as recommended by the therapist. The goal of this approach is to normalize the sensation of touch and reduce neuropathic pain and/or associated somesthesic symptoms.