Physical/Occupational Therapy and Desensitization Techniques for Symptomatic Neuroma

Successful non-operative rehabilitative management of individuals with painful neuromas requires a biomedical psychosocial approach. Rehabilitation interventions should be focused on the central and peripheral mechanisms contributing to the ongoing neuropathic pain and persistent abnormal afferent input. Sensory re-education and desensitization approaches using graded motor imagery with laterality training, motor imagery, and mirror visual feedback are designed to optimize neuroplasticity and sensorimotor processing. Comprehensive evaluations including assessment of sensibility, pain, functional abilities, and patient-reported outcomes are needed to establish baseline parameters and progression of therapeutic interventions. A multidisciplinary goal-setting approach that includes the multidisciplinary team is required to establish the optimal therapeutic interventions to address the neuropathic pain and sensory impairments.