How Physical Therapy Helped Bryce Restore Balance After Chemotherapy
After being diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer, Bryce focused on getting treatment and beating cancer. Chemotherapy played a major role in saving his life. But once treatment ended, he began dealing with a new challenge that many cancer survivors experience: nerve damage in his feet, often called peripheral neuropathy.
Bryce noticed numbness and reduced feeling in his feet. Walking no longer felt automatic. Balance felt uncertain. He found himself constantly thinking about where his feet were and whether he could trust his steps.
Peripheral neuropathy is a very common side effect of chemotherapy. For some people, these symptoms fade over time. For others, they linger and affect balance, confidence, and everyday activities.
When Movement Stops Feeling Natural
Nerve damage can interfere with how messages travel between the feet and the brain. When those messages are unclear, the brain does not always receive accurate information about the body’s position. This can make walking, standing, and even simple movements feel harder and less secure.
Looking for support, Bryce reached out to Buffalo Rehab Group with one clear goal: to regain feeling in his feet and feel steady again when he moved.
A Supportive Approach to Nerve Recovery
Bryce’s care focused on helping his body and nervous system work better together. Along with guided movement and balance work, his therapy included the use of a technology called ARP Wave.
ARP Wave uses direct current, which is a steady electrical signal, rather than alternating current, which switches back and forth and is more commonly used to activate muscles. This steady signal helps nerves send clearer messages to the brain.
Many people are familiar with electrical stimulation that causes muscles to tighten or contract. This approach is different. Instead of focusing on muscle strength alone, ARP Wave is used to support how the nervous system communicates, particularly when sensation is impaired.
During Bryce’s sessions, stimulation was applied to his feet to provide consistent input to the brain. Over time, this helped his brain better recognize what his feet were feeling. The goal was not to push harder or perform intense exercises, but to provide the body with better information so movement could feel more natural again.
Noticing Changes Sooner Than Expected
Within two weeks, Bryce began to notice a difference. Sensation in his feet improved. His balance felt more stable. Walking required less concentration and felt less stressful.
By combining supportive technology with lower-intensity, purposeful movement, his body responded without feeling overwhelmed. This approach helped build confidence while enabling efficient progress.
ARP Wave is used with a variety of patients, not just those with neuropathy. It can also support people dealing with balance issues, chronic pain, or movement challenges following injury or illness.
Why This Matters
Nerve damage affects more than just physical sensation. It affects confidence, independence, and people’s sense of safety in their daily lives.
Bryce’s story is a reminder that lingering nerve symptoms do not always mean people have to simply wait and hope for improvement. With the right care and guidance, it is possible to regain trust in the body and feel more in control of movement again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this type of therapy used for?
This therapy is used to help people who experience numbness, tingling, balance problems, or reduced feeling. It is commonly used for nerve damage related to chemotherapy, long-term nerve irritation, and conditions that affect movement and stability.
What is ARP Wave?
ARP Wave is a therapeutic device that uses a gentle, direct-current electrical signal to improve how nerves and the brain communicate. Unlike alternating current, which switches on and off, direct current provides a steady signal that supports clearer nerve communication, so movement and sensation can feel more natural again.
How is this different from other electrical therapies?
Many electrical therapies focus on inducing muscle contraction using alternating current. This approach focuses on supporting the nervous system’s ability to send and receive signals, rather than on muscle strength alone.
Who might benefit from this therapy?
This therapy may help cancer survivors, people with nerve damage, individuals recovering from injury or surgery, and those who feel unsteady or unsure when moving. A Physical Therapist determines whether it is appropriate based on each person’s needs and goals.
How long does it take to notice improvement?
Everyone is different, but some people notice changes within a few weeks. Results depend on factors such as the type of nerve involvement, the duration of symptoms, and the consistency of therapy.
Bryce’s experience highlights how recovery after cancer treatment can extend beyond beating the disease itself. Nerve-related symptoms like numbness and balance loss are common, but they do not have to be permanent.
With the right combination of clinical guidance, supportive technology, and personalized care, many people can make meaningful progress. Bryce’s story shows that healing the nervous system is possible and that feeling steady, confident, and connected to your body again can be part of life after chemotherapy.
Ready to Start Your Story?
Bryce’s journey shows that lingering nerve symptoms after chemotherapy do not have to define life after cancer. If you are experiencing numbness, balance issues, or feeling unsure on your feet, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Our team of Physical and Occupational Therapists is here to help you prevent injury, stay active, and move pain-free.
Treatment is covered by insurance, no referral is required to start, and with flexible in-clinic and virtual appointments available, you can find a time that works with your schedule.
Call 716-458-1990 or use this button to schedule online:
Have a Story of Your Own?
If you’ve had a breakthrough, a win, or a moment that mattered, big or small, let us know. You could inspire someone just like Bryce!
Want to share your story? Email jquinn@buffalorehab.com or talk to your therapist. We’d be honored to help share it!