Anyone use compression therapy during chemo to prevent neuropathy?

I've used a combination and a variety, although inconsistently, since I've been getting Abraxane.

Ice on the fingers is very uncomfortable, so I've settled for compression there via small/tight surgical gloves. That also allows me to scroll my phone or read a book easily compared to being iced up.

For my feet, I usually wear compression socks, and then apply the ice over them. The SuzziPad brand of ice packs are pretty compact and freezer-friendly. I also have a set of IcyWrap "boots" that have the icepacks and air bladders for compression built in. You inflate the air bladders with a squeeze bulb. They're a bit bulkier (taking up space in the freezer) than Suzzi, and although they cover your entire foot and ankle, they don't provide the best ice contact at the toes.

It seems to help, but the only way to do a real experiment is with one hand untreated (as the control) and the other iced/compressed as the experimental arm. I haven't gone that far because I don't want to be lopsided.

I am also thinking of using a variety, maybe the compression hose with ice. I need to find some surgical gloves that are small enough for my small hands.
Are you using the compression socks with a 30-40 Mmhg rating?

I've been using socks with a 40-50 mmHg rating. They're a pain to get on and off, but are tolerable compression-wise throughout a few hours of chemo. I recently cut off the top 2/3 of each sock, so they're now barely ankle-high instead of calf-/knee-high. Much easier to deal with!

For surgical gloves: at my chemo infusion center, there are boxes on the wall in every size, and nobody has ever objected to me grabbing a pair or two. 🙂

I have not done that but instead, have found exceptional results treating my peripheral neuropathy with regular weekly acupuncture sessions. I also, for a large part of my life, have worn prescription compression socks particularly due to my edema. There has been some positive carry-over with the compression socks and my peripheral neuropathy.

Please tell me what kind you buy for compression socks.
I have lived half of my life with Neuropathy, i take 4x 100mg Lyrica for it.
Only very expensive, as no insurance will help out.

@murray3 ,

Do you use an acupuncturist with any specific oncology or neuropathy training/certifications?

How many weekly sessions did it take before you started to notice relief?

Was your neuropathy diagnosed at a particular grade (1-3), and if so, has it been reduced by any grade levels from the acupuncture?

Do you find the acupuncture is "curing" your neuropathy, or just providing relief by reducing/masking symptoms? (e.g., is sensation returning/improving, or are you just noticing a reduction of tingling/pain?)

I've had 4 acupuncture treatments spread over about 3 months without noticing any real improvement, but honestly have no idea what to realistically expect.

Many thanks!

Yes, my acupuncturist has all the applicable training and certifications. My acupuncturist is a trained, certified, and fully accredited Doctor of Acupuncture, Ac who operates her own business here in Canada. She is 1 of 4/5 fully licenced and accredited Doctors of Acupuncture, Ac in the entire country of Canada.

It took me 6 to 8 weekly sessions before I noticed a modicum of relief. I should qualify that, for each of my initial weekly sessions, I received 3–40-minute treatments per week. My progress is reassessed monthly by the Doctor and myself with my treatment regime being modified as required.

My monthly assessments were extremely detailed and thorough. Part of the assessment used the mToronto Neuropathy Severity Evaluation as well as an Individual Functional Assessment for each specific separate body part.

I commenced my acupuncture treatments at the end of July/25 and have been continuing them on a weekly basis with few exceptions. Yes, the acupuncture is 'curing' my neuropathy as well as creating numerous other positives. For example, my body balance has improved drastically; my energy level has shown marked improvement; the average length of my step has markedly increased, as has my walking speed. At my 6th month assessment, it was mutually decided that my treatment focus will be directed to other areas of my body (such as my lumbar spine or severe osteoarthritic knees) that would benefit from such acupuncture treatments. My regular weekly treatments over the past 3 months have been directed to/focused upon my new area of concern with two sessions and 1 session as a maintenance treatment for my feet, legs, hands, and arms.

My neuropathy was diagnosed through a 2-hour EMG assessment via the Neurology department of a local hospital. I had this assessment prior to commencing any treatments. My assessment did not provide me a particular grade(s) aside from a rating/grade/diagnosis of a severe polyneuropathy. I was also informed that my neuropathy was chemo-induced as prior to my undergoing chemotherapy, I had no, nor showed, any signs and/or symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

I must admit that your having 4 treatments spread over about 3 months would not be effective as you have noticed through experience. The benefits of acupuncture treatments, much as any other treatments/procedures, are cumulative in that the effect of regular treatments build successfully upon those treatments that proceeded.

I applaud your interest and trust that my response has provided some further information regarding the benefit(s) of regular weekly acupuncture treatment sessions.

Thank you!!! I just had a treatment this afternoon, and think/hope I've got enough of life's distractions out of the way that I can continue at a much higher frequency..

My best wishes to you.

@estutweh, you might appreciate joining these related discussions:
- Compression socks: How do you know the strengths and size to buy? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/compression-socks-how-do-you-know-the-strengths-and-size-to-buy/
- Compression socks for blood flow while living with neuropathy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/compression-socks-for-blood-flow-while-living-with-neuropathy/