Can CBD and Exercise Support Nerve Recovery After Chemotherapy? A New Study Offers Hope

After months of enduring chemotherapy, the last thing any cancer survivor wants is another lingering side effect. Yet for many, the end of treatment doesn't mean the end of discomfort. A condition known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy - or CIPN - can linger for months or even years. It affects the nerves in the hands and feet, and brings with it a range of frustrating symptoms: tingling, numbness, burning sensations, weakness, and poor coordination.

It can make everyday tasks like walking, typing, or opening a jar feel surprisingly difficult. And while modern medicine has made huge strides in cancer treatment, the options for managing CIPN remain relatively limited.

But a new study offers a glimmer of hope - combining a plant-based compound (CBD) with regular movement might help ease the burden of CIPN. Let’s take a closer look at what the science says, and why it matters.

What Is Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)?

Chemotherapy does a vital job: destroying fast-growing cancer cells. But in the process, it can also affect healthy cells - including the delicate nerves that run through our arms and legs. This damage to peripheral nerves is what leads to a condition known as CIPN.

It often shows up as a strange mix of numbness, pain, or “pins and needles”, usually starting in the fingertips and toes. Many describe it as a feeling of walking on gravel, or trying to button a shirt with gloves on. It can also lead to poor balance, frequent falls, and, with that, often a loss of independence.

Up to 80% of people treated with certain types of chemotherapy experience some form of neuropathy. And unfortunately, for some, it doesn’t go away on its own.

Why Existing Treatments Aren’t Enough

Despite how common CIPN is, there are very few effective treatments. A medication called duloxetine is sometimes prescribed, but it doesn’t work for everyone and may cause side effects like drowsiness or nausea.

For many cancer survivors, this creates a dilemma: how do you manage pain and nerve dysfunction without adding even more strain to a body that’s already been through so much?

This is where interest in combining multiple natural and non-pharmaceutical approaches - like CBD and gentle exercise - is growing.

What Is CBD – and How Might It Help?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound, called a cannabinoid, found in the hemp and cannabis plant. It’s non-intoxicating (meaning it won’t make you feel “high”) and interacts with something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) - a vast network spread throughout the human body that helps regulate and balance things like pain, mood, inflammation, and sleep.

CBD is thought to help “rebalance” the ECS by gently supporting its receptors, which are found throughout the body and brain. It’s also believed to reduce oxidative stress and promote a sense of calm. While a lot of research is still ongoing, many people already use CBD to support their general wellbeing - particularly in relation to pain relief and stress.

Preliminary studies have shown that CBD may help reduce the severity of nerve-related symptoms in people undergoing cancer treatment. But what happens when you combine its effects with movement?

A Study Combining CBD and Exercise: What the Researchers Found

A recent Canadian study set out to explore exactly that. Researchers followed 27 cancer survivors living with cancer treatment related CIPN. For the first two months, participants took daily doses of pure CBD oil (up to 300 mg per day, gradually increased based on what each person could tolerate). In the following two months, they continued taking the CBD product while also following a structured multi-modal exercise programme - combining aerobic movement, strength training, and balance exercises.

The goal wasn’t to test extremes. These weren’t high-intensity workouts or experimental drug doses. Everything was designed to be gentle, achievable, and safe - especially for people in cancer recovery.

The researchers tracked changes in symptoms, strength, quality of life, and mobility. And the results? Surprisingly promising.

CBD Alone Made a Noticeable Difference

After just two months of CBD - so even before exercise was introduced - most participants reported feeling some level of improvement. Notably:

• Nerve symptoms became milder - including numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
  
  

• Grip strength increased, suggesting improved hand function.
  
  

• Participants felt better able to manage daily tasks.
  
  

It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean CBD cured neuropathy - it didn’t. But it did seem to gently ease the burden for many, helping them regain some physical function and comfort in their day-to-day lives.

Adding Exercise Made the Results Even Stronger

Once movement was introduced, the benefits became even clearer:

• Participants reported further reductions in pain.
  
  

• Measures of mobility and dexterity improved.
  
  

• Most strikingly, overall quality of life increased - participants felt more capable, more confident, and more resilient.
  
  

The combination of CBD and movement effects seemed to work synergistically. It wasn’t just about treating symptoms - it was about helping people feel stronger, steadier, and more in control of their bodies again.

Why Exercise Plays a Key Role

Exercise has long been known to benefit physical and mental health, but it may have a special role to play in supporting nerve recovery. It helps by:

• Improving blood flow to damaged nerves
  
  

• Supporting muscle strength and coordination
  
  

• Reducing inflammation throughout the body
  
  

• Activating the endocannabinoid system, just like CBD does
  
  

In fact, research suggests that movement can increase the levels of naturally occurring endocannabinoids in the body. The effects of these compounds are closely related to the effect of CBD and play a role in how we experience pain, stress, and even mood. In a way, exercise helps your body produce its own internal support - and additional CBD may complement that process.

What Does This Mean for Cancer Survivors?

While this was a small study and more research is needed, the message is encouraging: CBD and gentle exercise could offer safe, natural ways to support recovery after chemotherapy. Especially for those struggling with persistent nerve issues, this approach could be worth exploring under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

It’s also a reminder that healing doesn’t stop when treatment ends. Quality of life matters. The ability to move comfortably, pick up a pen, or walk with confidence might seem small - but they are everything when rebuilding after cancer.

CBD: One Piece of the Puzzle

CBD isn’t a magic bullet. It’s not a cure or a quick fix. But as this study suggests, it may be a helpful tool - especially when used as part of a broader self-care plan that includes movement, rest, and support.

If you’re recovering from chemotherapy or looking to support someone who is, consider speaking to your or their doctor about CBD as a gentle, plant-based option that may offer comfort on the journey.

Final Thoughts: Gentle Steps Toward Recovery

The path to recovery after cancer can feel long and unpredictable. But small, steady steps under professional supervision, like taking a daily CBD supplement or going for a short walk, can build up to meaningful change.

This latest research offers something that’s often in short supply during recovery: hope. Hope that with the right tools, the body can adapt, improve, and reclaim strength. It doesn’t need to be extreme - it can be as simple as movement, support, and natural care.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Vigano M, Kubal S, Habib S, Samarani S, Kasvis P, Koudieh N, Kilgour R, Farzin H, Ahmad A, Vigano A, Costiniuk CT. Cannabidiol and multi-modal exercise for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer. 2025 Jun 4;33(7):534.