With an estimated 20 Million American affected, Laser Therapy has come to the forefront as the go to treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy.
Peripheral Neuropathy is defined by Mayo Clinic as "...a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet."
With an estimated 20 million Americans affected, symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, lack of sensation, and difficulties with coordination and balance. Typical medical treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy for many leaves them at a dead end and many are too to 'just learn to live with it'. This is why so many people all over the country and the world have turned to Laser Therapy as an effective and totally safe treatment.
How Does Laser Treatment for Neuropathy Work?
The most popular form of laser therapy used for neuropathic pain is cold laser treatment. The method works by stimulating blood circulation around the affected areas. This is beneficial because of the lack of blood supply around the distal parts of the body(ie. feet and hands), as a result of increased glucose levels.
In doing this, the nerve fibers that have been damaged can receive sufficient nutrition and oxygen, thus helping repair and optimize their functionality. The. Typical medical treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy for many leaves them at a dead end and many are toold to 'just learn to live with it'. This is why so many people all over the country and the world have turned to Laser Therapy as an effective and totally safe treatment.
The process is painless and works to relieve other symptoms associated with Peripheral Neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy as well, including inflammation and wound healing. Depending on the extent of the complication, it may be necessary to receive laser treatment multiple times in a week.
What Do Studies Say?
According to research published in 2017, low level laser therapy can improve sensory function in individuals with peripheral neuropathy however, the variations in laser treatment regimens and the lack of a specific treatment protocol could have an effect on the efficacy of the treatment.
Another study measured pain management by way of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument – a standardized test that quantifies the level of pain experienced by an individual. Based on their findings, low level laser therapy was found to significantly reduce pain in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. This was the same result collected from a study conducted in 2011.
My Experience...
I've personally treated dozens of patient with Peripheral Neuropathy over the years with Laser Therapy and have had some amazing results. Like any treatment, nothing is ever a certainty but Laser Therapy is a viable and effective option for most people with Peripheral Neuropathy.
Because there are no known side effects from Laser Therapy, this is a form of treatment that anyone with Peripheral Neuropathy (with or without diabetes) should definitely try.
Dr. Ross Hanson