Explore the benefits of laser therapy for neuropathy pain, including its mechanisms and positive outcomes. Learn about the potential of light therapy as a drug equivalent for neuropathy. Discover the challenges in selecting parameters for neuropathy laser therapy and the importance of effective protocols and patient evaluation. Delve into different methods and power levels for laser therapy in neuropathy, focusing on pain reduction and healing promotion.
Laser therapy offers a noninvasive and safe alternative for managing neuropathy by increasing circulation to damaged tissues and promoting nerve regeneration.
Laser therapy is an effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy, improving skin microvascular circulation and decreasing pain levels.
Deep dives
Standard of Care for Neuropathy
The standard of care for neuropathy involves correcting the causative factor and prescribing medications to control pain. However, medication strategies do not reverse the cause and have limited success in providing relief. Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, offers a noninvasive and safe alternative. It uses infrared light to stimulate light sensors deep within the body, increasing circulation to damaged tissues and speeding up cellular metabolism. Laser therapy has shown positive results in managing neuropathic pain, preventing tissue death, and promoting nerve regeneration.
Effectiveness of Laser Therapy in Diabetic Neuropathy
Laser therapy has emerged as an effective treatment modality for managing diabetic neuropathic pain. It triggers biochemical changes within the cells, decreases pain levels, improves skin microvascular circulation, and increases levels of vitamin D and magnesium. Laser therapy has been shown to be safe, noninvasive, and has no adverse effects. It can be considered a valuable addition to the standard of care for diabetic neuropathy.
Chemo-induced Neuropathy and Laser Therapy
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy can be managed with laser therapy. While certain medications provide modest benefits, laser therapy has been found to be safer and more effective. It promotes nerve regeneration, decreases inflammatory cytokine levels, and improves nerve conduction velocity. Additionally, laser therapy improves quality of life, increases skin microvascular circulation, and reduces pain in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
This podcast is an excerpt from a one-hour webinar packed full of information you need to know if you want to be successful with peripheral neuropathy patients. Dr. Rountree covers:
What is neuropathy?
Why does it happen?
How can laser therapy help?
How do I start helping neuropathy patients in my practice?