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Neuropathy is caused by a variety of factors, but it is usually due to a disruption in blood flow to nerves located in the hands, feet, arms and legs. Class 4 Laser Therapy has shown promising results in treating peripheral neuropathy, the most common type of neurological condition. Is neuropathy laser treatment effective？
Common Types of Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a condition that occurs due to damage or dysfunction of the nerves in the peripheral nervous system. It can cause a number of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Some of the common types of neuropathy include:
- Diabetic neuropathy: This is the most common type of neuropathy and affects people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels over time can damage the nerves in the feet and legs, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling sensations.
- Peripheral neuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as infections, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to toxins like alcohol or chemotherapy drugs.
- Autonomic neuropathy: This type of neuropathy impacts the nerves that control bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and bladder function. It can be seen in conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
- Hereditary neuropathy: This is a group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations in the feet and hands.
- Compression neuropathy: This type of neuropathy occurs when nerves are compressed or damaged due to repetitive motion, injury, or entrapment. Examples of compression neuropathies include carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.
- Idiopathic neuropathy: In some cases, the cause of neuropathy cannot be identified, and it is referred to as idiopathic neuropathy.
Class IV Laser Therapy for Neuropathy
Class 4 laser therapy has long been utilized to address various conditions, including pain, inflammation and wound healing. The high-intensity laser beams utilized in Class 4 laser therapy are capable of penetrating deeper into tissue than ever before to reach even deeper layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues, providing greater relief from discomfort as well as improving nerve function and improving the quality of life for its recipients.
Evidence indicates that Class 4 laser therapy could be useful in treating neuropathy. Studies have demonstrated how it can reduce pain and improve nerve function for people suffering from diabetic neuropathy – an often untreatable complication associated with diabetes that affects nerves in feet and legs.
It is worth mentioning that Class 4 laser therapy may help some individuals living with neuropathy, though it should not be seen as a cure and you should consult with healthcare professionals to ascertain if this therapy would be the appropriate course of treatment for you.
Study on the Laser Neuropathy Treatment
A study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of class 4 laser treatment on pain management and quality of life in diabetic patients with PN. There were no adverse effects reported. The pain levels dropped significantly, and the other factors improved.
A second study examined photobiomodulation treatment with a class 4-therapy laser for patients who suffer from chemotherapy-induced PN. The study concluded that “Photobiomodulation was an effective and low-toxicity treatment of CIPN.” The study concluded that “Nearly 90% of patients experienced significant improvement in modified neuropathy scores within weeks of starting treatment, and this continued for at least ten weeks after the completion of therapy.”
The Class 4 Laser Therapy should be a standard in every medical office, as it can help patients with many conditions, including PN, said Robert Patterson, MD from Sanford, N.C. You will gain confidence in PBM protocols, and become a successful provider.
Patterson reports that “Our laser treatment treatments have been successful; we have a 80% success rate.” The laser therapy treatments have worked well; we have an 80% success rate.
How Neuropathy Laser Treatment Works
Neuropathy laser therapy is a form of photobiomodulation, using Class IV lasers to specifically target damaged nerve tissues. The laser stimulates cell activity by increasing production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), an essential energy source for cells. Increased production of ATP supports cell growth and repair while aiding the natural healing processes in your body.
This treatment also stimulates blood flow to the affected area by increasing vasodilation. Increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients directly to tissues, helping reduce inflammation and swelling.
Conditions Treated With Neuropathy Laser Treatment
Neuropathy laser therapy may provide effective relief for multiple forms of neuropathies, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica and idiopathic neuropathies. Furthermore, it may help alleviate pain associated with arthritis or other autoimmune conditions.
What to Expect during Neuropathy Laser Treatment Sessions
Patients undergoing neuropathy laser treatments wear safety goggles in order to protect their eyes from laser beams. Sessions’ length and frequency depend on the severity of pain; typically three-15 sessions with two-5 treatments weekly are typically scheduled. Pulsed or continuous laser beams may be utilized depending on individual requirements during treatments.