Light Therapy For Neuropathy
Benefits of infrared therapy for neuropathy, Neuropathy can be a debilitating condition that disrupts everyday life. It is a symptom of many different conditions, including diabetes, and can cause a stabbing or burning sensation that affects your feet, hands, hips, buttocks, or legs. You might also experience a tingling or prickling sensation and may even have difficulty walking due to the pain. Thankfully, there are safe, natural ways to treat your neuropathy symptoms without prescriptions, like light therapy.
What is light therapy for neuropathy?
Light therapy is a noninvasive treatment option that uses wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation and help heal damaged nerve tissue. It’s a great alternative to traditional pain relievers that can have serious side effects and is proven effective for reducing neuropathic pain. Light therapy can be done from the comfort of your home and is safe to use multiple times until you feel relief.
The light infrared rays penetrate deep into your skin, reaching muscle tissue bundles and the nerves that are affected by neuropathy. The cells absorb the energy from the light and stimulate cellular regrowth, helping to relieve pain. Additionally, it helps to boost circulation and improve blood flow in the area, so more nutrient-rich oxygen and nutrients can reach your affected tissues and help speed up healing.
Red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy has been shown to reduce neuropathic pain in patients by boosting cell metabolism and stimulating the production of new cells. It is thought that the light’s energy is absorbed by photoreceptors in the cells, which then triggers the release of essential molecules like nitric oxide. Nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator and widens blood vessels, improving blood flow so more nutrient-rich oxygen can reach the cells. The increase in cellular energy and the release of nitric oxide improves nerve function by restoring normal communications between the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS).
In addition to releasing nitric oxide, red light therapy for neuropathy stimulates the growth of new cells and helps your body to produce more ATP. ATP is the fuel your cells need to perform their functions, and it is often depleted in areas that are affected by neuropathy. When your cells have more ATP, they can resume their normal function and begin repairing the damage caused by neuropathy.
Infrared therapy can also promote fibroblast growth, which is an important part of the process for regenerating healthy tissue. Fibroblasts secrete collagen and other fibers that are the building blocks of your connective tissues, including your nerves. The combination of these two actions is critical for preventing and treating neuropathy. If you are suffering from neuropathic pain, ask your doctor if light therapy is right for you. They can give you a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs.