Anyone tried using red light therapy?
There seems to be some evidence that photobiomodulation - heating the skin via infra red light - has some benefits for stimulating nerve re growth. There are lots of devices available on Amazon as well as lots of seemingly expensive treatments provided by chiropractors.
I would be interested to know of any personal experience with such devices and any possible recommendations.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
I bought hundreds items from Temu - the same Chinese manufactures as you buy in US. Everything that you buy here is made in China.
Temu saved my money and my health.
I thank everybody who left their opinions about red light therapy. I bought infra red wand to help my dogs. It was from Temu, about 70.00 and it helped my dog. Now I need to help myself and need more powerful wand. I hesitated but after reading your reviews I decided to buy it. I will be back here after a month to let you know.
I'm looking into something more than a hand held wand for my feet and legs. I've looked into panels, wraps and even structured high boots with red lights inside. Unfortunately there's lots of junky products out there, so you need to be aware of the specs and read (legitimate) reviews.
I have several red light wraps............but, I too, am wondering, did i buy the proper ones? Sure they have different levels, but........are they really properly made, or did i also buy junk? One tho, when i wrap it around my thigh, my leg does feel stronger when i stand up , and get around that day. I also just started using a Tens unit, and an ultrasound wand, which is supposed to help regenerate tissue.........The bottom of my feet feel pretty stiff., so i will be able to tell if any of them work. It MIGHT be wishful thinking, but yesterday, they don't feel quite as tight................will be doing another ultrasound this morning. I read where you should only use it up to 3 times a week..................hmmm........hope it is working, and not my imagination
Seems like there's numerous potentially beneficial methods existing or being discovered now. Besides red light therapy I've read about shockwave/soundwave, hyperbaric oxygen, stem cell therapy, DMSO cream, etc. I'm hoping that more studies emerge, products improve, things get cheaper (or insurance agrees to cover them). I'm looking into buying a red light device this week after researching them.
Thanks for your comments.
I started searching aprx 1997........i did go on line a while back, and asked........is shockwave therapy similar to ultrasound therapy......the reply i got seemed to be near the same. DMSO i tried back around 1999..........eeeeewwww......the smell was horrible. However MSM was made where they take out the thing ??? that gives it that horrible smell....................I have a lot of "toys", but, the one I really really want is to learn how to use a microcurrent unit. They are similar, again , to a Tens unit, but ..........a very few Dr's, actually use it for macular degeneration, and many other things. My newest goal, is to find a Naturopath Dr., who uses one, then see if she will train me, to use one at home. My one Dr., trained me to use an ozone machine at home for minor things. so hopefully one will train me to use the microcurrent. First I have to find a dr., near me, who uses one. It would be done on a regular Dr office visit, and basically they would only need to give me a few pointers on where and how long to attach it to different body parts. if you want, wait aprx 12 days, or so, and e mail me again, to ask how my ultrasound therapy is working on my feet. If I am getting good results, i pass on the info to you.............and if You find something that works for you , let me know. We can sort of be guinea pigs,,,,,,,,,,,,,for each other 🙂
I use Anodyne ultraviolet light therapy for 30 minutes twice a day along with Rebuider Electric Stimulation 30 minutes, twice a day and two supplements twice daily —Vasopro (beets) to add nitric oxide to blood stream and Greensberry. I also wear compression hose/socks. So long as I take these religiously, the neuropathy is manageable. They relieve most of the stabbing pain, tingling, burning, numbness, and stiffness. If I stay on my feet too long, they get heavy and have some numbness. I took Gabapentin for three weeks, but it made me too loopy. I see a chiropractor certified in neuropathy. The neurologist that diagnosed small fiber peripheral neuropathy through biopsies said there was no treatment for neuropathy. Hard to believe, I know!! These treatments help with gait issues and my goal is avoiding falls. I am almost 77 y o and had neuropathy for about 3 years. My overall health is good.
See my response above about ultraviolet lights. I use in conjunction with electric stimulation and supplements, wear compression hose and socks.
Your Dr's view about no cure for neuropathy may be now considered outdated. If you use AI searches there appears to be promising studies showing nerve regeneration with various treatments. I hope it comes to light which one(s) is/are the best to try.
I'm 59, type 1D for 40 years and the symptoms are really coming on strong for me in the past few years. I can't sleep more than a couple hours before writhing in pain from foot and leg cramps. I'm looking into a few things and am hopeful I could improve.
Thanks for the tip on what you're using.
I didn't know that about DMSO cream. I wonder if there's some with modifications done in current products that minimize that smell? Microcurrent sounds interesting. I have recently tried shockwave/soundwave on my foot that was really bothering me. I'm going in for my 4th treatment tomorrow and am happy to say that after my last (3rd) treatment the pain has been reduced about 80%. Keeping in mind this was for one small area of one foot. Ideally I would have my own machine but think that's cost prohibitive.
My opinion on what I've researched so far:
Red light therapy shows promise and has positive reviews for regenerating blood flow to the areas to enhance healing, but may take a long time.
Shockwave therapy has the same effect: enhancing blood flow to the region and creating an enhanced healing effect.
Stem cell therapy shows incredible regenerative cababilities but is extremely expensive for most.
There's many other things that I can't think of off hand but plan to investigate. I did install an infrared sauna and have used it the past couple years. Feels great but hard to quantify if it's making a difference other than making me feel refreshed/relaxed. I really appreciate hearing about what works from others. Thanks