Anyone tried shock wave therapy for peripheral neuropathy nerve pain?

Posted by carolynmcn @carolynmcn, Dec 20, 2024

I’ve had peripheral neuropathy since 2020 after having a Covid vaccine. My pain worsens from supper time on. At bedtime, it is excruciating. I’ve tried all of the creams, even prescription creams. I’ve been on Gabapentin and Lyrica, with no change in my pain, so I am weaning off of these meds. I’ve heard horror stories about the med and withdrawal symptoms.
Has anyone here tired sh I wave therapy? My medical professional suggested it? Any advice? Thank you very much.

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Profile picture for jfn @jfn

Hi @lindavs ,

Do they start at your calves and go to your toes and do each toe. That is what you want done, so that the blood is going to your toes, the farthest from your heart. Then the foot and calves. For me I am charged $50 a session. If I bought a plan much cheaper. I would look for other providers. As for how well it works, spectacular. It does not completely get rid of my neuropathy , but reduces it to a small background noise.
I will answer questions. I have also done red light therapy.

JFN

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@ Did you use it for pain as well as numbness? If so did it help numbness also. How long have you you had neuropathy before using this technology?
I read after so long neuropathy becomes permanent. I’ve had it for 40+ years. Now just numbness, thankfully.
Thanks,
Jake

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@lindavs
Thanks for the numbness information. I read it after I posted.
Do you know anyone or statistics on how often this is successful.
Thanks,
Jake

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Profile picture for Leonard @jakedduck1

@lindavs
Thanks for the numbness information. I read it after I posted.
Do you know anyone or statistics on how often this is successful.
Thanks,
Jake

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I have had neuropathy for over 5 years. I have numb areas mostly on soles of my feet (neuropathy started on myvfeet) but the neurological tests I had done showed areas of complete non-response in areas in numerous places on my lower legs and even a few places above my knees. I am trying the shock wave treatments to relieve pain. It effects me mostly at night, partly because daily life can distract us and make pain move to the background. But it seems some of the mechanics of neuropathy also make lying still more conducive to pain. I don't know the whole medical science behind it. I do know from my personal experience that lack of sleep in debilitating. So my goal is to reduce discomfort to a level that makes sleep possible and with luck and a prayer might even heal what can be healed, maybe keep it from spreading.

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Profile picture for lindavs @lindavs

I have had neuropathy for a number of years. It has slowly crept up from my feet to just under my knees. Gabapentin was all the neurologist seemed to have to offer. That drug is contraindicated for me. My cousin who completed medical school and then obtained his PhD in pharmacological research, is the very last person to try "woowoo" medical treatments so when he called me and suggested I try shockwave therapy at one very particular place, I was willing to try it. I had my second treatment yesterday. I have 6 more to go, which take place once a week. I did not have any noticeable change after first session (both feet). This second session (also just both feet) I had noticeable improvement that day but that night was awful as usual. I go every Thursday. I will let you know how it goes over the course of the next 6 weeks. By the way, there are 2 kinds of shockwave therapy. One is not as effective as the otger. If I can find the notes from my cousin, I will post again. Let us know how it is going for you if you actually started.
BTW, no insurance. $3k for 16 treatments. Work on each leg is considered one treatment. If I can ever sleep again, I will consider it a life changing investment.

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I finished 12 treatments $2400 at the end of March. It included red light therapy. I think it helps a good bit. I bought a tens unit from Oxiline. I take numerous supplement and an ibuprofen at night. It all helps. I’m working on losing 15 pounds and getting A1C down some more. My best…

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Profile picture for lindavs @lindavs

They have started at the feet and will go up. They do each toe. My understanding from the neurologist is that where I am completely numb, the nerves are dead and will not resurrect. Not an Easter miracle, per tge neurologist. Where there is pain and tingling, nerves are still alive. Goal is to keep them from dying and degeneration from spreading. He is curious about my shock therapy treatments though he never mentioned them as an option. I will mention the cake to foot option to my shock wave doc.

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How long have the nerves been "dead"? Look up nerve growth it depends....
JFN

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Profile picture for FloridaSwimmer @vickyvanvliet

Thank you for sharing. I have not tried this yet. Would you do it again?

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Chiropractors and PTs perform Shockwave therapy.

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Profile picture for fightdoc @fightdoc

Chiropractors and PTs perform Shockwave therapy.

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Is shockwave another name for lazar? I'm trying lazar with accupuncture. My accupuncturist says it doesn't kill nerves. It reduces enflammation. It seems to be working. My challenge is to not overdo it when I'm feeling good.

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Dubius at best. Read what the FDA says about it and and check for triple blind testing before you spend BIG BUCKS and sticking your finger in a light socket.

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Profile picture for slowrunner1 @slowrunner1

Dubius at best. Read what the FDA says about it and and check for triple blind testing before you spend BIG BUCKS and sticking your finger in a light socket.

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You haven't answered my question. Is shockwave the same as lazar? So far, it is painless and seems to be helping.

I have two friends with breast cancer and they are younger than I am. In spite how painful spinal stenosis is, I'll take it over radiation and chemo.

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I highly recommend trying Neubie. (Was recommended to me by my Mayo dr) Checkout Neufit’s website & YouTube videos. I had nerve issues last week in my hand stemming from my shoulder & neck. The Neubie cured it. The website lists providers who have the machine and most are physical therapists which insurance pays for.

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