Anyone tried using red light therapy?

Posted by domokane @domokane, Jul 29, 2023

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've been doing red/infra redlight therapy 15 minutes a day for the past four weeks. So far, I haven't seen any positive effects.

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@domokane, There are some existing discussions on the topic that you might want to read through.

--- InfraRed Light for Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-6/
--- Infrared Sauna Treatment for PN: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/infrared-sauna-treatment-for-pn/
--- Laser Therapy for Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-1/

Here's some more information that might be helpful.
--- Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5523874/
--- Near-Infrared Light and Heat: Dr. Terry Wahls and Brian Richards from Sauna Space: https://youtu.be/-sSMUPlVINQ

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I have ordered red light therapy hope others will share their experiences. Thanks

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I bought a combination red light/infrared light therapy device on Amazon for around $100. It had no positive effect.

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Not sure if it was / is the same things but the place where physical therapy asked me if I was interested in participating in a trial with a laser technology. Was not covered by insurance but I signed up for six (6) sessions. Could not notice any difference so I discontinued the treatments.

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I use a red light torch (looks like a little flashlight). I’ve used it on my feet and toes but am not sure about its efficacy because my numbness ebbs and flows. But I have found that using it once or twice per day on my slightly numb left hand does make a difference. I can just hold the torch in my hand against the numb area as I walk around in the morning. I shared it with my cousin for her knee arthritis and she said it made a big difference and she’s going to get one too. So the red light does work on inflammation and I think we’ll be seeing more studies on this.

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I purchased a red light therapy device online for about $150 six months ago. I was disappointed. It did not alter the gradual numbing of my feet.

I then went into hyper-mode & researched infrared light and the different manufacturers. I found there to be a huge difference as to quality of the machines based on U. S. versus imported manufacturers. I then wrote down the company name and model number of the machine used my physical therapist & purchased identical machine (even tho I am not a medical provider, I happened to find one online). So I am in week 3 of using it. There is no doubt …. absolutely no doubt … that it has helped the arthritis in my wrist. I can use my hand for the first time in 5 months. In regard to my neuropathy, the jury is still out. My neuropathy has stopped progressing in the past weeks but I am a rather jaded personality. I don’t know if that assessment is wishful thinking or truly positive results. I believe that I will know for certain in another month. I hope this helps.

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@rebe

I purchased a red light therapy device online for about $150 six months ago. I was disappointed. It did not alter the gradual numbing of my feet.

I then went into hyper-mode & researched infrared light and the different manufacturers. I found there to be a huge difference as to quality of the machines based on U. S. versus imported manufacturers. I then wrote down the company name and model number of the machine used my physical therapist & purchased identical machine (even tho I am not a medical provider, I happened to find one online). So I am in week 3 of using it. There is no doubt …. absolutely no doubt … that it has helped the arthritis in my wrist. I can use my hand for the first time in 5 months. In regard to my neuropathy, the jury is still out. My neuropathy has stopped progressing in the past weeks but I am a rather jaded personality. I don’t know if that assessment is wishful thinking or truly positive results. I believe that I will know for certain in another month. I hope this helps.

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What is the company name/model that you purchased and approx cost?

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@rebe

I purchased a red light therapy device online for about $150 six months ago. I was disappointed. It did not alter the gradual numbing of my feet.

I then went into hyper-mode & researched infrared light and the different manufacturers. I found there to be a huge difference as to quality of the machines based on U. S. versus imported manufacturers. I then wrote down the company name and model number of the machine used my physical therapist & purchased identical machine (even tho I am not a medical provider, I happened to find one online). So I am in week 3 of using it. There is no doubt …. absolutely no doubt … that it has helped the arthritis in my wrist. I can use my hand for the first time in 5 months. In regard to my neuropathy, the jury is still out. My neuropathy has stopped progressing in the past weeks but I am a rather jaded personality. I don’t know if that assessment is wishful thinking or truly positive results. I believe that I will know for certain in another month. I hope this helps.

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Can you share what the company name is and how to purchase it? Thanks.

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Do you have other pain issues besides neuropathy?
Wondering if this therapy would help my neck/back/sacrum. Thank you!

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