Anyone tried using red light therapy?

Cold laser works for me -- for my numb ankles/feet that do not suffer from pain. My discovery/research of such option came from a chiropractor in Nashville TN. In VA I found a local chiropractor offering this laser and began weekly treatment. My numbness has been lessened, and now I get the laser now every two weeks + -- with the expectation to further reduce the frequency of treatment.

Another interesting prospective medical option I am going to check is the whether a low dose of gabapentin will enhance sensitivity in the feet. Last week I had hernia surgery and was prescribed, as needed, gabapentin for pain. I only needed the 300 mg pill for several days and switched to ibuprofen. BUT, ironically, while taking the gabapentin, I felt a very dramatic sensitivity improvement in my feet. They felt as if they were "normal" again! But the 300mg made me slightly light-headed. I wonder if a low dosage could help the feet, work in combination with the laser.

Welcome @mayoneuro41, Thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like good news indeed. I've had numbness with no pain as my symptoms for my idiopathic small fiber PN for 30+ years but not diagnosed until 2016. Prior to being diagnosed my PCP put me on gabapentin but it didn't help so I stopped it after a discussion with my Mayo Care team who referred me to a neurologist where I was diagnosed. I'm glad to hear you have had some success with both the cold laser and gabapentin.

Hello gma9, I don't Blame you at all! I've never really had faith them, Chiropractors. They are good for certain things but severe cases for Neuropathy?????? He should NEVER have told that and scare the heck out of you! Your better of with a Neurologist and Rheumatologist if you don't have one already? Wish you the best!

HI, There is not one medication that has helped my S.F.N. Sjogren's.
I see a Phycologist LPN for Pain. She has sent my blood work to GENOMIND To find out if there are any medications I can take that will WORK. You need a medical professional to help you. It can't hurt and Medicare pays. Phone No. 877 895 8658

Thanks for the referral.

I can't speak to red light therapy except to say it seems to be provided mostly by chiropractors. The few I know who have tried it have had mixed reviews. I know there are different wave lengths so maybe that is the difference. The idea is that the light and heat penetrate deeper than other methods.
I believe the reason you don't get much of an answer to the question about different causes is because the treatments aren't that different. One exception is the treatment of the underlying root cause.

The suite of medications they pick from is the same, but really is just to mask the pain, they do nothing in the way of repair or regrowth. That has to come from (if it is possible for your nerves) good nutrition, stimulation, and oxygen. these are the three things nerves need to be thier healthiest.

Thanks for taking the time to share your insight & knowledge.

Hi @harley22,
I have done the laser therapy and the shock wave therapy, diet, and exercise. I think the Shock wave therapy at the PT had the most immediate and profound effect. I have severe allergic reactions to food and my neuropathy gets involved, because I start swelling. I have used the Shockwave therapy when this occurs and what a difference. I have had relief from the cll but not as quick or profound. (Would the shock wave have worked with out the cll treatment?) I am trying the shock wave again, to see what happens in my normal level of neuropathy. Understanding that I can only treat my neuropathy, not cure it, will not stop me from trying to reduce the amount of impact it has on my life.

I recently had some OT sessions for dizziness. It’s no secret that I have painful knots, trigger points related to my small fiber neuropathy, and I see a PT for that. They occur on areas that get repetitive use. Well, basically I hurt everywhere. But back to the laser. We identified some tight, tender spots that were contributing to my tight shoulders and limited neck flexibility. The OT used the red laser just a few times, and it worked! I could feel a difference after a five minute session! It was like the laser caused that tight knot to soften up, and the pain went away! At least to the point that I was no longer holding my neck and shoulders stiffly.
We used it a few more times, on my hands. This OT used one from Amazon. Since he had done research, I don’t have to! I just ordered one. I am going to try it on my knees. I look ridiculous trying to rise from a seated position. The pain makes me groan, which I did in public a few times yesterday.

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Red/infrared therapy is really helping me now. (Tried @ Chiropractors office many years ago & did not get great results especially for treatment costs...the knowledge & tech has changed a lot for the better) 1t: make sure you do your reaserch & get a high quality & powerful multi spectrum device, & follow instructions & times (protect eyes).
I orriginally got a powerful handheld torch for target treatment of my painful gums. This has been extremely beneficial, no more mouth pain there, & I am amazed on the shrinkage of my painful toe bone spurs ($6-10k to remove) & bursitis = no more pain when walking. I find it definataly reduces pain/inflamation in many joints/arthritis flare-ups. & I am seeing some benefit to my facial skin complection as well (& ear aches have subsided) . I am purchasing a whole bady pannel real soon for quicker/easier whole body treatments for the whole family to benefit. Benefits do take time...stick with it. I hope this helps. Godspeed.