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.

@abbyrose

I’ve been using red light therapy on my feet and lower legs. My feet have been ice cold for a while with no change doubling up on socks and house shoes. After a few days, I’ve used the red light for twice a day. My feet were warmer. I stopped using it for a few days and the coldness came back. I started using it again and my feet are warm. I hope eventually it take care of the nerve sensations. It’s a red light pad that I wrap around my feet.

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Could you please list the brand, where you bought it and for how much? Some of us are interested. Steve

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Cold Feet are a recurring theme. In the first months of my nerve damage I had occasions when my feet turned blue and very cold. It also changed that my feet were colder than my wife's. This has decreased in frequency and a conclusion was never reached.

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Again,…..Please list the brand you feel works!

Thank you!

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@estoycansado

Sounds like he built it using something like the Lumimax LED-5RED, operating current 20 mA. He might want to try HSDL-4261 LEDs. Their wavelength is 870 nM and the suggested operating current is 100 mA.
I am now in middle of exploring depth of penetration. Will let you know when I am finished.

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Sorry, I miss typed. It is 870 nm. I think the depth is up to 20mm

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@carolann1952

Have tried this as prescribed by chiropractor. $4000+ later with no improvement. I have severe neuropathy both legs from waist to toes. Right leg worst resulting in multiple fractures foot and ankle. Right BK Amp for 6 years. Wouldn't recommend!!

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Do you have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?

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@snagydude

Could you please list the brand, where you bought it and for how much? Some of us are interested. Steve

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I did research on brands and warranties, lots of cheap ones that don't work. I have loaned out mine to friends/relatives for injuries and pain so know it works for them and me. It is not a one time fix, use routinely for healing. The brand is Novaalab, many products. I have used mine for 3 years, age 75, back fusion, sciatic, cancer survivor.

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@liloldlady

small update. Even tho i'm just starting the ultrasound and dr. hos' foot pads /tens units..........in this very short time.........i only used the ultrasound maybe 3 times each foot. i really thought it was helping reduce the stiffness in my feet. Didn't want to say that, because i thought it might be wishful thinking. However, last night and twice today, i used Dr' Ho's foot pads. altho i did like the sensation going up thu my legs, ....thinking....it was working well, ........it appears, that my feet are tighter then before..........oh crap!!! just wanted to note that to make sure you don't rush out and get a tens unit, yet, anyway. from TensPro, it was only $35.....but Dr; ho has foot pads which i thought would really be great.......maybe it still might help my legs, if i use it on them...........something i will have to tinker around with. But, since the ultrasound seemed to be helping the bottom of my feet.........tomorrow morning i will be going back to using it, one day on the right foot, next day on the left, then 2 days off, and then alternating the feet again............I also can't hardly cross my legs over each other. One leg i can a little, the other , not so much, so that also will be something i can see if there is a difference or not. I told a couple of chiropractors, ....i'm 82, and when i can hop, jump and skip around dancing to Footloose, which i really liked to do.........then...........i will consider myself healed!..........just wanted to point out the disappointment in the foot pads....so far, anyway.

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I use a tens unit on my lumbar area and it helps when my back pain is bad. I tried using it on my feet so I could walk as a form of exercise. Initially I thought it was helpful. But my foot pain increased so I stopped walking, then my feet started having shock like pain. It only lasted a few days but I decided no more tens unit for them.

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@madje51

I use a tens unit on my lumbar area and it helps when my back pain is bad. I tried using it on my feet so I could walk as a form of exercise. Initially I thought it was helpful. But my foot pain increased so I stopped walking, then my feet started having shock like pain. It only lasted a few days but I decided no more tens unit for them.

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I used the Dr Ho's foot pads. Twice. At first, i liked the sensations because they traveled from the feet, up my legs. However , i think the tightness on my feet felt worse. so , fortunately i got it from amazon, and can return it. I still am using the ultrasound on my feet about every 3 days... i know my first chiropractor helped me position the tens on my back, i think it was on the side of the spine, not on it..........and years ago that worked perfectly. since he is retired, i don't know any other chiropractor that is as knowledgeable as he was.
I am trying to find a microcurrent where a DR can program it for not only legs, etc., but also for kidneys, hands, etc. Many units are for sale, but, they won't be preprogrammed correctly.......Microcurrent is less intensive the a tens.........i did try wrapping my foot in a castor oil pack. Only once so far..........If i find anything that seems to help, i will let you know

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@avschane

I did research on brands and warranties, lots of cheap ones that don't work. I have loaned out mine to friends/relatives for injuries and pain so know it works for them and me. It is not a one time fix, use routinely for healing. The brand is Novaalab, many products. I have used mine for 3 years, age 75, back fusion, sciatic, cancer survivor.

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@randymor
I also use the novaalab handheld extra strength laser I have had it for 45 days and seems to work for me

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