K Laser for neuropathy: Chiropractic

@moorethrpy, I think @mrgirl mentioned they were going to try Class IV laser therapy to see if it might help and may have some experience to share. I think the K laser is similar or the same as the Class IV laser therapy. Here's a search of Connect for Class IV laser therapy if you want to read what members have shared - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/comments/.

Thank you. I will read what others have shared...love this message board.

@moorethrpy Yes, my myokinesthetic physical therapist used this Class IV red light therapy on me and it was the breakthrough treatment that gave me back feeling in my feet after an extended time of their being numb yet excruciatingly painful at night. It wasn't covered by Medicare but I paid out-of-pocket for about 24 treatments @$40.00. It did not help with balance or cure the neuropathy but it did give me a feeling of belonging to the human family again, and it also helped greatly with the lack of feeling and dropping things that came with carpal tunnel syndrome in my hands. Maybe most accurately, I'd say what it did was to unlock my feet and hands to be receptive to more conventional therapies that Medicare would cover. Best wishes and blessings to you as you discern some paths toward relief. Keep searching -- don't give up! ~ Barb

Barb, I’m very glad the laser treatment helped you and gave you some relief. I wanted to share a different experience, to add a note of caution.

I originally had orthopedic foot injuries and went to a podiatry office for Class IV pain laser treatment after being told it was risk-free. Unfortunately, I learned that the person administering the treatment had not done it before, and the technique used was not appropriate. These lasers are actually quite powerful and need to be kept moving in a sweeping motion, rather than held too long in one area.

In my case, both feet were burned during the treatment, and I developed neuropathic symptoms. Nearly a year later, I am still dealing with significant nerve pain and sensory symptoms. I have seen multiple specialists and had extensive testing to rule out other contributing causes.

Perhaps some may benefit from laser therapy, and I’m sincerely glad you did. I want others to be aware that Class IV lasers can potentially cause harm if they are not administered properly by someone well-trained and experienced. Anyone considering this treatment may want to ask specifically about the provider’s training, experience, settings used, safety protocols, and technique.

Wishing everyone here relief and healing.

@b54321, Ouch!! I am appalled that this would happen in the office of a practicing physician. My therapist had trained a couple of her support staff in the correct administration of the treatment and the one whose work hours coincided with my appointment times was careful to a "t" to do everything exactly as instructed. She'd talk to herself about how and where she moved the hand-held piece of equipment, asked me often if I was feeling any heat, and had my complete confidence. I could tell she was intimidated by the equipment - which "ball" to use, how to turn the unit on without it locking up, making sure the laser was in motion constantly, etc. Your perspective is so important to this conversation! I am SO sorry your experience had the outcome it did, and that you are still dealing with what sounds like serious injuries and significant nerve pain. Thank you for adding your insight and important warning for those who might be considering this alternative form of therapy.
Wishing you a complete recovery and all the very best moving forward, Barb

@b54321 Thank you...I am seeing Chiropractor today just for information. I will ask him about his experience, etc.

@bjk3 Barb, thanks so much. I'm glad your therapist was so careful and that the treatment was helpful.

While I'm here, I'll also mention that Cleveland Clinic's Neuromuscular Dept. has been outstanding, in case that's helpful for anyone else to know. Take care.

@b54321 You know, after I wrote my reply to you and posted it, it occurred to me that it may have left some shaking their heads at the nervousness of the staff person who was administrating the laser. She was always so concerned that I might feel the heat -- and that, actually, would have been great, in a sense, because I had no feeling at all on the soles. Then one day when I felt a tickling sensation we both erupted in shouts of near unbelief and cheer. I now have almost normal feeling, which is a blessing, but never regained my balance.