Red Light Therapy For Neuropathy - Review Of Scientific Studies

Suffering from neuropathy can be a daily struggle, with painful symptoms leaving many older adults seeking relief. This article looks at scientific studies to explore how red light therapy (RLT), also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT), helps relieve pain in peripheral neuropathy and assists with nerve regeneration.

Key Takeaways

RLT can provide pain relief, promote nerve regeneration, reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and boost cellular metabolism.

Regular sessions with near-infrared light can improve sensory function, ease pain, facilitate nerve healing and relieve tingling sensations associated with neuropathy.

Using red light therapy at home is a safe and effective option for managing neuropathy symptoms. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and has no known side effects.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy occurs most commonly in older adults aged 45 and above, and is a condition that occurs in our nerves. When our nerves are damaged, we experience neuropathic pain, numbness and/ or tingling sensations in our hands and feet. It may also lead to other health problems.

 

There are many reasons why neuropathy happens. A common one is diabetes. When there's too much sugar in the blood, it can harm the nerves over time. Infections, injuries, or some kinds of diseases can also cause this condition.

 

Sometimes, alcohol use or certain medicines are at fault.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Neuropathy

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment that utilizes low-intensity red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing and reduce pain. Here are some of the key benefits of red light therapy for neuropathy:

Inducing Growth Factors

Red light therapy has been shown to induce the production of growth factors in cells. These are proteins that play a crucial role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue repair. Growth factors promote the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins, leading to increased cellular activity and enhanced healing processes.

 

This means accelerated wound healing, tissue regeneration in nerves, joints, muscles & the nervous system, and overall cellular rejuvenation. Additionally, the induction of growth factors may contribute to improved collagen production, aiding in skin health and the reduction of wrinkles. 

"Moreover, low-level laser radiation enhanced the production and release of various small molecules and growth factors, including TGF-β, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), platelet-derived growth factor, and glial-derived neurotrophic factor." [Dompe C, Moncrieff L, et al.]

 

"In this study, LED irradiation improved nerve regeneration and increased antioxidation levels in the chamber fluid. Therefore, we propose that antioxidation induced by LEDs may be conducive to nerve regeneration." [Ishiguro M, Ikeda K, et al.]

What does this mean?  In neuropathy, this helps new nerves grow. It can reduce nerve damage and help nerve cells get stronger and work more healthy again. Patients will experience less tingling sensations, numbness and shooting pains.

Protecting Nerve Cells

Myelin is the protective covering of nerve fibers. When this protection is damaged through auto-immune reactions (e.g. MS), diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), certain medications or infections, it can lead to a variety of neurological issues, such as vision loss, pain, numerous muscular problems, mood disturbances, sensations of tingling, and impaired mobility, among others. 

 

Red light therapy protects this protective covering in 2 ways:

Promoting the reproduction of Schwann cells which insulate nerve cells with a myelin sheath. This supports the maintenance and repair of the peripheral nervous system.

Certain harmful cells, like T-cells in Multiple Sclerosis, are drawn to specific areas of the central nervous system by proteins known as cytokines. By diminishing cytokines, RLT can reduce harm to Myelin.

"Laser therapy is a non-invasive method that contributes to pain relief and reduces inflammation, parallel to the enhanced healing and tissue repair processes." [Dompe C, Moncrieff L, et al.]

 

"Our results demonstrate that low level laser therapy stimulate human schwann cell proliferation and NGF gene expression in vitro." [Saeed Oraee Yazdani, Azadeh Fahim Golestaneh, et al.]

What does this mean? Through these biomechanisms, RLT can repaire damaged nerves and promote tissue healing.

Pain Relief

Red light therapy can help alleviate pain by modulating pain-signaling pathways in the body through the release of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, such as endogenous opioids and serotonin. These substances help to inhibit pain transmission and modulate pain perception.

 

Additionally, better microcirculation promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and the warmth of the red light relaxes the muscles. Thus, red light therapy offers a non-invasive and drug-free method to manage and reduce pain for older adults.

“In addition to the demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, LLLT may have benefits provided by its ability to act on nerves by reducing pain transmission and activating endogenous opioid receptors” [Hamblin MR]

What does this mean? Less pain allows people who suffer from neuropathy to engage more fully in their daily activities and sleep better. Chronic pain can have significant emotional consequences, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Pain relief contributes to better emotional well-being, positively influencing mental health and mood.

Reduction Of Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or irritation, and it often involves the release of chemicals that can cause pain. Inflamed tissues can also restrict movement, cause stiffness and compress surrounding nerves leading to further discomfort.

 

Red light therapy has been found to activate anti-inflammatory responses in the body, which helps reduce pain and inflammation. It works by inhibiting the inflammatory signaling pathway. 

 

This means that red light therapy can help decrease an excessive and uncontrolled inflammatory response in the body such as swelling. This is especially beneficial for older adults who may experience chronic inflammation.

"Laser therapy is a non-invasive method that contributes to pain relief and reduces inflammation, parallel to the enhanced healing and tissue repair processes." [Dompe C, Moncrieff L, et al.]

 

"A single application of LLLT produced significant reductions in inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokines" [Hamblin MR]

What does this mean? By reducing inflammation, RLT can provide neuropathy patients relief from symptoms of chronic pain and discomfort.

Increased Blood Flow & Blood Pressure Control

Red light therapy helps control blood pressure by boosting nitric oxide levels in the blood. This, in turn, widens the blood vessels, leading to a reduction in high blood pressure and enhanced blood flow.

 

The light energy also stimulates the formation of new capillaries, enhancing blood flow to injured areas. This increased circulation delivers vital oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells necessary for efficient healing. By allowing for better delivery of essential resources, new capillaries expedite the healing process.

 

Improved blood flow also aids in removing waste products and toxins from affected areas, and creates an optimal environment for tissue repair and regeneration. Thus, further supporting the body's natural healing mechanisms.

"A significant increase in blood flow was noted in the treated group" [Frangez I, Cankar K, et al.]

 

"The results indicated that LLLT accelerated collateral circulation and enhanced microcirculation" [Ihsan FR]

What does this mean? Better blood flow creates a healthier environment around nerve cells to support the overall healing process, reducing pain and contributing to better symptom management and faster healing. Through endorphins, neuropathy patients will experience an analgesic effect and a more positive mood.

Accelerate Tissue Repair & Healing

Deep healing red light therapy has been shown to restore normal mitochondrial functioning through a process known as photobiomodulation.

 

This is because red light therapy stimulates the production of cellular energy, called adenosine triphosphate or ATP. Cellular energy naturally slows down as we age, and by restoring our cellular energy through the use of red light photons, our cells can function better.

 

As a result, our cells can repair and replace damaged tissue faster allowing our body’s innate healing processes to work at their optimal level to keep our body pain-free.

“The photons are absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores in skin cells. Consequently, electron transport, adenosine triphosphate nitric oxide release, blood flow, reactive oxygen species increase, and diverse signaling pathways are activated. Stem cells can be activated, allowing increased tissue repair and healing.” [Avci P, Gupta A, Sadasivam M, Vecchio D, Pam Z, Pam N, Hamblin MR]

What does this mean? In neuropathy patients, higher levels of cellular energy lead to nerve regeneration and improved function of nerve cells.

Scientific Evidence for Red Light Therapy For Neuropathy

Numerous scientific studies have investigated the effectiveness of red light therapy for neuropathy:

Study

Link

Findings

Neuropathic Pain

According to the data presented, it was concluded that LLLT has positive effects on the control of analgesia for neuropathic pain.

Nerve Regeneration

In this study, LED irradiation improved nerve regeneration and increased antioxidation levels in the chamber fluid. Therefore, we propose that antioxidation induced by LEDs may be conducive to nerve regeneration.

Neuropathic Orofacial Pain

LLLT seems to be effective as a treatment option for different neuropathic orofacial pain entities such as trigeminal neuralgia, occipital neuralgia, and burning mouth syndrome as a single or combined treatment.

Diabetic Neuropathic Pain

The evidence obtained shows LLLT has a positive effect in controlling diabetic neuropathic pain.

Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

PBMT might be an effective treatment strategy to manage CIPN, with very encouraging reports from renowned teams.

Diabetic Neuropathy

This study showed that the visible and infra-red LLLT significantly improved the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy without any side effects.

Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

In the present study, Low level laser therapy was found to be effective in type 2 DM with peripheral neuropathy.

Recommended Treatment Protocol

To receive the maximum benefits of red light therapy for neuropathy, you need to follow a multifaceted treatment plan.

Consistent red light therapy: Nerves are the slowest healing tissues in our body and can take many months for complete healing. Deep healing red light therapy can accelerate this process by up to four times. This is because our cells can turn red light photons into cellular energy, fueling nerve tissue repair.

Supplements: A nerve support supplement is a fundamental part for your recovery. When nerves endure substantial damage, their natural healing process can be hindered. A nerve support supplement provides the ingredients nerves need to heal while protecting the nerves from further deterioration.

Exercise: Nerves are the communication pathways in our body. When you have peripheral neuropathy, these pathways experience issues. Even when nerves are healed, certain functions such as balance are not necessarily restored automatically. Thus, we have to challenge the nervous system to restore these pathways.

Diet: Poor dietary choices result in significant inflammation levels. Additionally, processed foods contain numerous toxic chemicals that can compromise the immune system, exacerbating nerve damage.

Side Effects & Risks

Red light therapy is considered safe to use, especially for older adults. It has virtually no risks or serious side effects.

 

Some people with light or skin sensitivities may experience mild side effects like skin irritation. These side effects are typically mild and temporary and should subside within a few hours of treatment.

 

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of red light therapy, it is crucial to choose FDA-approved devices. FDA approval indicates that the device has undergone rigorous testing and meets certain standards for safety and performance.

Conclusion

Red light therapy is an increasingly popular and natural approach to manage symptoms of neuropathy. With its ability to reduce pain & inflammation, protecting nerves, and promoting tissue repair, it offers a promising addition to traditional treatment plans.

 

If you're struggling with neuropathy in your feet, we highly recommend exploring red light therapy as a potential solution to improve your quality of life and regain pain-free mobility.

Targeted Treatment For Specific Areas

While red light therapy proves to be highly effective, not all red light therapy devices are created equal. Pads are designed to target specific areas of the body, while panels emit light over a much broader area.

 

Red light therapy for this condition requires deep penetration, which is why a red light therapy belt is far more effective than a red light therapy panel. You can put a red light therapy belt closer to your skin, and don’t have to stand bare naked in front of a panel for 20 minutes.

 

By focusing the therapy on specific areas, you maximize its benefits outlined above and reduce pain more effectively.

 

Consistency is one of the most important variables to the effectiveness of red light therapy when it comes to pain relief, so ease of use should be a major criteria for consideration. Red light therapy belts are convenient and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. They are portable, which means you can wear them while pursuing other activities, or even take them on your next trip.

Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a red light therapy device to relieve chronic pain:

FDA Approval: Look for devices that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness.

Wavelength of Light: Consider devices that emit a combination of red and near-infrared light, as these wavelengths have been shown to be most effective in reducing pain and inflammation.

Ease of Use: Look for devices that are user-friendly, easy to operate, and come with clear instructions for use.

Treatment Protocols and Frequency: Consider devices that offer recommended treatment protocols and frequency guidelines based on scientific research and clinical studies.

Cost: Compare the cost of different red light therapy devices and consider your budget. Keep in mind that medical-grade devices may be more expensive but can offer better results.

Neuropathy Light Therapy System™

World's first comprehensive deep healing light treatment for neuropathy.

Holistic Treatment Plan

The only red light therapy device with a holistic treatment plan for neuropathy. Includes red light therapy, exercises, diet, supplements and chemical detox

Pulsing+ Technology

Your cells can turn more of the light energy into cellular energy with Pulsing+ Mode. This means faster healing for you.

Triple Chip Medical LED Diode

Supercharge your cellular energy with an extra large treatment area, 150 LEDs and 450 light chips with an irradiance over 150 mW/cm2.

Developed by Experts

Developed in partnership with the Center For Senior Health (CSH) & MCare Physical Therapy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does red light therapy benefit neuropathy?

RLT can benefit neuropathy by increasing blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating nerve regeneration.

Is red light therapy safe for neuropathy?

Yes, red light therapy is considered safe for neuropathy as it is non-invasive and does not produce heat or cause any discomfort during the treatment.

How long does a red light therapy session for neuropathy last?

A typical session lasts anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific treatment plan recommended by the healthcare professional.

How many sessions of red light therapy are needed to see benefits for neuropathy?

The number of sessions required may vary depending on individual needs and severity of the condition. However, multiple sessions over several weeks are often recommended to achieve noticeable improvements in symptoms.

Are there any side effects associated with using red light therapy for neuropathy?

RLT is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. Some individuals may experience temporary mild skin reddening or irritation in the treated area, which usually subsides quickly after the session.

Do I need a prescription for red light therapy devices?

No. You can do RLT conveniently from home without the need for a description. There are no negative side effects, which makes this technology suitable for use at home. Make sure to use an FDA cleared device for safe application.

References

Dompe C, Moncrieff L, Matys J, Grzech-Leśniak K, Kocherova I, Bryja A, Bruska M, Dominiak M, Mozdziak P, Skiba THI, Shibli JA, Angelova Volponi A, Kempisty B, Dyszkiewicz-Konwińska M. Photobiomodulation-Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications. J Clin Med. 2020 Jun 3;9(6):1724. doi: 10.3390/jcm9061724. PMID: 32503238; PMCID: PMC7356229.

 

Ishiguro M, Ikeda K, Tomita K. Effect of near-infrared light-emitting diodes on nerve regeneration. J Orthop Sci. 2010 Mar;15(2):233-9. doi: 10.1007/s00776-009-1438-4. Epub 2010 Apr 1. PMID: 20358337.

 

Hamblin MR. Can osteoarthritis be treated with light? Arthritis Res Ther. 2013 Oct 29;15(5):120. doi: 10.1186/ar4354. PMID: 24286607; PMCID: PMC3978432.

 

Saeed Oraee Yazdani, Azadeh Fahim Golestaneh, Abbas Shafiee, Maryam Hafizi, Hossein-Ali Ghelichnia Omrani, Masoud Soleimani, Effects of low level laser therapy on proliferation and neurotrophic factor gene expression of human schwann cells in vitro, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 107, 2012

 

de Andrade AL, Bossini PS, Parizotto NA. Use of low level laser therapy to control neuropathic pain: A systematic review. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2016 Nov;164:36-42. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.08.025. Epub 2016 Aug 31. PMID: 27639607. 

 

Ishiguro M, Ikeda K, Tomita K. Effect of near-infrared light-emitting diodes on nerve regeneration. J Orthop Sci. 2010 Mar;15(2):233-9. doi: 10.1007/s00776-009-1438-4. Epub 2010 Apr 1. PMID: 20358337. 

 

Podogrodzki J, Lebiedowski M, Szalecki M, Kępa I, Syczewska M, Jóźwiak S. Wpływ niskoenergetycznej laseroterapiina skorny przepływ krwi [Impact of low level laser therapy on skin blood flow]. Dev Period Med. 2016 Jan-Mar;20(1):40-6. Polish. PMID: 27416624. 

 

Saeed Oraee Yazdani, Azadeh Fahim Golestaneh, Abbas Shafiee, Maryam Hafizi, Hossein-Ali Ghelichnia Omrani, Masoud Soleimani, Effects of low level laser therapy on proliferation and neurotrophic factor gene expression of human schwann cells in vitro, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 107, 2012 

 

Ishiguro M, Ikeda K, Tomita K. Effect of near-infrared light-emitting diodes on nerve regeneration. J Orthop Sci. 2010 Mar;15(2):233-9. doi: 10.1007/s00776-009-1438-4. Epub 2010 Apr 1. PMID: 20358337. 

 

Vanin AA, Verhagen E, Barboza SD, Costa LOP, Leal-Junior ECP. Photobiomodulation therapy for the improvement of muscular performance and reduction of muscular fatigue associated with exercise in healthy people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci. 2018 Jan;33(1):181-214. doi: 10.1007/s10103-017-2368-6. Epub 2017 Oct 31. PMID: 29090398. 

 

Ana Laura Martins de Andrade, Paulo Ségio Bossini, Nivaldo Antônio Parizotto, Use of low level laser therapy to control neuropathic pain: A systematic review, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 164, 2016