Laser treatment is an emergency therapy for a variety of illnesses, including neuropathy. By promoting regeneration and activating nerve cells, it lessens the symptoms of neuropathy. The usefulness of laser treatment for neuropathy has been demonstrated by an increasing amount of research in recent years.
The application of laser therapy for neuropathy will be discussed in this blog, along with an explanation of the many kinds of lasers, how they could benefit your existing condition and some variables that affect the cost of this kind of treatment.
Introduction to Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is a collection of medical techniques that employ focused light. Let's examine the details of laser technology and its special qualities in order to have a better understanding of these treatments. To begin with, "laser" is an abbreviation for "light amplification by stimulated radiation." The primary distinction from the majority of other light sources is that this technology necessitates the creation of a certain wavelength of light. Because the laser is focused on a very strong and narrow beam, the wavelength's accuracy is crucial. The laser light's intensity is astounding. Because of its extreme intensity, it may be utilized in industrial settings for tasks like cutting steel or shaping diamonds. The reason lasers work so well in medical operations is also due to their great intensity.
By directing this powerful light onto particular bodily parts, medical professionals may carry out a range of procedures with accuracy and little harm. The target tissue or ailment being treated determines the laser's precise wavelength in laser treatment. Depending on the therapy, the target tissue absorbs the light energy and yields varying outcomes. Certain laser treatments, for instance, are intended to eliminate aberrant cells, while others promote healing or lessen inflammation.
Since laser treatment speeds up the body's ability to heal itself with little assistance, it promotes healing rather than just masking symptoms, which is why most patients have long-lasting relief. Results can be seen after just a few sessions, which often just take a few minutes each.
Over 4,000 clinical experiments have been conducted on laser treatment globally, and the results have demonstrated its safety, effectiveness, and adaptability. Furthermore, the therapy can be customized for every situation, which makes it a great option for a range of issues.
What is Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a general word for any ailment involving a nerve or the neurological system (spinal cord, brain, or midbrain). Signals from the central nervous system to the rest of the body are sent via these nerves. Damage to these nerves may result in symptoms like:
- Pain: Often described as burning, stabbing, or shooting.
- Extreme sensitivity to touch: discomfort when blankets are covered or pressure is applied to the foot, for example
- Numbness and tingling:Usually felt in the feet and hands. Additionally, these symptoms will radiate upward to the arms and legs.
- Muscle weakness:Affects balance and fine motor abilities.
Neuropathies include a variety of disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica or sciatica nerve pain, pinched or trapped nerves, diabetic neuropathy, damage to the brachial plexus, post-operative neuropathy, and drop-foot.
The severity of these neuropathies is determined by the degree of nerve compression or injury. In cases where a nerve ruptures or tears, the affected area may become completely paralyzed. Conversely, partial compression, such as when a herniated disc compresses a spinal nerve in the neck or lower back, can cause nerve pain and paralysis in the arm or leg, along with symptoms like pain or numbness.
Types of Laser Therapy
Therapeutic applications employ two primary types of lasers: Class 3B lasers, also called low-level lasers, and Class 4 lasers, often called high-intensity lasers.
A powerful laser is used in High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) to apply precise energy to the afflicted region. Its deep tissue penetration and capacity to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing make it useful for pain control, tissue repair, and anti-inflammation. Additionally, because HILT treatments employ high power levels, they often have a brief duration but a rapid impact.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), sometimes referred to as cold laser therapy, applies light energy to the treated region using a low-level laser. It is mostly utilized for superficial tissue therapies including anti-inflammation, pain alleviation, and wound healing. Treatments with LLLT often last longer and involve several sessions.
Numerous clinical investigations have demonstrated the efficacy of both HILT and LLLT. Patients who want to get laser treatment for neuropathy are often assessed and given advice by their doctor to assist them distinguish between these types and select the best course of action.
How Laser Treatment for Neuropathy Work?
The mechanism underlying laser treatment can help us understand why it works so well for neuropathy. During laser therapy, a particular wavelength of light is emitted to the affected area. This light is absorbed by photoreceptors in the cell's mitochondria, which controls photobiology, ATP and collagen synthesis, nitric oxide release stimulation, and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines at the cellular level. By means of these processes, laser treatment can:
- Increased Blood Flow:Laser therapy improves circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, and facilitating repair.
- Reducing Inflammation:The anti-inflammatory qualities of laser treatment help to reduce discomfort and enhance swelling.
- Improvement of Cellular Function:Laser light promotes cellular regeneration and repair by inducing the synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
- Promoting Nerve Regrowth:By promoting the growth of new nerve fibers, this treatment helps to repair injured nerve tissue.
Laser therapy, which is non-invasive and drug-free, uses the body's natural healing mechanism in contrast to conventional therapies. Following treatment, patients may resume their regular activities right away; there is no healing time.
Research of laser treatment for neuropathy
To find out how successful laser therapy is in treating neuropathy, more study is required.
In 2019, researchers evaluated the effect of deep-tissue laser therapy on 40 participants with diabetic neuropathy, and they concluded that deep-tissue laser therapy significantly reduced pain in older patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and it also helps to stimulate and regenerate nerve cells.
Another study unfolding in 2019 looks at the level of discomfort, vibration thresholds that have a significant impact on nerve sensitivity, and other signs of neuropathy in patients ten days after receiving treatment and before starting foot laser therapy. The results of this study show that laser therapy is effective in the treatment of neuropathy.
The field of laser therapy is constantly evolving, and researchers are exploring new applications and improving existing treatments. For example, some researchers have suggested that combining laser therapy with other therapies, such as physiotherapy or pharmacological interventions, could improve overall treatment outcomes. Others are developing next-generation laser technologies to treat neuropathy more effectively.
Neuropathy Laser Treatment Cost
At the moment, laser treatments may only be paid for out of pocket and are not covered by health insurance. A single laser treatment can cost anywhere from $54 to $154, depending on the specific procedure and amount of time needed, according to average statistics. Some medical institutes also offer discounted packages for people to choose from. The kind of laser, the number of sessions needed, the size of the region to be treated, and the person treating the patient are some of the variables that might impact the treatment's cost.
Conclusion: Is It Right for You?
For many patients, laser treatment offers a viable answer to the challenging problem of managing peripheral neuropathy. Utilizing light's therapeutic qualities to reduce pain and encourage healing may significantly improve one's quality of life daily.
If you have peripheral neuropathy, laser therapy may be a good alternative to traditional treatment. The following are some signs that you could be a good fit for this therapy:
- A peripheral neuropathy diagnosis that has been verified
- The need for deep tissue healing
- The presence of symptoms such as burning, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness
- Preference for a non-invasive, drug-free method
- Commitment to using a comprehensive approach to therapy
