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neuropathy newsletter |
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Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy August 2005 What is low-level laser therapy? Low-level laser therapy uses cold (subthermal) laser light energy to direct light energy to the body's cells without injuring or damaging them in any way. The therapy is precise and accurate, and offers safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions. How does low-level laser therapy work? Low-level lasers supply energy in the body in the form of non-thermal photons of light. When low-level laser light waves penetrate deeply into the skin, they optimize the blood's immune response. This response has both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Research has shown that light transmitted to the blood in this way has a positive effect throughout the entire body—supplying vital oxygen and energy on a cellular level. How does low-level laser therapy benefit users? • Stimulates nerve function. • Relieves acute and chronic pain. • Increases blood supply. • Stimulates the immune system. • Promotes wound healing. How does low-level laser therapy work in treating peripheral neuropathy? Low-level laser works on a microscopic, cellular level. It is postulated that the "energized light" from the laser increases blood supply to the nerves, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing of damaged nerves. A number of papers have shown a reduction of pain with laser treatments. In a study involving over 4,000 subjects who had suffered from chronic painful conditions, more than eighty percent of the subjects found a marked lessening of their symptoms following use of low-level laser. In another study involving 69 subjects and a total of 302 laser treatment sessions, over ninety percent of the subjects with chronic neuropathies experienced greater than fifty percent total relief following treatment. |
