Infrared Light Reduces Neuropathy Pain
If you suffer from neuropathy, you’ve probably heard that infrared light can help manage symptoms and heal damaged tissues. But how exactly does it work?
Benefits of infrared therapy for neuropathy, Infrared therapy delivers different wavelengths of light, which are then used to stimulate cellular repair and boost blood circulation. This healing combination can alleviate pain and support healthy nerve function. Unlike some chronic pain management techniques, infrared therapy is non-invasive and does not require the use of prescription drugs. It’s a natural option that can be used at home and is often recommended to patients as a supplement to their daily self-care routine.
The infrared wavelengths that are most beneficial for healing and pain relief are between 700 and 1,000 nanometers, with red and near-infrared (NIR) waves being the best for promoting cellular growth and recovery. These wavelengths can penetrate deep into the skin, up to 7 cm, reaching muscles, nerves, and bones. This allows them to reach and soothe aching and painful areas of the body that are difficult to get to with medications or other treatments.
Infrared radiation is also effective because it can stimulate adenosine triphosphate production, which is the energy that all cells need to function properly. The release of ATP encourages the healing process and helps to control oxidative stress that can lead to inflammation and neuropathic pain.
Red light therapy can also stimulate the production of nitric oxide, a powerful vasodilator that helps to improve blood flow and improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to nerves. This is important for the healthy functioning of the nervous system and supports a faster nerve healing process.
Several studies have been conducted to test the efficacy of infrared radiation on neuropathic pain. One of these experiments showed that FIR radiation influenced nerve regeneration after injury in rats. FIR biostimulation improved the functional indices of sciatic nerves after end-to-end neurorrhaphy, indicating that it can promote the healing of peripheral nerves.
The other study tested the effectiveness of low-power FIR radiation to improve the nerve regeneration after crush injury in a rat model. The results indicated that irradiation of injured sciatic nerves promoted the healing of the neuronal tube, axonal extension, and remyelination. Compared to the control group, the irradiated group had significantly more remyelination of the sciatic nerves.
As a result, the researchers concluded that FIR radiation can be considered an effective treatment for neuropathic pain and a useful adjunct to other pharmacological therapies. While it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and personalized care recommendations, many patients find that infrared therapy is an effective pain reliever for neuropathy. It’s a noninvasive and natural technique that can be used at home while binge-watching your favorite show or catching up on a good book. dpl has FDA-cleared devices that can be used on all parts of the body and provide effective pain relief for those suffering from neuropathy. For more information, click here.