Introduction:
Living with neuropathy or neuralgia can be debilitating, causing persistent pain and discomfort. Fortunately, red light therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option. In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of red light therapy for neuropathy or neuralgia and how it can provide relief from symptoms.
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy refers to nerve damage that often results in numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness. It can occur due to various factors, including diabetes, trauma, infections, or exposure to toxins. People with neuropathy often experience chronic pain, making it challenging to perform daily activities.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterised by damage to the peripheral nerves, which are located outside the brain and spinal cord. This debilitating condition often leads to weakness, numbness, and pain, primarily in the hands and feet. However, its impact can extend beyond these areas, affecting various bodily functions, including digestion, urination, and circulation.
Understanding Neuralgia
Neuralgia is characterised by intense, shooting pain along the path of a nerve. It can occur due to nerve compression, inflammation, or irritation. Conditions like trigeminal neuralgia and post-herpetic neuralgia can significantly impact one’s quality of life.
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) involves the trigeminal nerve in the head. This nerve has three branches that send signals from the brain to the face, mouth, teeth, and nose. Most common over-the-counter and prescription pain medicines don’t work for people with trigeminal neuralgia, but many modern treatments can reduce or eliminate the pain.
Post-herpetic neuralgia describes chronic skin pain in an area previously affected by herpes zoster -(shingles).Herpes zoster is a localised painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of herpes varicella-zoster virus sometime after the primary generalised infection with varicella (chickenpox).
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, utilizes low-level wavelengths of red light to penetrate the skin and reach damaged nerves. This non-invasive treatment stimulates cellular energy production, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue repair. By targeting the root cause of neuropathy or neuralgia, red light therapy offers a holistic approach to pain relief.
Red Light therapy has been widely applied in clinical practice for the facilitation of nerve regeneration. Studies have shown that Schwann cells, the principal glial cells of the peripheral nervous system, secrete neurotrophic factors that promote the regeneration of the peripheral nerve. Photobiomodulation in the nerve injury also relates to a decrease in inflammatory cytokine levels, in pain, and to the facilitation of neural regeneration.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Neuropathy or Neuralgia
- Pain Reduction: Red light therapy has shown remarkable efficacy in alleviating pain associated with neuropathy or neuralgia. By reducing inflammation and triggering the release of endorphins, it provides natural pain relief without any side effects.
- Nerve Regeneration: Studies have demonstrated that red light therapy can promote nerve regeneration by stimulating the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and enhancing cellular metabolism. I suggest to watch this video for further understanding. This regeneration process can help restore sensation and function to damaged nerves.
- Improved Blood Circulation: Red light therapy enhances blood circulation, ensuring a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to the affected nerves. This improved circulation aids in the healing process and accelerates recovery.
- Non-Invasive and Safe: Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that poses minimal risk or discomfort. It is suitable for individuals of all ages and can be used in conjunction with other therapies or medications.
FAQs
How long does a red light therapy session for neuropathy or neuralgia last?
The duration of a red light therapy session can vary depending on the specific condition and the device being used. However, a typical session may last between 10 to 20 minutes depending on the irradiance output and your proximity to the device.
You can refer to the dosage calculator here to determine how long to treat your condition.
How many sessions are required to see results?
The number of sessions required may vary depending on the severity of the neuropathy or neuralgia. Generally, a course of multiple sessions per day over a few weeks is recommended for optimal results. Consistency is key to better outcomes.
Are there any side effects of red light therapy?
Red light therapy is considered safe, non-invasive and with minimal (if any) side effects. Some individuals may experience temporary warmth, which is soothing or slight redness in the treated area which typically subsides quickly.
Conclusion
Red light therapy offers a promising solution for individuals suffering from neuropathy or neuralgia. By harnessing the power of light, this non-invasive treatment can effectively reduce pain, promote nerve regeneration, and improve overall well-being. Take it from Victoria N who is recovering from cancer treatment below who left this google review confirming the efficacy and results.
Victoria uses the Flexiled which can be purchased here.
If you’re seeking a natural and safe approach to alleviate the symptoms of neuropathy or neuralgia, red light therapy may be the answer you’ve been looking for. And the great thing is you will not be overloading your vital organs with pills.
There are various options from smaller handheld devices suitable for treatment smaller areas like the T2Freedom torch as pictured below; direct on skin flexible wrap products and larger panels.
If you have any concerns or are currently taking certain medications we suggest to consult with your healthcare professional to determine if this therapy is suitable for your specific condition.
