Disorders of your peripheral nervous system can be called Peripheral Neuropathy. Your peripheral nervous system includes nerves in your face, arms, legs, and torso. In fact, all of your nerves not located in your central nervous system - which includes the brain and the spinal cord - are peripheral nerves.
Your nerves provide communication between your brain and your muscles, skin, internal organs and blood vessels. When damaged, your nerves can't communicate properly, and that miscommunication causes symptoms such as burning pain or numbness, trouble walking, and impaired balance. Often, the symptoms are identical on both sides involving the hands and feet.
At FYZICAL®, we utilize Near Infrared Light (NIR) for treatment of peripheral neuropathy. While some drugs are effective for pain associated with peripheral neuropathy, no drug or medical device had previously been shown to increase sensation once it has been diminished or lost. We follow the proven protocol published in the Journal of Podiatric Medical Association, which produced clinically significant improvements in sensation.
What to Expect:
Most of our patients say that NIR treatments feel warm and soothing, while others say they feel some tingling and pulsing.This sensation is normal as blood flow returns to the area. Some patients respond very quickly in our comprehensive program, while others take longer, based on their degree of impairment.
Pain is often the first symptom to improve in our program, while functional improvements may take more time. Several pain studies involving more than 1,000 patients have been done using NIR. In a study of 784 patients with chronic pain, nearly 89% reported "excellent to total pain relief." within 12 session including NIR.
These studies were perfomed on patients with diabetic neuropathy. While many neuropathies have an unknown cause, we still attempt to utilize the Near Infrared Light treatments to help with symptoms.
Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy have increased falls risks due to lack of sensation and will benefit from IFR treatment.
At FYZICAL®, NIR treatments are part of your physical therapy protocol and are covered by your insurance. NIR treatments are an additional 30 minutes to your physical therapy treatments.