Neuropathy Can Have an Adverse Impact on Your Quality of Life
Benefits of infrared therapy for neuropathy, Whether it’s stabbing pain, burning sensations or numbness, the condition causes severe discomfort that disrupts daily tasks and can be extremely difficult to treat with medication or other therapies. If you or a loved one suffers from the condition, you may be eager to find a natural treatment that reduces pain and restores function without side effects. One such option is infrared light therapy, which works to ease pain caused by nerve damage.
Scientists have been investigating the potential benefits of light therapy for years. Research shows that using light to target the root cause of your discomfort can provide relief for neuropathy. When used correctly, the wavelengths found in red and near-infrared light can stimulate your body’s cells to heal and regenerate, leading to significant pain relief.
Infrared light penetrates the layers of your skin, and photoreceptors in your cells absorb it. The absorbed energy is converted to cellular energy, or adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This increase in cellular energy boosts cell health and helps the cells repair any damaged tissue.
Red and near-infrared light also enhances the body’s ability to fight inflammation and oxidative stress, which are common problems associated with neuropathy. These properties help to improve blood flow, which delivers essential oxygen and nutrients to your nerves. This helps your body to heal and regenerate nerves while reducing the painful symptoms of neuropathy.
A key cause of neuropathy is the destruction of the protective myelin sheath that covers the nerves. When this layer is destroyed, your nerves become damaged and can no longer transmit messages to the brain. Infrared light can help restore the myelin sheath to allow your nerves to communicate with each other and heal.
Several studies have shown that infrared light can help control pain, improve mobility and reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. For instance, in a study conducted on mice with tramautized sciatic nerves, researchers discovered that red and near-infrared light boosted the mitochondria of the cells to make them more reactive, which reduced their sensitivity to pain. The same results were found in a human study of people with neuropathic foot pain.
Another way infrared light reduces neuropathy pain is by stimulating the release of nitric oxide (NO). This important chemical widens blood vessels to improve circulation and deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your nerves. It also controls inflammation, which is a primary cause of neuropathic pain.
Infrared light for neuropathy is a safe, effective alternative to many pharmacological treatments. It’s noninvasive, drug-free and can be used in the comfort of your own home. dpl offers FDA-cleared devices you can use while watching your favorite show, reading a book or doing other everyday activities. These devices are easy to use and can help you feel better in no time! Check out our collection of products to find the right device for you.