Does Red Light Therapy Help Neuropathy?

Written by Marco A. Benavides, Visionary and Philanthropist

Marco Benavides is a Retired and Disabled Military Veteran, Entrepreneur, Visionary and Philanthropist. He is a Minority Business Owner, Published Author and Motivational Public Speaker. He is the CEO and Founder of Holy Spirit Ministry Foundation, and in 2024, he was acknowledged as an Honored Listee in the Marquis Who's Who Publication.

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Neuropathy can cause chronic pain, tingling, and numbness that disrupt daily life, and many are searching for effective, non-invasive relief. Red light therapy has gained attention as a promising treatment, offering potential benefits through its ability to stimulate healing at the cellular level. But does it really work for neuropathy, or is it just another wellness trend?

Besides medication, Red light therapy is prescribed to reduce neuropathic pain. 

What Red light therapy does to relieve the pain are:

• Promote cellular metabolism

• Nerve regeneration

• Increase blood flow

• Reduce inflammation

• Recovery and repair of damaged nerves

Whoever has taken red light therapy has seen positive results. They have seen changes like:

• Reduction in pain levels

• Improvement in sensory and motor functions

• Enhanced overall well-being

If you are looking for the best red light therapy for neuropathy, we have all the details here. 

Source: Neuropathic Pain and Painful Peripheral Neuropathy| International Neuromodulation Society

Let’s understand neuropathy

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is when your nerves get damaged. 

It is a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These are the nerves that pass signals between the brain and other parts of the body. As they become damaged, it disrupts the entire communication pathway. Consequently, your body is left with pain, weakness, and other symptoms. 

Unfortunately, several types of neuropathy exist, such as: 

Peripheral Neuropathy	➔ The most common form ➔ Affects nerves in the hands, feet, arms, and legs
Autonomic Neuropathy	➔ Damages the nerve that controls your body ➔ Attack heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure
Diabetic neuropathy	➔ Caused by diabetes ➔ Affects the nerves of the hands and feet
Focal Neuropathy	➔ Affects a single nerve or group of nerves ➔ Causes localized weakness or pain
Proximal Neuropathy	➔ Rare and more severe ➔ Affects nerves in the thighs, hips, or buttocks

How do you know your nerves are acting up? There will be some significant symptoms that indicate you are dealing with neuropathy.

Check yourself if you are experiencing these:

• Numbness

• Tingling

• Burning sensations

• Sharp pains

• Muscle weakness

These symptoms will disrupt your daily chores. You won’t be able to do tasks like walking, writing, or even sleeping properly.

Causes of neuropathy

There are a bunch of underlying causes that contribute to neuropathy. These include:

• Diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy

• Lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, damages nerves due to inflammation

• Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to nerve damage over time

• Deficiencies in vitamins like B12 or folate can impair nerve health

• Physical trauma can compress or damage nerves

• Specific medical treatments can cause neuropathy as a side effect

Current treatment options

Traditional treatments are showing impressive results in managing symptoms. These treatments also address underlying causes. 

• Pain relievers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants reduce neuropathic pain.

• Exercises to improve strength and coordination can help manage physical symptoms.

• Improved diet, reduced alcohol intake, and regular exercise may ease the symptoms.

What is red light therapy (RLT)?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive treatment method. 

All it does is use a specific wavelength of red and near-infrared (NIR) light. These lights penetrate the skin to an extent and start stimulating cellular function. 

Due to its stimulation, the inflammation and pain are gone. It goes deeper into the tissue, reaching muscles and nerves. 

So, now you know why RLT is getting to be done for neuropathy conditions. And the whole process is painless. 

The science behind red light therapy

It's not rocket science, but it's an interesting process.

Source: iStock

RLT lights deliver low-level wavelengths (630 to 700 nm). The other type, near-infrared, passes through 760 nm to 100,000 nm wavelengths to the body. These wavelengths allow the rays of light to penetrate the skin layer. Ultimately, they are absorbed by mitochondria. 

This whole process enhances cellular energy production. As a result, there is no more oxidative stress or inflammation. Here are the Key Biological Effects of RLT:

• RLT boosts ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production.

• Accelerates healing and regeneration.

• Red and NIR light improve blood circulation

• More oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues

• RLT lowers pro-inflammatory signs

• Increase anti-inflammatory molecules

• Support nerve cell regeneration and reduce oxidative stress

• Repair damaged nerves and improve sensation

Applications of RLT in medical conditions

Currently, red light therapy is getting the spotlight in several medical conditions. People, even medical experts, are quite impressed by the results. RLT helps in:

• Tissue repairing and reducing scars.

• Pain and stiff relief in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Minimize musical fatigue and speed up the healing process.

• Reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture.

• Support nerve regeneration and reduce neuropathic pain.

Therefore, it is evident that RLT for nerve health is particularly promising. The nerve regeneration actually heals the affected areas. The discomfort and inflammation are decreasing with every neuropathy treatment.

Does red light therapy help with neuropathy?

Neuropathy is seen as a challenging condition to manage. It limits your mobility and causes pain and numbness in the affected area. Even though traditional treatments work only partially, you can still try alternative therapies like RLT. 

But does RLT truly help with neuropathy?

Scientific evidence and studies

Several clinical studies say the RLT can be effective for neuropathy patients. The reason is Red light therapy can manage nerve function. It already repairs the tissue and makes the healing faster. 

Source: Effect of near-infrared light-emitting diodes on nerve regeneration - PubMed

The actual key mechanisms behind these effects include:

• RLT circulates blood to the affected areas. It flows the oxygen and nutrients for

• nerve repair.

• The therapy cancels out inflammatory responses. Pain related to nerve damage

• goes away. 

• RLT can stimulate nerve cell repair and regeneration. It improves nerve signaling.

This lowers the symptoms like tingling and numbness.

Benefits of using RLT for neuropathy

Many people are turning to RLT. It helps them along with the traditional treatments. Some key benefits include:

• Restore normal sensation

• Relief from chronic pain

• Reduce inflammation

• Mild side effects or risks of dependency

• Offers a natural and non-invasive approach

• Improvements in nerve health

• Potential for long-term benefits

Limitations and considerations

You can use RLT as a complementary therapy for neuropathy. But try to keep realistic expectations from it. Why? These are the reasons:

• It is not a guaranteed cure for neuropathy.

• Effectiveness varies based on the underlying cause and severity of nerve damage.

• Overuse or exposure to incorrect wavelengths may reduce the effectiveness.

• RLT may not work with your condition without proper consultation with a doctor.

How to use red light therapy for neuropathy?

If you have decided to go for red light therapy for neuropathy, know all about it. It will make it easier for you to buy, use, and see the best results. What you will do is:

Choosing the Right Device	➔ Small, portable, and convenient for targeting specific areas ➔ Larger panels for full-body therapy ➔ Specialized devices for direct, concentrated exposure to neuropathy-affected areas ➔ Professional-Grade for stronger intensity and precision ➔ Effective wavelengths for neuropathy fall within the red (600–700 nm) and near-infrared (800–1,100 nm) spectrum ➔ Look for devices with a power density of 50–150 mW/cm²
Proper Usage Guidelines	➔ Session Duration 10–20 minutes per affected area ➔ 3–5 times per week ➔ Distance from the device is typically 6–12 inches from a light panel ➔ Keep the light on bare skin for optimal absorption ➔ Avoid Overuse ➔ Wear eye protection from direct exposure
	➔ Consult a doctor before starting RLT

At-home RLT vs. Professional treatments

Confused between at-home and professional RLT options? Well, both have their own sets of benefits and drawbacks. Go with the one that works in your favor. 

Treatment Option	Pros	Cons
At-Home RLT	➔ Convenient and flexible schedule ➔ One-time investment with long-term use ➔ Cost-effective compared to multiple clinic visits	➔ It may require trial and error to find the right settings ➔ Results may take longer due to lower intensity
Professional RLT Treatments	➔ Higher-intensity devices for faster results ➔ Supervised by trained professionals ➔ Often combined with other therapies	➔ Requires multiple visits, which can be time-consuming ➔ More expensive over time  ➔ Less convenient for long-term
		maintenance therapy

Frequently asked questions

• What is neuropathy, and what are its common causes?

Neuropathy is a condition in which your nerves become damaged. You may feel numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected areas. The causes behind it are primarily diabetes, alcohol abuse, and vitamin deficiencies.

• How does red light therapy help with neuropathy?

It reduces inflammation, improves blood flow, and promotes nerve regeneration.

• Are there scientific studies supporting RLT for neuropathy?

Some studies show promise for RLT in reducing neuropathy pain.

• Is red light therapy safe for everyone?

The therapy is safe. However, consult a doctor if you are pregnant, have cancer, or take photosensitive medications.

• How often should I use red light therapy for neuropathy?

Frequency varies, but you can do 10-20 minutes daily sessions.

• Can red light therapy completely cure neuropathy?

RLT may not cure, but it can significantly improve symptoms for many.

• What devices are best for red light therapy at home?

Panel lights or handheld devices with appropriate wavelengths and power will work.

• Are there any risks associated with red light therapy?

Minimal risks, but excessive exposure can give you temporary skin irritation.

• Can I combine red light therapy with other neuropathy treatments?

Yes, you can. Try RLT with medications, physical therapy, and other therapies.

• How long does it take to see results from RLT for neuropathy?

It can take a few weeks to months, depending on your severity.

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Read more from Marco A. Benavides

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Marco A. Benavides, Visionary and Philanthropist

Embarking on a transformative journey to the United States at just six years old, Marco A. Benavides, a proud individual of Mexican descent, now radiates wisdom and compassion at 51 years young. With a loving family of four extraordinary teenagers by his side, he distinguishes himself as a Spiritual guide, channeling the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to offer profound counsel. A beacon of hope in today's world, he champions mental health awareness and empowers others to forge a meaningful connection with the divine, inspiring them to lead lives filled with purpose and productivity.