Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (the peripheral nerves) are damaged – causing weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. This pain and weakness worsens over time till the nerves completely die off, causing a complete lack of sensation.
Back in the old days, there were two known treatments for patients diagnosed with neuropathy – Gabapentin and well… sympathy as symptoms of pain and numbness worsened because nothing could be done.
Fortunately, we live in modern times. Advances in non-surgical therapy and technology have made the diagnosis, management, and even reversal of peripheral neuropathy a much more obtainable goal. Due to advances in regenerative medicine, laser technology and understanding of angiogenesis, we now have non-surgical ways to manage neuropathy.
Red Light Therapy
Plants use light to produce energy and grow. The human body also utilizes light for many similar processes. We can activate many of those healing processes by concentrating the most beneficial wavelengths targeting the areas where stimulation is needed. Infrared light – for example – has a deep, penetrating effect that stimulates Nitric Oxide and L-Arginine circulation in the tissues. This increases the production of myelin on the nerve, helping to heal the nerve and regenerate nerve conduction.
Our Nerve Beam light treatment systems use Infrared Light in combination with LED Red Light in the form of diodes placed against the skin to saturate neuropathy-affected areas on the body. 85% of all patients using Red Light Therapy show improvement in their neuropathy symptoms.
Nerve Spa Aquatic Nerve Stimulation
The Nerve Spa foot bath utilizes a proprietary hybrid of electrotherapy including enhanced micro-current, galvanic, and TENS formulated into a proprietary specification—coupled with a monophasic waveform to target pain.
This underwater stimulation blocks the pain signals, reducing the pain sensation, and provides therapeutic recovery to the nerve endings that are in the process of dying. The Nerve Spa provides a hybrid wave form to assist in repairing, rebuilding, and staving off nerve degeneration.
Balance Training
Practice makes perfect. Just like an experienced ballerina can balance her entire bodyweight expertly on one toe, a person suffering from balance issues can train their body to become more stable with a balance training program that builds up smaller muscles that promote balance. This program starts with focused balancing and standing on various prescribed surfaces that safely work out the body and develop better balance – reducing fall risk.
Whole Body Vibration
Body vibration therapy is a non-invasive treatment that enhances circulation and stimulates nerve activity. Vibration devices send gentle vibrations through the body, promoting circulation and blood flow, activating sensory nerves. This vibration therapy can include both whole body vibration and vibration that focuses entirely on the feet. Vibration therapy promotes proprioception, coordination, and helps reduce fall risk that is often associated with neuropathy.
These are just a few tools that are part of the comprehensive neuropathy rehabilitation program at Optimal BioHealth. To hear more about our complete program, schedule a provider consultation and exam, and your customized program will be created based on your symptom severity.
By Anna Hiatt, ARNP
Board Certified in Neuropathy