Does Laser Therapy Help Neuropathy? What to Know

TL;DR

• Laser therapy may reduce neuropathy pain and improve sensation for some people, but it is not a cure.
• It uses light to support nerve cells and circulation in the hands, feet or legs.
• Studies are promising but mixed, and results vary from person to person.
• It works best alongside treating the cause, such as blood sugar control, plus balance and strength work.
• Bay Way Pain Medical Care treats neuropathy at 6010 Bay Parkway in Brooklyn. Call (718) 576-2001.

Does laser therapy help neuropathy?

It can, for some people. Several studies of laser therapy (photobiomodulation) in diabetic and other peripheral neuropathy report less pain and better sensation after a course of treatment. Other studies show smaller benefits.

The honest answer is that laser therapy is a reasonable option to try as part of a wider plan, especially if medication has not helped enough or causes side effects. It does not reverse every case, and it is not a replacement for treating the cause.

How laser therapy may work on damaged nerves

• Energy for nerve cells. Light absorbed by the mitochondria may help stressed nerve cells make more energy.
• Better blood flow. Small blood vessels feed peripheral nerves. Improved circulation may support nerve health.
• Less inflammation. Calmer tissue can mean less burning and tingling.
• Pain signal changes. Some people notice short-term relief soon after a session.

Read more about the treatment in laser therapy for pain: how it works.

Who may be a good candidate

Laser therapy is most often considered for:

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the feet and legs
• Neuropathy after chemotherapy, once cancer treatment is complete and the oncologist agrees
• Nerve pain that has not responded well to medication
• People who want to reduce or avoid medications such as gabapentin or duloxetine, with their doctor’s guidance

It is less likely to help when nerve damage is severe and long-standing, or when the cause is still active and untreated.

What laser therapy cannot do

• It cannot fix the cause. High blood sugar, low B12, alcohol use or a pinched nerve still need their own treatment.
• It does not work overnight. Change usually builds over weeks.
• It is not a fit for everyone. It is usually avoided over active cancer, during pregnancy over the abdomen, and for people with strong light sensitivity.

What a course of treatment looks like

• First visit: history, exam, a check of sensation and balance, and a review of any nerve tests
• Sessions: often 2 to 3 per week for several weeks
• Each session: the light is applied to the feet, legs or hands for a few minutes per area, with protective eyewear for everyone in the room
• Follow-up: your doctor tracks pain, numbness and balance and adjusts the plan

Other treatments that pair with laser therapy

• Magnetic therapy. See magnetic therapy.
• Physical therapy for balance, strength and fall prevention
• Foot care and blood sugar control with your primary doctor
• Medication when needed, at the lowest effective dose

Learn more on our peripheral neuropathy page and our laser therapy service.

When to see a doctor about neuropathy

• Numbness, tingling or burning that keeps getting worse
• Trouble with balance or more frequent trips and falls
• A sore or wound on your foot you did not feel
• Weakness in your hands or feet

A foot wound you cannot feel needs prompt care, especially if you have diabetes.

Before you book

• Location: 6010 Bay Parkway, 6th Floor, Suite 603, Brooklyn, NY 11204
• Phone: (718) 576-2001
• Insurance: coverage for laser therapy varies by plan. Call and we will check yours.
• What to bring: recent blood test results, nerve study reports and a list of your medications

Frequently Asked Questions