Case Report: Red Light Therapy for Neuropathy

Patient History: 

81-year-old male diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy approximately 8 years ago.  History of bladder cancer which was treated with immunotherapy and surgery.  Patient also complains of occasional low back and sciatic pain.  He has become increasingly sedentary due to pain and instability.

Treatment History: 

Pain medications, shoes and orthotics for foot pain with no relief.  Pain scale rating reaches 8/10 at times, forcing him to significantly decrease activity and decreases balance and stability.

Current Treatment: 

Red Light Therapy wrap placed over the bottoms of his feet for 20 minutes daily.  Following the first 2 weeks of daily treatment, patient reports that pain has reduced to a consistent 3/10.  Activity levels, sleep and mood have all significantly improved.

Discussion:

Patient states that his pain and quality of life have significantly improved with the use of red light therapy in a short amount of time.  He has been able to go to the store and dinner with his wife, visit a casino with only stopping for short breaks to sit and rest and he reports sleeping through the night without being awakened by foot pain for the first time in several years.  He is now happier and much more optimistic about his future of living with his neuropathy.

Summary of improvements over 3-week treatment:

1. Decreased pain 8/10 to 3/10.
2. Improved standing balance
3. Increased activity- from staying at home to going out with wife to dinner, the store, and the casino.
4. Improved sleep with decreased stabbing pain in feet.
5. Improved mental health with hope of living with manageable pain.

Conclusion:

Red Light Therapy can play a significant role within a treatment program to improve the symptoms related to Peripheral Neuropathy.