Thoughts about Laser Light therapy for SFN and also about this interesting study

[Apollo]

Originally Posted by mrsD

Good luck...and do come back to let us all know.

It might really be a boon for some here!

... I have a question.

If Laser really works by helping to regenerate (and essentially re-activate) damaged nerves, then should we not initially experence a worsening of burning and discomfort BEFORE feeling longer term comfort, as those damaged nerves first come back to life?

However, based on pervious discussions, people report feeling better almost immediately (within a few sessions) without ever first feeling a worsening of symptoms.

Thoughts?

[mrsD]

I don't think anyone knows at this point. Notice that MDs are not using this treatment for the most part, and it is Chiros doing it.

That reveals much.

Like Glenn has commented, it may be a way of increasing circulation. And I tend to favor that idea as my swelling left foot responds very quickly to the little laser I have. The effect lasts for a few days and wears off for me. My left foot has dramatic swelling from the surgery I had many years ago, and is acting up more and more as the nerves have regenerated. It was pretty numb on top for decades. (tumor removal).

[glenntaj]

--and anecdotes are not data, etc., at the various neuropathy support groups I've gone to, and also at the large neuropathy convention in Washington I went to in late 2010, a number of people who did do laser/anodyne type therapies did report that their nerves did seem to "wake up" and cause them more discomfort for a while, and then gradually get better, though the effects varied widely.

We've had a number of people report on this board that nerves that were later proved to be regenerating often caused an increase in pain/parastheses for a time. I certainly noticed some weird flares that would start randomly and then fade in days/weeks. I've always suspected this occurs as the nerve growth cones proceed and have to fight through and around other structures, often undergoing some compression, and this involved irregular nerve signals that the brain must learn to re-interpret. This is why it can be difficult to know if one's new flare represents a progression of symptoms or a turn towards healing, except in long-term retrospect--a good reason to keep a symptom diary.

[Apollo]

Originally Posted by glenntaj

--and anecdotes are not data, etc., at the various neuropathy support groups I've gone to, and also at the large neuropathy convention in Washington I went to in late 2010, a number of people who did do laser/anodyne type therapies did report that their nerves did seem to "wake up" and cause them more discomfort for a while, and then gradually get better, though the effects varied widely.

We've had a number of people report on this board that nerves that were later proved to be regenerating often caused an increase in pain/parastheses for a time. I certainly noticed some weird flares that would start randomly and then fade in days/weeks. I've always suspected this occurs as the nerve growth cones proceed and have to fight through and around other structures, often undergoing some compression, and this involved irregular nerve signals that the brain must learn to re-interpret. This is why it can be difficult to know if one's new flare represents a progression of symptoms or a turn towards healing, except in long-term retrospect--a good reason to keep a symptom diary.

I completed a controlled test of five sessions of true laser therapy on my left palm, which suffers from Small Fiber Neuropathy. I then left the right palm (with the same problem) alone untreated as a control.

Sessions began at 2 minutes, then went to 5 minutes, and finished at 8 minutes in the final few sessions of my laser treatment sessions.

I then waited several weeks to see if I noticed any difference, and unfortunately to date have not noticed any improvement whatsoever.

David