Pulsed Infrared Light Therapy System Used In Published Study On Diabetic Periphe

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Pulsed Infrared Light Therapy System Used In Published Study On Diabetic

Peripheral Neuropathy

In The May 2006 Issue Of Acta Diabetologica

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=47953

 

25 Jul 2006   

 

Another type of Infrared Therapy technology can now add itself to the list of

having published studies on treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)

with monochromatic or dual wave Infrared Therapy, also known as pulsed infrared

light therapy. Although the Healthlight brand name was not used in this

study, The Healthlight system (http://www.infraredtherapy.com) is nearly

identical in specifications as the brand utilized in the study. The Healthlight

System has the same size pads and frequencies, providing the same effect with

pulsed infrared light technology.

 

In recent years, dozens of studies on infrared or laser light therapy have

been published around the world by different manufacturers. In regards to

neuropathy, Anodyne® Therapy of Tampa, FL (http://www.anodynetherapy.com) has

published several peer-reviewed articles using their own brand of monochromatic

infrared therapeutic technology with very positive outcomes. Other manufacturers

such as Thor Laser of the United Kingdom (http://www.thorlaser.com), and

Microlight Corp. of Missouri City, Texas (

http://www.microlightcorp.com/research.asp), also have positive studies on a

variety of medical conditions.

 

Pulsed infrared light therapy (PILT) has been shown to increase peripheral

sensation in diabetic patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

However, most studies last for very short periods, with the subjects receiving

only

6-20 treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness

of an eight-week course of therapy in reversing longstanding, profound DPN in

patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Twenty-two subjects with a diagnosis

of type 1 (n=2) or type 2 (n=20) diabetes participated in the study. The PILT

was administered to one foot chosen at random with the other foot serving as a

within-subject control (no treatment). Patients underwent 24 treatments

(three times/week, for eight weeks) for 30 minutes per treatment. Changes in

peripheral protective sensation (PPS) were measured using Semmes- Weinstein

monofilaments (SWM) ranging from 3.7 to 6.48. PILT improved PPS even in patients

with

longstanding chronic neuropathies whose initial pre-study sensation was not

measurable with a 200-g SWM. PILT significantly improves PPS. While the exact

mechanism of action is not understood, infrared light may improve peripheral

neur

opathies by improving foot perfusion by stimulating nitric oxide production.

 

The Healthlight Infrared Therapy system is FDA-cleared for moderating or

alleviating pain and inflammation. Pain and inflammation is often associated

with, and a byproduct of, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Patients with

DPN, as well as other conditions, have found temporary or permanent relief from

pain and inflammation using Healthlight.

 

Despite many positive studies from reputable sources, Medicare continues a

policy of claim denial and non-coverage of home Infrared Therapy pads for

patient reimbursement on conditions such as neuropathy

(http://www.cignamedicare.com/articles/Nov05/cope3252c.html). Healthlight

hopes that this newly

published study will be another catalyst for that policy to eventually change.

 

LymphaCare Healthlight Therapy

http://www.infraredtherapy.com

 

Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=47953