Pulsed Infrared Light Therapy System Used In Published Study On Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy In The May 2006 Issue Of Acta Diabetologica

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 25 Jul 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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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(TM) brand name was not used in this study, The Healthlight(TM) 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(R) 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 neuropathies by improving foot perfusion by stimulating nitric oxide production.

The Healthlight(TM) 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(TM).

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(TM) hopes that this newly published study will be another catalyst for that policy to eventually change.

LymphaCare Healthlight Therapy
http://www.infraredtherapy.com

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