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Is Red Light Therapy For Neuropathy Effective?

Date

Updated Mar 13, 2025

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8 Min

Article by

David Johnson

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy, in the most straightforward definition, is nerve damage or dysfunction. It is when your nerves don’t work as they should—this is problematic.

Here’s why:

The Central nervous system (CNS) is the body’s communication system. It transmits signals through electrical impulses between the brain, spinal cord, and all body parts. These signals trigger voluntary and involuntary movements.

An example is when you touch an extremely hot surface. Here, the nerves tell your brain, “Hey, you’ll burn. Remove your hand.” Then, the brain sends back the information to the muscles in the hand to initiate movement. This action happens almost instantaneously.

Nerves work like a two-way street; they send and receive information, helping other body parts react to internal and external stimuli.

In general, nerves serve three purposes:

● Transmit signals.
● Relay sensations.
● Regulate functions.

Nerves are generally divided into three types:

Neuropathy is when any of these nerves get damaged.

1. What Causes Neuropathy

Nerve damage can occur from a plethora of causes, including

● Trauma and injury from accidents and surgeries.
● Diabetes, which causes diabetic neuropathy.
● Infections (e.g., Lyme disease, HIV)
● Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
● Vitamin deficiencies of B vitamins and vitamin E.
● Genetic disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
● Chronic diseases like liver or kidney disease.
● Toxin exposure (alcohol, chemotherapy, heavy metals)
● Medications (chemotherapy meds and certain antibiotics)

2. Signs and Symptoms of Neuropathy

Before you jump into seeking RLT for neuropathy, you have to be sure it is undoubtedly neuropathy. And the best way to narrow down the condition is a doctor’s assessment. Regardless, here are the most common symptoms of the condition.

● Tingling, burning sensation, or numbness, mainly in the hands or feet.
● Sharp, throbbing pain in the affected area.
● Muscle cramping or weakness.
● Loss of sensitivity to touch.
● Loss of balance or coordination.
● Loss of reflexes.

When you head to the doctor, they’ll take your family’s medical history. After that, they’ll run physical exams—to check reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength.

Blood tests will ensue to identify the underlying cause from the list above. Then, nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) are used to assess the level of nerve function. Imaging, including MRI and CT scans, are also employed.

In some cases, nerve or skin biopsy might be done. A biopsy is when a sample tissue is extracted for further observation under a microscope.

3. Types of Neuropathy

The main types of neuropathy are highlighted in this table. Please note that there are more types based on the underlying condition. For instance, Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) from using chemo drugs.

4. Is Neuropathy Curable?

Well, that depends on the underlying condition.

But for most types, there is no definitive cure. In these cases, treatment focuses on management rather than healing. Still, it all boils down to the nature of the condition, and this table summarises the treatable kinds.

5. Neuropathy Treatments Options

The most common remedies to manage the condition include:

● Medications that are specific to the underlying condition.
● Physical therapy.
● Lifestyle changes.
● Alternative therapies include red light treatment and acupuncture.
● Surgery if the cause is nerve compression.

The best remedy for effective treatment is to get diagnosed early. Early intervention prevents further nerve damage. So, if you notice any of the symptoms above and they linger, seek medical advice.

Does Light Therapy Work on Neuropathy?

Yes, light therapy may help with neuropathy symptoms. However, results may vary depending on the condition’s type, cause, and progression of the affected areas. This section highlights which types it could help with.

But first, what’s light therapy?

Light therapy is a broad term for non-invasive treatments. It includes various interventions that use light for therapeutic purposes.

Light therapy uses light waves from 400 to 1200 nm. The shorter wavelength at 400 nm is blue light. The longer wavelength at 1200 nm is near-infrared light. Examples of light therapies include bright light, infrared, and UV.

Red light is between 620 and 750 nm in infrared light therapy.

Light therapy administered from light-emitting diode (LED) panels is LED light therapy.

How Red Light Therapy Works For Neuropathy

Its mode of action includes:

Skin Penetration

When the light leaves the source, it reaches the skin and penetrates. The depth at which it goes varies depending on the type of light and its wavelength. In this case, red light will go 5 mm into the skin, reaching the nerves. It also reaches the blood vessels and hair follicles.

Cellular Energy Production

Nerve cells absorb this energy into the mitochondria (the cell’s powerhouse). This boosts adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production through photobiomodulation. ATP are the molecules responsible for providing energy for all cellular activities, including nerve healing.

Effects Of Additional Energy on the Nerve Cells

With more energy, the exact effects are:

● Reduced inflammation. (inflammatory neuropathy)
● Pain management by easing nerve pain.
● Improved blood circulation.
● Nerve regeneration.

Perks of Red Light Therapy for Neuropathy Patients

Since there are varied neuropathy types, this table summarised how RLT helps the most common.

Neuropathy Types That Cannot Benefit From RLT

Red light therapy is promising for the mentioned neuropathy types, but not the following.

1. Neuropathy Caused By Advanced Neurodegenerative Diseases

If someone suffers from a progressive neurogenerative condition, RLT might not be sufficient. These are conditions like late-stage Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Early on, red light therapy might work, but as it advances, so should the treatment.

2. Neuropathy By Severe Spinal Cord Injuries

If a patient has undergone severe spinal cord injuries, RLT treatment might not suffice. The nerves affected are deep below the skin, so the red light might not get there.

Note: Studies on RTL are ongoing, and we might soon have evidence that it works for the above. If you are exploring its potential benefits, seek professional advice from trained individuals. Also, always refer to the latest research.

Limitations of Red Light Therapy for Neuropathy

Even though RLT works, it still has its fair share of limitations.

1. It Cannot Be used Alone

The prominent one is that it is not a standalone treatment. This means that for red light therapy to work, it has to be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

2. Results Vary

The second limitation is that red light therapy results vary from patient to patient. Side effects, too. Someone with diabetic neuropathy might have better results than another with the same condition.

Factors include the type of devices one uses, how consistent they are, the progression of the condition, etc.

3. Limited Penetration Depth

Light therapy, including RLT, only goes a few mm under the skin. At this depth, the effect felt is minimal and might not reach all nerves. It will trigger some nerve regeneration, but only on the surface.

4. It Could Only Work for Selected Neuropathy Types

RLT may work for diabetic neuropathy but not others, like genetic types. Another limitation tied to this one is the fewer number of studies that confirm it as a definitive treatment. As it stands, there are only a select few research papers on the subject.

5. Research Results are Inconsistent

Current red light therapy for neuropathy research presents inconsistency in results. Some give positive results, while others contradict it. Variability in the study designs is also broad. Light parameters (wavelength, duration, intensity) and study sizes differ.

6. Cost and Accessibility

Even though RLT is a plausible neuropathy treatment, not everyone has access to the treatment. First, high-quality red light therapy devices can be expensive. Second, accessing training and the already trained personnel is also a cost and accessibility issue.

7. Current RLT Uses are Cosmetic and Rehabilitative

At-home devices are not as advanced as clinical ones. And this means that getting RLT for neuropathy is scarce. The at-home devices work but could be limited to cosmetic and rehabilitation uses alone. Skincare to eliminate fine lines. Muscle recovery after injuries.

Using NIR Light at Home to Treat Neuropathy

Even though red light at home might not be viable for neuropathy, near-infrared light (NIR) might.

First, near-infrared light penetrates a little deeper. And this means it could ease some neuropathy symptoms better. These include pain, numbness, and tingling. The catch with at-home interventions is that you must be consistent and use them as per the doctor’s and manufacturer’s instructions.

The benefits NIR light therapy offers for neuropathy include:

● It improves blood flow to the damaged nerves.
● It may offer relief from chronic pain.
● It reduces inflammation that could worsen with neuropathy.
● It supports nerve health by stimulating cellular activity, hence nerve regeneration.

If you want to get the best, try the RedLiteX series. These medical-grade red and NIR light therapy devices are tailored for personal and professional use.

These devices allow multiple wavelength settings, including NIR, to reach the deeper nerves. With such an option, you can enjoy customizable, full-body sessions in the comfort of your home.

Conclusion: Should You Try Red Light Therapy for Neuropathy?

The simple answer: Yes, why not?

But, ensure you have gotten the clear from your healthcare provider about using it. Red light therapy shows promising results for neuropathy through pain relief and potential nerve generation. While it isn’t a cure, it could alleviate the excruciating pain one may be feeling.

However, please note that RLT might also work for specific neuropathy types. These are diabetic, trauma, focal, and peripheral. Even so, the advancement of the nerve damage is a factor. Also, note that results vary.

Nonetheless, it’s a viable treatment to consider, even at home. You could use devices in the RedLiteX series. Red light therapy should be a comprehensive treatment rather than a standalone solution. Ignoring neuropathy treatment in the early stages, even with RLT, it could get worse.

Neuropathy management is a journey. Early intervention and the proper treatment approach can make all the difference. RLT is just one piece of the puzzle.

Sources

1. Eva L Feldman, Brian C Callaghan, Rodica Pop-Busui, Douglas W Zochodne, Douglas E Wright, David L Bennett, Vera Bril, James W Russell, Vijay Viswanathan. (2019 Jun 13). Diabetic neuropathy.

2. Noushin Jazebi, Chad Evans, Hima S Kadaru, Divya Kompella, Mukaila Raji, Felix Fang, Miguel Pappolla, Shao-Jun Tang, Jin Mo Chung, Bruce Hammock, Xiang Fang. (2021 Feb 6). HIV-related Neuropathy: Pathophysiology, Treatment and Challenges.

3. Brandusa Florica, Ellie Aghdassi, Jiandong Su, Dafna D Gladman, Murray B Urowitz, Paul R Fortin. (2011 Oct). Peripheral neuropathy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosu.

4. Michael R Hamblin. (2017 May 19). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation.

5. Marcelie Priscila de Oliveira Rosso, Daniela Vieira Buchaim, Natália Kawano, Gabriela Furlanette, Karina Torres Pomini, Rogério Leone Buchaim. (2018 Jun 9). Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Systematic Review

Article by

David Johnson

David Johnson is a co-founder of RedliteX and a healthcare professional with extensive experience in red light therapy. He specializes in the research and application of red light therapy panels for therapeutic and wellness purposes, with a deep understanding of the science behind light-based treatments. Committed to education and evidence-based insights, he focuses on how red light therapy can support healing, pain management, recovery, and overall well-being.

RedLiteX Mini

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LEDs:

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Wavelengths:

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Weight:

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