Overview: Anodyne Infrared Light Therapy We began using Anodyne Infrared Light Therapy about 2 years ago (time goes by fast!). During this time, we’ve been observing just what happens with this device. Many patients with peripheral neuropathy from diabetes, circulation problems, and chemotherapy toxicity have been helped. Peripheral neuropathy is numbness of the feet primarily, and sometimes of the hands as well; it can be painful and may affect balance due to the loss of sensation in the feet. The Anodyne was advertised as being helpful for diabetic neuropathy, and it has been for the most part. About 80% of the patients who are treated with it report a significant improvement in their symptoms, with less numbness, less pain, and improved walking ability. Regaining their ability to walk can be helpful in controlling weight and sugar levels, too. To help determine the extent of the problem, we also measure sensation with our painless sensory nerve testing, which has shown that 80% of patients treated have significant improvement in sensation in their feet after only 6 weeks of treatment! This was, for the most part, what we had hoped for, and to some extent expected. To be honest, it was actually better than I hoped; I thought it might help a little, but not such a large percentage! Some of the results of the Anodyne Infrared Light Therapy were unexpected, though: we didn’t anticipate that it would help improve a patient’s ability to sleep, or that it would reduce sugar levels and blood pressure. This really surprised me. However, we have come to expect surprises from the Anodyne Infrared Light Therapy. Another surprise was that people who had numbness and tingling in their feet and hands would regain sensation in only 6 weeks, even after having numbness for 10 years! Very surprising. One patient had cancer in remission; he could not stand to have the sheets touch his legs and could not sleep at night. He is now able to do both! Another surprise was how much the patient’s balance improved. We now have a Neurocom Balance Master that actually measures balance very accurately, and we see dramatic improvements in balance, a better ability to walk, and an improved ability to go up and down stairs. A patient, Herman, wrote a success story of his experience. Here’s what he had to say: “My initial problem was burning and tingling in my legs and feet, and also pain in my hip and knee. After treatment, I have almost no pain in my hip and knee, and the tingling and burning has almost all disappeared. I’m almost back to normal. I had the Anodyne Light Treatment along with a prescribed exercise program 3 times a week. I was treated very, very well by all members of the staff, including the front office. Laura, Kenton, Kim, and Heather were just great. The end result: I’m feeling a lot better and I hope it continues.” Next, we had three patients who had lupus and mixed connective tissue disease. This disease decreases circulation due to an over-production of collagen in the blood vessels; their legs were swollen and the skin was peeling, and they were in a lot of pain. I did not expect they could be helped. But, surprise! They too got rid of their pain and were able to increase their walking time from a few minutes to spending hours at the mall! They no longer had problems with balance and falling. One nice lady no longer needed her cane. If I were giving out a report card, I would give Anodyne Infrared Light Therapy a B+. I would give it an A, but it does not work on everyone. Yet, it is a much more powerful tool than I could have imagined. The combination of Anodyne to increase circulation, stretching, and strengthening exercises has become an important tool in our arsenal to fight pain and help people get back control of their balance, their bodies, and their lives. If you have peripheral neuropathy or pain and numbness in your hands and feet, give us a call or ask your doctor for a referral. It is a painless evaluation and treatment. If you are suffering, don’t let the days pass you by when you could be doing things! We will answer any questions about billing or any other concerns you may have. Call us today at (301) 759-4263 at TriState Hand & Occupational Therapy. Try therapy first with us! You’ll come in a patient and leave a friend. Call us today! Anodyne Facts • Monochromatic Infrared Radiation Energy (MIRE) is the acronym for Anodyne Infrared Therapy. • Anodyne has reduced or eliminated pain due to peripheral neuropathy and restored sensation and balance in 80% of the patients we have treated. • Anodyne increases blood vessel diameter to 16-32 times current blood vessel size. • Anodyne also lowers blood sugar and blood pressure—nice side effects! |
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