Constantly dealing with tingling, numbness, and burning in your hands and feet takes a toll. You’ve probably tried medications that manage symptoms but don’t actually fix what’s behind them. It’s time to consider red light therapy for neuropathy.
So, how does red light therapy help with neuropathy? It doesn’t merely numb the signal sending the discomfort. It has circulatory, inflammatory, and cellular energy connections. We’re seeing more and more clinical evidence supporting red light therapy for nerve pain. Learn more below, including how you can use Elaris red light therapy devices to finally find relief.
Key Takeaways
- Neuropathy is the result of damage to nerves outside the brain.
- Red light therapy (630-850nm) can penetrate deep enough into tissue to reach damaged nerves.
- Studies show up to 81% pain reduction and a nearly 53% drop in neuropathy scores.
- Experts agree that red light therapy neuropathy treatment can be effective.
- Do 10-20 minute sessions, 3-5 times a week, for 2-8 weeks.
Understanding Nerve Pain (Neuropathy)
Peripheral neuropathy happens when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord get damaged. The actual symptoms will depend on which nerves are affected, but it’s usually the hands and feet that are affected first.
Symptoms
You know the symptoms all too well if you’re here looking for insights into red light therapy for nerve pain. The most common include:
- Burning or shooting pain
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Heightened sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness
Some people say they feel as if they’re walking on pins and needles. Or, it’s like a sunburn that never heals. The symptoms usually feel worse at night. They gradually spread inward from the extremities.
Causes
The leading cause of neuropathy is diabetes, although not everyone with neuropathy has diabetes. Other common causes include:
- Chemotherapy
- Autoimmune conditions
- Infections
- Alcohol use
- Physical nerve injuries
Frustratingly enough, many cases of neuropathy are never actually traced back to a root cause. Doctors call this “idiopathic neuropathy.” No matter what is behind your symptoms, though, we’re very excited to introduce you to red light therapy for neuropathy.
Introducing Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy involves using a device of some sort - often a panel, or perhaps a bag - to expose the body to wavelengths in the 630-850nm range. The light can make its way through the skin, where it then stimulates some sort of response.
Dr. Billy Huh with UT MD Anderson Cancer Center regularly recommends this treatment. He says, “As a pain medicine specialist, I study the effectiveness of red light therapy on peripheral neuropathy caused by cancer treatment. And the results I've seen are promising.1
Wavelengths matter. Red wavelengths around 660nm penetrate several millimeters into tissue. On the other hand, near-infrared (around 850nm) goes deeper into muscle, joints, and nerve structures. That’s relevant for the concept of using red light therapy for nerve pain.
Does Red Light Therapy Help With Neuropathy?
The short answer is yes, and there’s plenty of published research to back it up.
One study just a few years ago found that it led to significant improvements in pain, vibration perception, monofilament sensitivity, and neuron-specific biomarkers.2
Another trial done back in 2017 looked at people with neuropathy from a totally different cause and found a 52.6% improvement in neuropathy scores.3
So, HOW does red light therapy help with neuropathy? There are a few distinct mechanisms.
Boosting Blood Flow
Damaged nerves need more oxygen and nutrients to heal. Red and near-infrared light encourage the body to release nitric oxide near the treatment site, which relaxes blood vessel walls and improves circulation. Better blood flow = more nutrients and oxygen to the nerves. This matters because it means red light therapy may actually heal neuropathy.
Easing Inflammation
Peripheral nerves can get irritated and compressed by inflammation, slowing down recovery while making discomfort feel even more unbearable. Red light therapy can help support a healthier inflammatory response, giving the damaged tissue room to recover.
Encouraging Nerve Repair
A study done more than 20 years ago found that patients with long-term peripheral nerve injuries who received near-infrared treatment (780nm) noticed better motor function after 6 months. Researchers say this type of light supports Schwann cell activity, which is paramount for helping regenerate nerve fibers.4
Increasing ATP (Cellular Energy)
You probably already know that your cells run on ATP - we learned that in high school science class. But this is actually very important as it pertains to red light therapy for nerve pain. The more ATP your cells have, the more fuel they have for repair.
Red and near-infrared photons interact with a protein inside your mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase, which helps ramp up ATP production.
Turning Down Pain Signals
Beyond actually helping to repair the damaged tissue in question, red light therapy may even modulate pain signaling. One study found that patients with painful neuropathy saw their pain scores drop dramatically (from 6.47 to just 1.21) after 10 days of treatment.5
Should You Try Red Light Therapy For Nerve Pain?
Red light therapy for neuropathy is one of those things that makes sense for almost anyone to try because the upside is high and the downside is low. It’s worth a shot if your medications aren’t giving you relief or if you want to supplement your existing regimen.
Anyone who is struggling with neuropathy from diabetes, chemotherapy, or injury can benefit from trying red light therapy for nerve pain - which is essentially anyone who reports symptoms.
This begs the question: Is there anyone who shouldn’t try red light therapy? Not really. It’s generally regarded as safe. Side effects are very mild, such as a little warmth at the treatment site. But the actual treatment itself has been deemed safe by experts.6
What Results Can You Expect From Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy can be powerful for easing the symptoms of neuropathy - but don’t expect to wake up the next morning feeling cured. It takes a few weeks of regular, consistent treatment before the benefits start to show.
This is why it’s worth buying your own device rather than getting treatment done at a spa. You can enjoy the comfort and convenience of at-home red light therapy. We have a great selection for you here at Elaris. Learn more about using red light therapy for neuropathy below!
How to Use Red Light Therapy For Neuropathy
The actual protocol is simple. You just have to decide which device best suits your treatment goals first.
Choosing the Right Device
One non-negotiable factor is wavelengths. The best red light therapy for neuropathy delivers both red (660nm) and near-infrared (850nm) wavelengths. It also covers enough surface area to treat the affected region without you having to constantly reposition the device.
We’re proud to have changed more than 10,000 lives here at Elaris with world-renowned solutions. Our red light therapy mat delivers both vital wavelengths across 1,290 LEDs. It covers 180 x 80 cm, enough for full-body sessions. Our red light therapy panel puts out 100-175 mW/cm² with a built-in timer for smaller areas, hands, or feet.
Either way, you can rest assured you’re getting the effective quality you deserve. 76% of our panel users reported less discomfort and tension with consistent use. Your order is backed by a 60-day risk-free guarantee!
Session Duration and Frequency
Most clinical trials on red light therapy for nerve pain involved 10-30 minute sessions, repeated daily or every other day. But really, what matters most is consistency - so just get in a regimen you can stick with.
We recommend starting with 15-20 minute sessions 3-5 days a week. You can decide if you need to use your device more often after that point. Position the device around 6-12 inches from the area you’re trying to treat.
Other Ways to Ease Neuropathy
There are many other things you can do to keep neuropathy discomfort at bay in addition to red light therapy. For example, anyone with diabetic neuropathy should keep their blood sugar in check. Regular exercise helps boost circulation and nerve function, too. B vitamins (especially B12) support nerve health when you’re deficient as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is red light therapy good for nerve pain?
Yes. There are plenty of clinical trials showing positive outcomes from red light therapy for neuropathy, and we’ve seen countless success stories with our own devices here at Elaris.
Can red light therapy reverse neuropathy?
It can reduce symptoms and support nerve recovery, but it depends on the cause and severity of your neuropathy.
Is red light therapy safe for neuropathy?
Yes. More than 20 experts came together and confirmed red light therapy to be safe for adult patients, with no risk of DNA damage.6 Side effects are both rare and mild.
How long does it take for red light therapy to work on neuropathy?
At least a few weeks. You may notice less discomfort first, followed by improvements in motor skills and sensation. Give it a good 4-8 weeks of consistent treatment before drawing any conclusions.
Do I still need to take medication for neuropathy?
Do not stop or adjust your prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.
Parting Thoughts on Red Light Therapy For Nerve Pain
Neuropathy doesn't give you many good options. Most medications manage pain without addressing the nerve damage behind it. That’s what makes red light therapy for neuropathy so exciting. Start your own recovery journey today, be it with a red light therapy bag, mat, or panel!
References
- Huh B. "Does red light therapy work for peripheral neuropathy?" MD Anderson Cancer Center, CancerWise. 2026. MD Anderson
- Anju M, Velladath SU, Maiya AG, Hande M. "A single blinded randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of photobiomodulation therapy on neuron specific biomarkers in type II diabetes mellitus patients with peripheral neuropathy." Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2025. PubMed
- Argenta PA, Ballman KV, Geller MA, et al. "The effect of photobiomodulation on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial." Gynecologic Oncology. 2017. PubMed
- Rochkind S, Drory V, Alon M, Nissan M, Ouaknine GE. "Laser phototherapy (780 nm), a new modality in treatment of long-term incomplete peripheral nerve injury: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study." Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2007. PubMed
- Shashi Kumar CG, Maiya AG, Hande HM, Vidyasagar S, Rao K, Rajagopal KV. "Efficacy of low level laser therapy on painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy." Laser Therapy. 2015. PubMed
- Maghfour J, et al. "Evidence-based consensus on the clinical application of photobiomodulation." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2025. Henry Ford Scholarly Commons