Alan B. Kochman, MSPT*, Dale H. Carnegie, DPM and Thomas J. Burke, PhD
* Lead Therapist, The Medical Center of Aurora, Aurora, CO.
Chief of Podiatric Services, Department of Orthopedics, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO.
President, Integrated Systems Physiology Inc, 12635 Montview Blvd, Suite 216, Aurora, CO 80010.
Forty-nine consecutive subjects with established diabetic peripheral neuropathy were treated with monochromatic near-infrared photo energy (MIRE) to determine if there was an improvement of sensation. Loss of protective sensation characterized by Semmes-Weinstein monofilament values of 4.56 and above was present in 100% of subjects (range, 4.56 to 6.45), and 42 subjects (86%) had Semmes-Weinstein values of 5.07 or higher. The ability to discriminate between hot and cold sensation was absent (54%) or impaired (46%) in both groups prior to the initiation of MIRE treatment. On the basis of Semmes-Weinstein monofilament values, 48 subjects (98%) exhibited improved sensation after 6 treatments, and all subjects had improved sensation after 12 treatments. Therefore, MIRE may be a safe, drug-free, noninvasive treatment for the consistent and predictable improvement of sensation in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy of the feet. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 92(3): 125-130, 2002)
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Symptomatic Reversal of Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Diabetes
