Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy describes damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. High level laser therapy may help reduce neuropathic pain and improve function in some patients, particularly when combined with exercise, medical management and rehabilitation. At Health Wise Chiropractic, patients in Sunbury and Melton receive an individual assessment to determine whether laser therapy is appropriate alongside evidence-based treatment for their specific type of peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves—the nerves that carry messages between your brain, spinal cord and the rest of your body. It can cause symptoms such as burning pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, altered sensation and balance problems. High level laser therapy may help some people with peripheral neuropathy by reducing pain, supporting tissue healing and improving nerve function. While research is encouraging for some forms of neuropathy, particularly diabetic peripheral neuropathy, laser therapy is not a cure and results vary between individuals.
Peripheral neuropathy affects people of all ages but becomes more common with increasing age. Diabetes is the leading cause, although nerve damage may also occur following chemotherapy, vitamin deficiencies, infections, autoimmune diseases, trauma, alcohol misuse, inherited neurological disorders or compression of peripheral nerves.
Early assessment is important because identifying the underlying cause may help slow or prevent further nerve damage. Some causes require urgent medical treatment, while others benefit from long-term management involving your GP, neurologist, endocrinologist, physiotherapist or chiropractor.
At Health Wise Chiropractic in Sunbury and Melton, high level laser therapy is used as part of an evidence-informed management plan for appropriate patients. Treatment aims to reduce pain, improve movement, support nerve recovery where possible and help patients maintain independence and quality of life while working alongside their broader medical care.
What Is This Condition?
Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is an umbrella term describing disorders that affect the peripheral nervous system. Unlike the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system), peripheral nerves travel throughout the body, controlling sensation, muscle movement and many automatic body functions such as blood pressure, digestion and sweating.
When these nerves become damaged, their ability to transmit signals is disrupted. Messages may become slower, weaker or distorted, resulting in abnormal sensations, pain or muscle dysfunction.
Peripheral neuropathy is not a single disease but rather a symptom of many different medical conditions. More than 100 different types of peripheral neuropathy have been described, each with different causes, symptoms and treatment approaches.
Peripheral Nerves and Their Functions
Peripheral nerves can be divided into three major categories.
Sensory nerves
These carry information from the skin, joints and muscles to the brain.
They allow you to feel:
temperature
pressure
vibration
touch
pain
body position
Damage often causes:
burning pain
pins and needles
numbness
hypersensitivity
loss of balance
Motor nerves
Motor nerves control muscle movement.
Damage may lead to:
muscle weakness
cramping
muscle wasting
poor coordination
foot drop
difficulty walking
Autonomic nerves
These regulate involuntary body functions.
Symptoms may include:
dizziness when standing
abnormal sweating
digestive problems
bladder dysfunction
bowel changes
altered heart rate
sexual dysfunction
Many people experience damage affecting more than one nerve type simultaneously.
Types of Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy can affect:
One nerve (Mononeuropathy)
Examples include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Peroneal nerve palsy
Several individual nerves (Multiple Mononeuropathy)
Often associated with:
autoimmune diseases
vasculitis
diabetes
Many nerves (Polyneuropathy)
This is the most common form.
It usually begins in the feet before progressing upwards in a "stocking" pattern. As symptoms worsen, the hands may become involved, creating a "stocking-glove" distribution.
Common Causes
Peripheral neuropathy has many potential causes.
Diabetes
The most common cause worldwide.
Persistently elevated blood glucose damages small blood vessels supplying nerves, reducing oxygen delivery and causing inflammation.
Chemotherapy
Certain chemotherapy medications can injure peripheral nerves.
Symptoms often develop gradually during cancer treatment.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Low levels of:
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B6
Vitamin E
Folate
may impair normal nerve function.
Alcohol-Related Neuropathy
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can damage nerves directly while also contributing to nutritional deficiencies.
Autoimmune Disorders
Examples include:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Sjögren's syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Infections
Examples include:
Shingles
Lyme disease
HIV
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Mechanical Compression
Entrapment of peripheral nerves can occur through:
repetitive work
prolonged pressure
spinal disorders
scar tissue
trauma
Genetic Disorders
Inherited neuropathies include:
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Hereditary sensory neuropathies
Idiopathic Neuropathy
Approximately 20–30% of peripheral neuropathies have no clearly identifiable cause despite thorough investigation.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms depend on which nerves are affected but commonly include:
burning pain
electric shock sensations
tingling
pins and needles
numbness
increased sensitivity
reduced sensation
muscle weakness
balance problems
poor coordination
cramping
foot pain
hand pain
difficulty gripping objects
reduced reflexes
difficulty walking
Symptoms often worsen at night and may interfere with sleep.
Acute Versus Chronic Neuropathy
Acute Neuropathy
Develops over hours to weeks.
Examples include:
Guillain-Barré syndrome
traumatic nerve injuries
severe infections
toxin exposure
These conditions often require urgent medical assessment.
Chronic Neuropathy
Develops gradually over months or years.
Common examples include:
diabetic peripheral neuropathy
chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
hereditary neuropathies
age-related neuropathy
Management focuses on slowing progression, reducing symptoms and maintaining function.
How Is Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive medical history and neurological examination.
Your healthcare provider may recommend:
blood tests
nerve conduction studies
electromyography (EMG)
ultrasound
MRI
skin biopsy (small fibre neuropathy)
genetic testing
balance assessment
Because peripheral neuropathy can result from many different medical conditions, identifying the underlying cause is one of the most important parts of treatment.
Prognosis
Recovery depends largely on the cause of the nerve damage.
Some neuropathies improve once the underlying cause is treated, particularly those related to vitamin deficiencies, nerve compression or certain inflammatory conditions.
Others, including diabetic neuropathy and inherited neuropathies, are generally managed rather than cured. In these cases, treatment aims to reduce pain, improve function, slow progression and maintain independence.
High level laser therapy may form part of a broader rehabilitation program for selected patients, particularly where pain, reduced function or delayed tissue healing are contributing to ongoing symptoms. However, it should be viewed as one component of comprehensive care rather than a standalone solution.
Seek urgent medical attention immediately if you develop rapidly progressing weakness, sudden paralysis, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe difficulty walking, breathing problems, facial weakness or sudden numbness affecting one side of the body, as these symptoms may indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate assessment.
How High Level Laser Therapy May Help Peripheral Neuropathy
Can High Level Laser Therapy Improve Peripheral Neuropathy?
High level laser therapy (HLLT), also known as Class IV laser therapy or high-intensity laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that delivers specific wavelengths of light energy into tissues. Unlike surgical lasers that cut tissue, therapeutic lasers are designed to stimulate biological processes within cells, a process known as photobiomodulation.
Research suggests that high level laser therapy may help reduce pain and improve function in some people with peripheral neuropathy, particularly diabetic peripheral neuropathy and some nerve compression disorders. However, it is important to understand that laser therapy does not repair every type of nerve damage or cure the underlying disease causing the neuropathy. The best results are typically achieved when laser therapy is combined with appropriate medical management, exercise, rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications.
At Health Wise Chiropractic in Sunbury and Melton, high level laser therapy is used as part of an individualised treatment plan following a comprehensive assessment.
How High Level Laser Therapy May Help Peripheral Neuropathy
Can High Level Laser Therapy Improve Peripheral Neuropathy?
High level laser therapy (HLLT), also known as Class IV laser therapy or high-intensity laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that delivers specific wavelengths of light energy into tissues. Unlike surgical lasers that cut tissue, therapeutic lasers are designed to stimulate biological processes within cells, a process known as photobiomodulation.
Research suggests that high level laser therapy may help reduce pain and improve function in some people with peripheral neuropathy, particularly diabetic peripheral neuropathy and some nerve compression disorders. However, it is important to understand that laser therapy does not repair every type of nerve damage or cure the underlying disease causing the neuropathy. The best results are typically achieved when laser therapy is combined with appropriate medical management, exercise, rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications.
At Health Wise Chiropractic in Sunbury and Melton, high level laser therapy is used as part of an individualised treatment plan following a comprehensive assessment.
How Does High Level Laser Therapy Work?
When laser light reaches damaged tissues, specialised structures inside cells called mitochondria absorb the light energy. Mitochondria are often described as the "powerhouses" of cells because they produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's main energy source.
In laboratory and clinical research, photobiomodulation has been shown to influence several biological processes that may support nerve health.
Potential effects include:
increasing cellular energy production
improving microcirculation
reducing inflammation
decreasing oxidative stress
encouraging tissue repair
supporting nerve regeneration
reducing pain sensitivity
improving local blood flow
assisting healing of surrounding muscles, tendons and connective tissues
Although these biological mechanisms are well supported in laboratory studies, improvements in symptoms vary considerably between patients.
Potential Benefits for Peripheral Neuropathy
Reducing Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is different from muscle or joint pain.
Instead of arising from injured muscles or inflamed joints, neuropathic pain originates from damaged or malfunctioning nerves.
People commonly describe the pain as:
burning
electric shocks
stabbing sensations
shooting pain
tingling
painful sensitivity to touch
High level laser therapy may help reduce this abnormal nerve sensitivity by influencing inflammatory chemicals and altering pain signalling pathways.
Several clinical studies have demonstrated reductions in pain scores following laser treatment, although not every patient experiences the same degree of improvement.
Supporting Nerve Healing
Peripheral nerves have a limited ability to regenerate.
Small nerves may recover over months, while larger nerves often recover much more slowly.
Experimental studies suggest photobiomodulation may:
encourage axonal regeneration
stimulate Schwann cell activity
improve myelin repair
increase nerve growth factors
enhance cellular metabolism
improve oxygen delivery
While these findings are promising, human studies remain variable and further research is ongoing.
Improving Blood Supply
Many neuropathies involve impaired circulation.
This is particularly true in diabetic peripheral neuropathy where tiny blood vessels supplying nerves become damaged.
Laser therapy may:
improve local circulation
increase oxygen availability
improve nutrient delivery
reduce tissue hypoxia
assist healing of surrounding tissues
Improved circulation may help reduce symptoms in selected patients, although it does not reverse advanced nerve degeneration.
Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation contributes to pain in numerous neuropathic conditions.
Laser therapy has been shown to influence inflammatory mediators including:
prostaglandins
cytokines
nitric oxide pathways
Reducing excessive inflammation may decrease pain while supporting tissue recovery.
Improving Mobility
Peripheral neuropathy often causes:
altered walking
poor balance
reduced confidence
muscle weakness
joint stiffness
Reducing pain may allow patients to:
walk further
remain more active
participate in rehabilitation
improve muscle strength
maintain independence
Which Types of Peripheral Neuropathy May Benefit?
Current research is strongest for:
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Several systematic reviews suggest laser therapy may reduce:
pain
burning sensations
tingling
numbness
disability
Some studies also report improvements in nerve conduction measurements.
Nerve Compression Disorders
Examples include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Morton's Neuroma
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Laser therapy may reduce inflammation surrounding compressed nerves while improving comfort during rehabilitation.
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Research remains limited.
Some early studies suggest laser therapy may reduce pain and improve sensation.
However, evidence is still developing and recommendations remain cautious.
Post-Surgical Nerve Injury
Laser therapy may assist tissue healing and reduce persistent pain following certain nerve injuries.
Suitability depends on the underlying diagnosis and healing stage.
Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Laser therapy may be considered alongside rehabilitation after fractures, lacerations or compression injuries where medically appropriate.
What Symptoms May Improve?
Patients may experience improvements in:
burning feet
painful tingling
pins and needles
sensitivity
walking tolerance
sleep quality
hand discomfort
foot discomfort
balance confidence
overall function
Not every symptom responds equally, and numbness is often slower to improve than pain.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
Most patients find laser therapy comfortable.
During treatment you may notice:
Gentle warmth
Mild tingling
No pain
No vibration
No electrical sensation
Protective safety glasses are worn by both the practitioner and patient throughout treatment.
Treatment usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the severity of symptoms.
Most people can return to normal daily activities immediately afterwards.
Who May Be a Suitable Candidate?
Laser therapy may be appropriate for patients who:
have persistent neuropathic pain
have diabetic peripheral neuropathy
have stable nerve compression syndromes
are participating in rehabilitation
want a non-invasive treatment option
have not responded fully to conservative care
Treatment is always based on a thorough clinical assessment.
Who May Not Be Suitable?
High level laser therapy may not be appropriate for everyone.
Treatment may need to be modified or avoided in patients with:
suspected cancer within the treatment area
active bleeding
untreated infections
pregnancy over certain treatment regions
severe cognitive impairment preventing safe treatment
inability to communicate changes in sensation
certain photosensitive conditions
medications causing significant photosensitivity
Your practitioner will discuss any relevant precautions before treatment begins.
What Happens During Your Appointment?
Your Initial Consultation
At Health Wise Chiropractic, every patient with peripheral neuropathy begins with a comprehensive assessment. Because peripheral neuropathy can have many different causes, identifying the source of your symptoms is essential before deciding whether high level laser therapy is appropriate.
Your chiropractor will discuss:
Your current symptoms and when they began
Whether the symptoms affect one or both sides of the body
Areas of numbness, tingling, burning or pain
Muscle weakness or balance difficulties
Night pain or sleep disturbance
Falls or changes in walking
Previous injuries or surgery
Diabetes or blood sugar control
Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
Autoimmune conditions
Vitamin deficiencies
Alcohol consumption
Current medications
Previous investigations such as MRI, nerve conduction studies (NCS) or electromyography (EMG)
Understanding your medical history helps determine whether your symptoms are likely to be related to peripheral neuropathy or another condition.
Physical Examination
Your chiropractor will perform a thorough examination that may include:
Neurological Assessment
This may involve testing:
Light touch sensation
Sharp and dull sensation
Vibration sense
Temperature perception
Muscle strength
Deep tendon reflexes
Coordination
Balance
Walking pattern (gait)
These tests help identify which nerves may be affected and whether the pattern is consistent with peripheral neuropathy.
Musculoskeletal Assessment
Because joint and muscle problems can contribute to pain and reduced mobility, your chiropractor may also assess:
Spinal movement
Joint mobility
Muscle strength
Muscle tightness
Posture
Foot mechanics
Walking biomechanics
Treating these contributing factors may improve comfort and function even when nerve damage cannot be completely reversed.
Are Further Investigations Needed?
Not everyone with numbness or tingling has peripheral neuropathy.
If your symptoms suggest another condition, your chiropractor may recommend referral to your GP or specialist for further investigations such as:
Blood tests
Nerve conduction studies
Electromyography (EMG)
MRI or CT scans
Ultrasound
Specialist neurological assessment
Referral is particularly important if symptoms are rapidly worsening, unexplained or associated with significant weakness.
Your Personalised Treatment Plan
If high level laser therapy is appropriate, your chiropractor will explain:
Your diagnosis
Expected treatment goals
Likely benefits
Current evidence
Any limitations
Alternative treatment options
Estimated number of sessions
Home management strategies
Every treatment plan is individualised based on your symptoms, overall health and functional goals.
What Happens During High Level Laser Therapy?
Treatment is non-invasive and does not involve injections or medication.
During the session:
The treatment area is identified.
Protective laser safety glasses are provided.
The laser handpiece is placed over the affected area.
Specific treatment settings are selected based on your condition.
The laser is slowly moved across the treatment region.
Patients often describe the treatment as comfortable.
Many people feel:
gentle warmth
mild tingling
no sensation at all
Treatment is generally well tolerated.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Treatment times vary depending on:
the size of the treatment area
the number of affected nerves
symptom severity
whether multiple body regions require treatment
Most laser treatment sessions take approximately 5–15 minutes, although your overall appointment may be longer if rehabilitation exercises or other therapies are included.
Will I Need More Than One Treatment?
Peripheral neuropathy usually develops over months or years, so meaningful improvement rarely occurs after a single session.
Many patients require a series of treatments over several weeks. Your chiropractor will monitor your progress and adjust your care plan based on your response.
The frequency and duration of care depend on:
the cause of the neuropathy
symptom severity
duration of symptoms
overall health
progress during treatment
Rehabilitation and Exercise
Laser therapy is most effective when combined with active rehabilitation.
Your treatment plan may also include:
balance training
strengthening exercises
stretching
walking programs
foot and ankle mobility exercises
posture advice
ergonomic recommendations
education about nerve protection
self-management strategies
For people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, maintaining good blood glucose control is also an essential part of long-term management.
After Your Appointment
Most people can return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
Some patients notice:
temporary pain relief
mild warmth
temporary fatigue
gradual improvement over several sessions
Occasionally, symptoms may temporarily fluctuate as tissues respond to treatment. This is usually short-lived, but you should inform your practitioner if you experience any unexpected changes.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
High level laser therapy is not appropriate as the first line of care for every patient.
You should seek urgent medical assessment if you experience:
sudden or rapidly progressing muscle weakness
loss of bladder or bowel control
numbness involving the groin or saddle region
difficulty breathing or swallowing
sudden paralysis
severe infection
unexplained fever with neurological symptoms
sudden loss of coordination
symptoms suggestive of a stroke
These symptoms require immediate medical assessment and should not be managed with conservative care alone.
Home Care & Exercises
Appropriate home management depends on the cause of your peripheral neuropathy. These beginner-friendly exercises aim to improve circulation, maintain joint mobility, enhance balance and support nerve health. Stop any exercise that significantly increases your symptoms and consult your healthcare provider if you are unsure whether an exercise is suitable for you.
1. Ankle Pumps
Purpose: Improve circulation and maintain ankle mobility.
Instructions:
Sit comfortably with your legs supported.
Point your toes away from you.
Pull your toes back towards your body.
Move slowly through a comfortable range.
Repetitions: 15–20
Frequency: 2–3 times daily
Progression: Perform while standing if balance allows.
2. Heel Raises
Purpose: Strengthen the calf muscles and improve balance.
Instructions:
Stand while holding a bench or kitchen counter.
Slowly rise onto your toes.
Pause for two seconds.
Lower under control.
Repetitions: 10–15
Sets: 2–3
Frequency: Daily
Progression: Perform on one leg when strength improves.
3. Toe Curls
Purpose: Improve foot muscle strength and coordination.
Instructions:
Place a towel on the floor.
Sit comfortably.
Use your toes to scrunch the towel toward you.
Relax and repeat.
Repetitions: 10
Sets: 2
Frequency: Daily
Progression: Add a light object to the towel for additional resistance.
4. Tandem Balance
Purpose: Improve balance and reduce fall risk.
Instructions:
Stand near a sturdy support.
Place one foot directly in front of the other.
Hold your balance.
Change feet.
Hold: 20–30 seconds
Repetitions: 3 each side
Frequency: Daily
Progression: Reduce hand support or perform with eyes closed only if advised by your practitioner.
5. Gentle Walking Program
Purpose: Maintain circulation, endurance and lower limb function.
Instructions:
Walk at a comfortable pace.
Wear supportive footwear.
Choose flat, even surfaces.
Stop if severe pain develops.
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Frequency: Most days of the week
Progression: Increase walking time by 2–5 minutes each week as tolerated.
Prevention Tips
Although not every type of peripheral neuropathy can be prevented, many people can reduce their risk of nerve damage or slow its progression by managing underlying health conditions and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Prevention focuses on protecting the nerves, maintaining good circulation and reducing factors that contribute to ongoing nerve injury.
Manage Underlying Medical Conditions
The most important step in preventing peripheral neuropathy is treating the underlying cause.
This may include:
Maintaining good blood glucose control if you have diabetes
Taking prescribed medications as directed
Managing high blood pressure and cholesterol
Treating vitamin deficiencies
Following medical advice for autoimmune conditions
Attending regular health check-ups
Early intervention often helps reduce the risk of further nerve damage.
Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise helps improve:
Blood circulation
Muscle strength
Balance
Joint mobility
Walking confidence
Overall nerve health
Australian physical activity guidelines recommend aiming for at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, together with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week, where appropriate.
Suitable activities include:
Walking
Swimming
Cycling
Strength training
Tai Chi
Pilates
Low-impact aerobic exercise
Your exercise program should be tailored to your individual ability and medical condition.
Protect Your Feet
People with reduced sensation are more likely to develop cuts, blisters and ulcers without noticing them.
Daily foot care should include:
Inspecting your feet each day
Washing and drying thoroughly
Moisturising dry skin (avoiding between the toes)
Trimming toenails carefully
Wearing clean socks
Wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes
Avoiding walking barefoot
Seek prompt medical attention if you notice wounds, redness or swelling.
Optimise Your Workstation
Poor workstation ergonomics can contribute to nerve compression syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve irritation.
Consider:
Keeping wrists in a neutral position
Adjusting chair height so elbows are approximately 90 degrees
Positioning your monitor at eye level
Taking regular movement breaks every 30–60 minutes
Avoiding prolonged pressure on elbows or wrists
Small ergonomic changes can reduce unnecessary strain on peripheral nerves.
Lift Safely
When lifting objects:
Bend through your hips and knees
Keep the object close to your body
Avoid twisting while lifting
Ask for assistance with heavy loads
Use mechanical aids where available
Safe lifting reduces the risk of injuries that may contribute to nerve irritation or compression.
Prioritise Healthy Sleep
Quality sleep supports healing and pain management.
To improve sleep:
Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Use a supportive mattress and pillow
Keep your bedroom cool and dark
Limit caffeine late in the day
Avoid prolonged pressure on numb limbs while sleeping
If night pain regularly disrupts your sleep, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Healthy nerves rely on adequate nutrition.
Aim to eat a diet rich in:
Vegetables
Fruit
Wholegrains
Lean protein
Healthy fats
Foods containing B vitamins
Only take vitamin supplements if recommended by your GP or another healthcare professional, as excessive amounts of certain vitamins, particularly vitamin B6, can themselves contribute to neuropathy.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy body weight may help:
Improve blood sugar control
Reduce inflammation
Improve mobility
Reduce pressure on weight-bearing joints
Lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Avoid Smoking
Smoking reduces blood flow to nerves and slows tissue healing.
Quitting smoking may improve:
Circulation
Healing capacity
Overall cardiovascular health
Long-term nerve function
Your GP can discuss evidence-based smoking cessation options if required.
Limit Excessive Alcohol Intake
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption is a recognised cause of peripheral neuropathy.
Following the Australian alcohol guidelines and reducing alcohol intake where appropriate may lower the risk of alcohol-related nerve damage.
Manage Stress
Living with chronic pain can increase stress, while stress itself may amplify pain perception.
Helpful strategies include:
Regular physical activity
Mindfulness
Breathing exercises
Relaxation techniques
Spending time outdoors
Maintaining social connections
Seeking psychological support if needed
Managing stress forms an important part of comprehensive chronic pain care.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from peripheral neuropathy varies considerably depending on the underlying cause, the severity of nerve damage, overall health and how early treatment begins. Some people recover completely, while others require ongoing management to control symptoms and maintain function.
Mild Cases
Examples include:
Mild nerve compression
Early diabetic neuropathy
Temporary irritation following minor injury
Typical recovery: Several weeks to a few months.
With appropriate treatment, activity modification and rehabilitation, symptoms such as tingling or burning pain may gradually improve.
Moderate Cases
Examples include:
Established diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
Persistent nerve compression
Post-surgical nerve irritation
Typical recovery: Several months.
Patients often require a combination of medical management, rehabilitation, exercise and, where appropriate, therapies such as high level laser therapy. Improvements are usually gradual rather than immediate.
Persistent or Chronic Cases
Examples include:
Longstanding diabetic neuropathy
Hereditary neuropathies
Advanced nerve degeneration
Chronic autoimmune neuropathies
Recovery may be incomplete.
The primary goals become:
Reducing pain
Improving mobility
Maintaining independence
Slowing progression where possible
Improving quality of life
Preventing complications such as falls or foot ulcers
Regular review and ongoing self-management are often required.
Factors That Influence Recovery
Recovery may be affected by:
The underlying cause
Duration of symptoms
Degree of nerve damage
Blood glucose control
Age
General health
Smoking status
Nutrition
Physical activity levels
Adherence to rehabilitation
Presence of other medical conditions
Earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment generally offer the best opportunity for symptom improvement.
What Can You Expect from High Level Laser Therapy?
If laser therapy is recommended, improvements typically occur gradually over a series of treatments rather than after a single session.
Some patients notice:
Reduced burning pain
Less tingling
Improved walking tolerance
Better sleep
Increased confidence with movement
Others may experience only modest improvements or no meaningful change. Because peripheral neuropathy has many different causes, individual responses to treatment vary.
Your chiropractor will regularly reassess your progress and modify your management plan if required.
Australian Statistics
Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological condition in Australia, particularly among older adults and people living with diabetes. Although exact national prevalence is difficult to determine because neuropathy has many causes, available Australian data demonstrates a significant health burden.
Diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy
Approximately 1.3–1.5 million Australians are living with diagnosed diabetes.
Around 20–50% of people with diabetes will develop diabetic peripheral neuropathy during their lifetime.
Peripheral neuropathy is one of the leading contributors to diabetic foot ulcers and lower limb amputations.
Older Australians
The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy increases significantly with age.
Community studies suggest approximately 7–10% of adults over 55 years have clinically significant peripheral neuropathy, with rates increasing further in people over 70.
Falls
Peripheral neuropathy contributes substantially to:
Reduced balance
Increased falls risk
Reduced mobility
Loss of independence
Older adults with peripheral neuropathy experience significantly higher rates of falls compared with those without neuropathy.
Burden on the Health System
Peripheral neuropathy contributes to:
Increased GP visits
Specialist neurological care
Hospital admissions
Chronic pain management
Reduced workforce participation
Increased disability
Diabetic neuropathy remains one of the most costly long-term complications of diabetes due to foot ulcer management, infection and amputation risk.
Australian data sources include:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
Diabetes Australia
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Depending on which nerves are affected, it can cause burning pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, poor balance or changes in sensation. There are many causes, including diabetes, chemotherapy, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, infections and nerve compression.
2. Can high level laser therapy cure peripheral neuropathy?
No. High level laser therapy is not a cure for peripheral neuropathy and does not reverse every type of nerve damage. However, research suggests it may help reduce pain, improve function and support nerve healing in some people, particularly when used alongside appropriate medical care and rehabilitation.
3. Which types of peripheral neuropathy respond best to laser therapy?
The strongest evidence currently exists for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Some studies also suggest benefits for certain nerve compression syndromes and selected post-surgical nerve injuries. Evidence for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and other forms of peripheral neuropathy is still emerging.
4. Is high level laser therapy painful?
No. Most patients find treatment comfortable. During the session you may feel a gentle warmth, mild tingling or no sensation at all. The treatment is non-invasive and does not involve needles or surgery.
5. How many laser therapy sessions will I need?
The number of treatments varies depending on:
the cause of your neuropathy
symptom severity
how long symptoms have been present
your response to treatment
Many people require a series of treatments over several weeks. Your chiropractor will regularly review your progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
6. Can laser therapy help numbness as well as pain?
Some patients report improvements in numbness, but pain often responds more quickly than reduced sensation. Recovery depends on the extent of nerve damage and the underlying cause. Longstanding numbness may not completely resolve, even with appropriate treatment.
7. Is high level laser therapy safe?
High level laser therapy has an excellent safety profile when delivered by appropriately trained healthcare professionals using approved equipment. Protective laser glasses are worn during treatment, and your practitioner will screen for any contraindications before commencing therapy.
8. Should I continue seeing my GP or specialist?
Yes. Peripheral neuropathy often requires ongoing medical management, particularly if it is related to diabetes, autoimmune disease, chemotherapy or other medical conditions. High level laser therapy should complement—not replace—care provided by your GP, neurologist, endocrinologist or other healthcare providers.
9. Can exercise make peripheral neuropathy worse?
Appropriate exercise is generally recommended and can improve circulation, balance, muscle strength and overall function. However, exercise programs should be tailored to your individual condition. If you have severe numbness, significant weakness or foot ulcers, you may require modified exercises and medical guidance.
10. When should I seek urgent medical attention?
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
rapidly worsening weakness
sudden paralysis
loss of bladder or bowel control
numbness around the groin or saddle area
difficulty breathing or swallowing
sudden facial weakness
symptoms of a stroke
These symptoms may indicate a serious neurological condition requiring urgent assessment.
Why Choose Health Wise Chiropractic?
At Health Wise Chiropractic, we believe effective care begins with understanding the individual—not just the diagnosis. Peripheral neuropathy has many possible causes, and every patient experiences symptoms differently. That's why your care starts with a comprehensive assessment to determine whether high level laser therapy is appropriate and whether referral for additional medical investigations is required.
Our experienced practitioners provide evidence-informed care based on current clinical research and your individual health needs. Where appropriate, high level laser therapy is integrated with rehabilitation exercises, movement advice, education and other conservative treatments to help reduce pain, improve function and support your long-term wellbeing.
We work collaboratively with GPs, specialists and other healthcare providers when needed, recognising that many forms of peripheral neuropathy require multidisciplinary management.
Patients attending our Sunbury and Melton clinics receive personalised treatment plans that are regularly reviewed and adjusted according to their progress. Convenient online bookings make it easy to arrange an assessment and begin an individualised management plan focused on helping you move more comfortably and confidently.