| Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage resulting from poor blood flow to the nerves in the feet, legs and hands. It is one of the most common complications of diabetes, but can have other causes, such as circulatory problems, medications, chemotherapy, alcohol and AIDS, among others. Most commonly, patients are treated with some form of drug therapy and pain killers with limited success.
We are now an Anodyne Neuropathy Care Center, where we provide treatment services with Anodyne. Anodyne is an FDA-approved device which emits Monochromatic Infrared Energy (MIRE) which causes a local increase in blood flow and decrease in pain in the area it is applied. Patients undergoing treatment feel nothing other than a little bit of warmth or tingling. As there are no drugs involved at all, it is safe and well tolerated. There are no problems associated with patients who have pacemakers or metallic implants.
Most importantly, it is effective. Two published studies demonstrated 87% and 89% of their patients with excellent to total pain relief with the Anodyne therapy program. A new study reports a 79% reduction in the incidence of diabetic ulcers in the elderly diabetic population. Some patients respond faster than others. The duration of relief can also vary, with some patients needing to repeat the program several months to a year later.
Anodyne Therapy protocol is as follows: Following an initial examination and assessment, a comprehensive peripheral neurological examination is performed. This is done to both confirm the diagnosis, quantify the neuropathy and make sure the program is right for you. The therapy itself consists of 12-24 treatment sessions lasting 30-45 minutes. These are done two to three times per week. At the completion of a set of treatments, follow-up assessment is performed to determine the effectiveness of the treatment and determine the need for additional therapy.
Insurance coverage for Anodyne Therapy is variable. While most insurance companies cover the examinations and testing, their provisions for physical therapy services vary and are subject to precertification. We will work with you to determine the coverage by your policy and obtain precertifications where needed. We will also make arrangements for those patients with no insurance coverage.
Contact our office for more information and to schedule an appointment.
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