Red Light Therapy, Scrambler Therapy and Peripheral Neuropathy: A New Approach to Nerve Pain

Peripheral neuropathy affects millions of people and can show up as burning, tingling, numbness, pins-and-needles, sharp pain, hypersensitivity, even no feeling at all—often in the hands and feet. For many, these symptoms interfere with sleep, movement, and daily life and conventional options don’t always bring meaningful relief.

At our new practice, we focus on supporting the body’s natural healing processes and improving nervous system function—without relying on medications. Two of the most powerful tools we use for peripheral neuropathy are red and infrared light therapy and Scrambler Therapy, creating an even stronger, more comprehensive approach to pain management.

How Red Light Therapy Supports Peripheral Neuropathy

Red light therapy (broadly used term to include infrared light) uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. These wavelengths interact with cells at a mitochondrial level, supporting cellular energy production and overall tissue function.

For individuals with peripheral neuropathy, red light therapy may help by:

• Supporting circulation to affected areas
• Encouraging cellular energy production in nerve and surrounding tissues
• Helping calm overactive pain responses
• Supporting tissue recovery and nerve health
• Reducing stiffness and discomfort associated with nerve irritation

Peripheral nerves require energy and oxygen to function properly. When circulation, cellular energy, or tissue health is compromised, nerve signaling can become distorted—contributing to neuropathy symptoms. Red light therapy works locally and systemically to support the environment nerves need to function more normally.

Many people with neuropathy appreciate that red light therapy is non-invasive, gentle, and drug-free, making it a practical option for long-term nervous system support.

Why Red Light Therapy Alone May Not Address the Full Picture

While red light therapy supports nerve health at the tissue and cellular level, peripheral neuropathy is not just a local problem—it’s also a communication problem within the nervous system.

In many cases, nerves continue sending pain or discomfort signals to the brain long after the original injury or trigger has passed. Over time, the brain and nervous system can become “stuck” in a pain loop.

This is where adding a second, complementary approach can make a meaningful difference.

Introducing Scrambler Therapy: Supporting Healthy Pain Signaling

Scrambler Therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared technology designed to help normalize how the nervous system processes pain signals. Instead of masking discomfort or blocking sensation, it works by delivering non-pain information through the same nerve pathways that are sending distress signals.

The goal is to help the brain reinterpret incoming signals as safe and non-threatening, rather than painful.

For people with peripheral neuropathy, Scrambler Therapy may help support:

• Healthier nerve communication
• Reduced intensity and frequency of pain signals
• Improved nervous system regulation
• A calmer, more balanced pain response

Scrambler Therapy focuses on the neurological signaling side of neuropathy, rather than the tissue side—making it a powerful complement to red light therapy.

Why Combining Red Light Therapy and Scrambler Therapy Makes Sense

Peripheral neuropathy is complex. That’s why a multi-layered approach often works best.

When used together:

• Red light therapy supports nerve health, circulation, and cellular energy
• Scrambler Therapy supports how the nervous system interprets nerve signals
• Both therapies are non-invasive and drug-free
• Each addresses a different aspect of neuropathy without overlapping mechanisms

Rather than choosing one approach, combining the two allows us to support both:

1. The physical environment of the nerves
2. The communication between nerves and the brain

This whole-system strategy aligns closely with functional medicine principles—looking at how systems interact rather than isolating symptoms.

Who May Benefit From This Combined Approach

This integrative approach may be appropriate for individuals experiencing:

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
• Idiopathic neuropathy (unknown cause)
• Post-surgical nerve discomfort
• Chronic numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
• Long-standing nerve discomfort that hasn’t improved with other options

As a Functional Medicine Practitioner and Certified Light Therapist, my role is to help identify supportive, non-invasive strategies that work with the body—not against it—and to help clients understand which options may be appropriate for their unique situation.

A Supportive, Non-Drug Path Forward

Living with peripheral neuropathy can feel discouraging, especially when options seem limited. Red light therapy provides a powerful foundation for supporting nerve health, and when combined with Scrambler Therapy, it offers a more complete approach to calming the nervous system and improving quality of life.

If you’re living with peripheral neuropathy and are looking for supportive, non-invasive options, exploring the combination of red light therapy and Scrambler Therapy may be an important next step. To schedule a consultation to learn if these therapies may be able to assist you, click here.