New therapy at MSH returns feeling to diabetics' limbs

This woman is receiving Anodyne Therapy at Missouri Southern Healthcare, a new therapy for those suffering from Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy using monochromatic infrared photo energy (MIRE) to increase the circulation in the legs. The small machine on the right emits the waves which cause no side effects. Decreased pain, improved sensation and improved mobility can be achieved in a shorter period of time, with most treatment times lasting no more than five weeks.

It is something that every person who suffers from diabetes is familiar with. The loss of sensation in the hands and most especially the feet, eventually leading to balance problems and frequent falls. Prickling, tingling or burning pain oftentimes accompany the loss of circulation, sometimes becoming so severe as to interrupt sleep patterns at night.

However, for those afflicted with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN), Missouri Southern Healthcare has a new therapy program that has shown great strides in returning circulation to feet, lowering the pain and frequency of falls that most people with diabetes suffer.

Known as Anodyne Therapy, patients are placed on a bed and four small pads are strapped to each foot. Then, monochromatic infrared photo energy (MIRE) is emitted.

"Most patients say that they feel a tingling like you would feel if your leg had fallen to sleep and the blood had just started to circulate again," said Donald Zoll, MSH Physical Therapist. "There is also a gentle warmth that comes from the pads."

The therapy must be given in 40-minute increments three times a week for 10 to 20 weeks. Most usually, it is the pain relief that patients notice first, with better sensation and more balance becoming apparent after several treatments.

Zoll said that currently three people are receiving the therapy at MSH, mainly because the hospital has only had the Anodyne equipment for two months.

"Using the infrared photo energy is not something new," said Zoll. "This first came out around 1994. But it is only just recently that it was found to be so beneficial to those with diabetes.

"Because there are a high number of people in the area who suffer from diabetes, I believe that this therapy will become increasingly popular," Zoll continued.

Prior to Anodyne, DPN sufferers were often treated with medications and rigorous physical therapy that in some cases would work and in some cases made no improvements in the condition. Now, according to a study conducted by Anodyne Therapy LLC, 88.8 percent of 784 patients studied found excellent to total relief from pain using the MIRE technology. As for sensation and balance, those studied felt sensation at an average of 0.9 sites prior to treatment that increased to 2.7 sites after treatment. Ninety-eight total falls were recorded 90 days before treatment with only four falls recorded following treatment.

"We have seen results as soon as after the third visit," said Zoll. "One of our patients had been suffering from terrible night pains that would awaken him several times a night.

"Shortly after he began treatment, he was able to tell a decrease in the amount of pain," Zoll said. "And there are no side effects from this treatment that patients have to worry about."

Zoll said that some patients will have to have ongoing therapy beyond the 20 visits to the hospital. In those cases, patients are able to get a home system that is covered by most insurance companies, including Medicare.

"This technology gives us an option that we never had before," said Zoll. "The same patient who was having problem with night pains was also unable to balance on either leg before treatment for any amount of time.

"After he began treatment, he was able to balance on each leg for five seconds," Zoll continued. "Before, it would have taken months worth of physical therapy to see that kind of improvement."

Sacha Champion may be reached via e-mail at schampion@dailystatesman.com