Laser therapy may ease neuropathy pain for some people, but the evidence is small and mixed. A 2019 review of six diabetic neuropathy studies reported a positive effect on pain, while a sham-controlled trial of 50 patients found too little evidence to recommend it. Laser does not treat the underlying cause, such as high blood sugar or low B12.
Expert opinion leans further than the trials do. A 2025 consensus panel called photobiomodulation, the clinical name for this kind of light therapy, an effective option for peripheral neuropathy, yet a 2026 review still says large randomized trials are needed to set protocols and clarify long-term outcomes. Whether light can repair damaged nerves in people remains unproven.
How does low-level laser light act on nerves and tissue?
The proposed target is the cell’s mitochondria. A 2018 review identifies an enzyme there, cytochrome c oxidase, as the main site that absorbs red and near-infrared light, and hypothesizes that light frees it from nitric oxide so the cell’s energy production can recover. That is cell biology, not proof of relief: in the 2004 trial, the authors called the mechanism of pain relief uncertain.
What changes whether laser care is worth trying?
- The cause of your neuropathy. Most of the research is in two groups. In diabetic neuropathy, results split as described above. In chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, a 2018 systematic review rated photobiomodulation as moderate benefit, and most studies it covered were small with short follow-up.
- How it compares with a sham. In a trial of 44 cancer survivors, response rates were 48% with laser and 53% with sham at 6 weeks, then 45% and 33% at 12 weeks. The trial was not built to compare the two groups head to head, so it hints at a later benefit without proving one.
- Pain versus numbness. In the 2004 trial, pain scores fell by 1.0 point with laser and 0.0 with sham, short of statistical significance, and nerve conduction and sensory testing did not change.
- How long you’ve had it. The Cleveland Clinic says more severe, longer-lasting neuropathy is harder to turn around, whatever the treatment.
- Whether the cause is being managed. The NIDDK says managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol can keep diabetic nerve damage from getting worse, so any laser care sits alongside that work.
- The device and its settings. A 2016 review found clinical studies inconclusive on the right settings, so a result from one low-level laser doesn’t automatically carry over to another device.
What does neuropathy care look like here?
Care starts over two visits. Day one is a consultation and exam. On day two, Dr. Gurj Kalay, DC, goes over what he found and care begins. As our peripheral neuropathy page explains, each plan is built around the person, with the goal of helping nerve function, easing discomfort and supporting a better quality of life.
MLS laser therapy is a separate tool, aimed at pain that comes with inflammation. It’s a treatment, not a diagnosis, so Dr. Kalay first works out what’s behind your symptoms, then whether laser belongs in your plan at all. Ask him directly at your exam if you came in wondering about it.
When are neuropathy symptoms a reason to see your doctor first?
The cause needs a medical workup, because the list is long. The Mayo Clinic names diabetes and metabolic syndrome as the most common causes, along with low B vitamins, kidney, liver or thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, infections, tumors and chemotherapy. It says to seek medical care right away if you notice tingling, weakness or pain in your hands or feet, since early diagnosis gives you the best chance of preventing further damage.
- Foot sores or any foot problem. Nerve damage can hide a blister or wound, and the NIDDK says to call or see your doctor right away. With diabetes, these wounds can be hard to heal.
- Weakness that is new or worsening quickly. Neuropathy symptoms can develop over days, and our chiropractic care page lists new weakness or numbness in an arm or leg as a reason to see a medical doctor first.
- Symptoms you can’t explain. Numbness, tingling, burning or weakness that keeps coming back should be evaluated as early as you can.
Pressure on a single nerve is a different picture. The Mayo Clinic lists it among the causes of neuropathy, and our older post on sciatic pain explains how that nerve behaves.
Does MLS laser therapy have side effects?
Some people notice temporary warmth, redness or mild tingling where they were treated, or a brief increase in soreness. These are generally described as mild and short-lived. A burn is never an expected response, so tell the clinician right away if you feel uncomfortable heat or pain. Reduced feeling matters here: the Mayo Clinic notes that numb areas may not register temperature changes or pain.
Is MLS laser therapy FDA-cleared?
Yes, and clearance applies to a specific device and its stated uses. The 2005 510(k) for the MLS family of diode lasers describes topical heating for the temporary relief of muscle and joint pain and stiffness, arthritis pain or muscle spasm, plus a temporary increase in local blood circulation. It does not list neuropathy.
What does neuropathy feel like?
Common symptoms are tingling or prickling in the feet or hands, burning pain that is often worse at night, numbness and weakness. The Mayo Clinic adds extreme sensitivity to touch, and many people say it feels like wearing socks or gloves when they aren’t.
Does insurance cover MLS laser therapy?
Often not, and it varies by plan. Medicare’s national policy on infrared therapy devices makes infrared and near-infrared light non-covered for peripheral sensory neuropathy, including its pain. Check your benefits first. If you’re not using insurance, you’ll get a Good Faith Estimate before care begins.
If your feet are burning, tingling or going numb, you can book an exam online, and our blog has more on nerve and joint problems.
Sources
- Anju M et al. “Low level laser therapy for the patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review.” Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2019;13(4):2667–2670. PubMed 31405692
- Zinman LH et al. “Low-intensity laser therapy for painful symptoms of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy: a controlled trial.” Diabetes Care, 2004;27(4):921–4. PubMed 15047649
- Hou S et al. “Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Systematic Review and Recommendations.” Pain Physician, 2018;21(6):571–592. PubMed 30508986
- Teng C et al. “Evaluating laser photobiomodulation for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomised phase II trial.” Support Care Cancer, 2022;31(1):52. PubMed 36526802
- Maghfour J et al. “Evidence-based consensus on the clinical application of photobiomodulation.” J Am Acad Dermatol, 2025;93(2):429–443. PubMed 40253006
- Rastkar S, Eftekharian S. “Photobiomodulation therapy for peripheral neuropathy in diabetic and cancer patients: A narrative review.” Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther, 2026;60:105561. PubMed 42373001
- de Andrade AL et al. “Use of low level laser therapy to control neuropathic pain: A systematic review.” J Photochem Photobiol B, 2016;164:36–42. PubMed 27639607
- Hamblin MR. “Mechanisms and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Photobiomodulation.” Photochem Photobiol, 2018;94(2):199–212. PubMed 29164625
- “MLS Family” Diode Laser, 510(k) K051922. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 14 September 2005. accessdata.fda.gov
- “Infrared Therapy Devices,” National Coverage Determination 270.6. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, effective 24 October 2006. cms.gov
- “Peripheral neuropathy: Symptoms and causes.” Mayo Clinic, 19 May 2026. mayoclinic.org
- “Peripheral Neuropathy.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. niddk.nih.gov
- “Peripheral Neuropathy.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. ninds.nih.gov
- “Peripheral Neuropathy.” Cleveland Clinic, updated 16 July 2026. my.clevelandclinic.org
