Neuropathy Treatment In Phoenix, AZ

Diagnosis of Neuropathy at Gonstead Physical Medicine

We perform a detailed examination to determine the “root cause of your neuropathy. The examination will include:

• Palpation of the spine and extremities
• Testing for fine touch and temperature sensations
• Testing for muscle weakness and atrophy
• Testing for nerve root compression
• Testing for nerve root entrapment and subluxation

Thermographic Imaging allows us to measure temperature variations on the surface of the hands and feet to detect “hot spots” of inflammation and areas lacking blood flow. It’s used to monitor the progression of neuropathy. It is a noninvasive, painless, and radiation-free test that uses infrared light to detect changes in the surface temperature and monitor the progression of neuropathy.

We also use a Foot Scan to identify foot imbalances and arch weaknesses that can contribute to neuropathy pain.

1-Chiropractic Adjustments

Subluxations are misaligned bones of the spine and extremities that put pressure on nerves, creating nerve interference that can lead to nerve damage. Nerve impingement is commonly called a pinched nerve.

There are two types of nerve impingements.

• Entrapment – when soft tissue (muscles and ligaments) exerts inappropriate pressure on nerves.
• Compression – when hard tissue (bones) exerts pressure on nerves. Nerve compression syndrome (a trapped nerve) occurs when a peripheral nerve is squeezed or compressed.

Spinal disc involvement can contribute to nerve damage and the symptoms of neuropathy. The DRX 9000 non-surgical spinal decompression is an FDA-cleared medical device used to treat protruded, bulging, herniated, extruded, and degenerated spinal discs.

2-TeslaMax Electrotherapy

An electrotherapy medical device that uses high-voltage and low-amperage electrical stimulation therapy to improve Nerve function, Circulation, and Muscle Activation in patients with neuropathy. The TeslaMax Electrotherapy delivers a deep, powerful muscle contraction to the body’s extremities without discomfort, making it especially beneficial for neuropathy-related nerve and muscle damage.

Benefits of the TeslaMax include:

• Increases blood flow and oxygenation
• Stimulates deep muscle contractions to increase circulation to affected nerves and tissue
• Improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to promote nerve repair and regeneration
• Reduces inflammation, a major contributor to nerve pain and dysfunction
• Nerve stimulation and regeneration retrains damaged nerves to function properly
• Encourages nerve signal transmission
• Prevents further nerve deterioration by promoting activity in weakened nerve pathways
• Activates sensory and motor nerves to enhance nerve function and reduce long-term discomfort
• Muscle activation and prevention of atrophy
• Improves mobility and reduces fall risks

3-Bedrock Bioscience Prolight Therapy

Bedrock Science is an FDA-cleared medical-grade light therapy device designed to treat neuropathy symptoms. Light therapy is known for its ability to enhance cellular function and promote healing. It works by delivering specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the body’s cells to produce healing of damaged tissue, increase blood circulation, and reduce pain and inflammation.

The Bedrock Science Prolight therapy delivers a very strong power of 3500 + joules of energy in 30 minutes of treatment time. It also uses infrared light combined with red light at wavelengths of 660nm (red) and 880 nm (infrared—non-visible spectrum). Research has suggested that these wavelengths promote tissue healing.

Benefits of Prolight Therapy:

• Alleviates neuropathy pain
• Improves circulation, enhancing blood flow to affected areas to support nerve health and function
• Reduces inflammation, which can exacerbate neuropathy symptoms
• Promotes healing of damaged nerves and surrounding tissue
• Relieves muscle spasms and associated discomfort

4-Bedrock Bioscience Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)

The Bedrock Science PEMF unit is an FDA-cleared medical-grade device. PEMF therapy delivers electromagnetic pulses to targeted areas of the body. These pulses create a series of electrical charges within the cell, activating cellular processes and promoting healing. The electromagnetic fields generated by PEMF therapy mimic the body’s natural frequency, optimizing the cellular environment for regeneration and repair.

Benefits of Bedrock Bioscience Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF):

• Pain relief & nerve regeneration
• Reduces nerve pain associated with neuropathy
• Stimulates nerve repair and regeneration, improves nerve function
• Blocks pain signals by influencing nerve cells and reducing inflammation
• Improves circulation and oxygenation
• Enhances blood flow to damaged tissue, promotes faster healing
• Increases oxygenation, supporting cell repair and reduced swelling
• Reduces the inflammatory response, decreasing chronic inflammation
• Helps manage the pain and discomfort of neuropathy
• Enhances cellular repair & energy production
• Stimulates mitochondria of the cell to produce more ATP (energy)
• Accelerates tissue healing
• Supports cell regeneration, reducing nerve degeneration
• Improves muscle relaxation, reducing spasms and stiffness
• Helps prevent muscle atrophy by keeping muscles engaged

5-Neuromuscular Re-Education

Neuromuscular re-education is a rehabilitative technique that uses certain exercises to improve the patient’s coordination, sense of balance, and proprioception. At Gonstead Physical Medicine, we use vibration plate exercises that force the body to improve muscle recruitment and activate neural pathways responsible for maintaining balance and stability.

6-Dietary Recommendations / Vitamins & Supplements / IV therapy

We incorporate dietary recommendations, vitamins and supplements, and IV drip therapy into our neuropathy program. Research has suggested that taking certain vitamins and supplements and avoiding certain foods and drinks can improve neuropathy symptoms.

Gonstead Physical Medicine has a custom IV drip designed to help reduce neuropathy symptoms. All IV drip therapy is done on location by our licensed phlebotomists and supervised by our medical director.

Best Foods That Help Diabetic Neuropathy

These nutrient-rich foods support nerve health and reduce inflammation:

• High-Fiber Vegetables: Spinach, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, bell peppers
• Low-Glycemic Fruits: Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), cherries, apples, citrus fruits
• Healthy Fats: Avocados, extra virgin olive oil, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, almonds
• Omega-3 Rich Foods: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds
• B-Vitamin Sources (Nerve Repair & Function): Eggs, grass-fed meats, lentils, nutritional yeast
• Magnesium-Rich Foods (Nerve Function & Pain Reduction): Pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate (85%+), spinach, almonds
• Anti-Inflammatory Spices: Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon
• Protein Sources for Blood Sugar Balance: Grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, wild-caught fish, organic tofu
• Legumes & Beans: Lentils, black beans, chickpeas (good fiber-to-carb ratio, helps stabilize blood sugar)
• Hydration & Electrolyte Balance: Coconut water (unsweetened), herbal teas, filtered water with lemon

Foods That Worsen Neuropathy & Diabetes

These high-sugar, inflammatory, and processed foods damage nerve health:

• Refined Carbohydrates & Sugars: White bread, white rice, pastries, candy, soda, fruit juices
• Trans Fats & Processed Oils: Margarine, vegetable oils (corn, soybean, canola), hydrogenated oils
• Fried & Fast Foods: French fries, fried chicken, processed snacks (chips, crackers)
• Excessive Alcohol: Beer, liquor, sweet cocktails (damages nerves & worsens blood sugar control)
• Processed Meats: Hot dogs, bacon, deli meats, sausages (high in preservatives, inflammatory)
• Artificial Sweeteners & Additives: Aspartame, sucralose, MSG, high fructose corn syrup
• Dairy (for Some Individuals): Conventional milk, cheese, ice cream (can trigger inflammation)
• Excessive Caffeine: Energy drinks, high-caffeine coffee (can overstimulate nerves & dehydrate)
• Nightshade Vegetables (if sensitive to inflammation): Tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, potatoes
• High-Sodium Foods: Packaged soups, canned vegetables with added salt, processed sauces

The Best Vitamins and Supplements For Neuropathy

Research has suggested certain vitamins and supplements will help with the symptoms of neuropathy, such as:

Alpha–Lipoic Acid

A potent antioxidant with neuroprotective properties that can benefit individuals with neuropathy and nerve-related disorders

• Helps with burning, numbness, and tingling associated with neuropathy
• Supports nerve repair and regeneration
• Regulates blood sugar
• Reduces oxidative stress
• Chelates heavy metals that will protect nerves from toxic damage
• Increase glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant to support nerve health

B-Complex Vitamins

They play a crucial role in nerve health and are essential for preventing and managing neuropathy

• Assists in nerve regeneration and repair
• Reduces symptoms of neuropathy (burning, numbness, and pain)
• Prevents nerve degeneration
• Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in nerves
• Supports blood circulation

Vitamin C

Supports neuropathy through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nerve

• regenerative properties
• Supports myelin sheath integrity
• Reduces oxidative stress to nerves
• Reduces nerve inflammation
• Improves blood circulation
• Enhances immune function, reducing the risk of infection in diabetic patients

Magnesium

• Plays a vital role in nerve health and can reduce inflammation
• Can assist with nerve regeneration and protection
• Can reduce the pain associated with neuropathy
• Regulates blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
• Calms the nervous system, reducing nerve hypersensitivity

Copper

• Improves nerve signal transmission and nerve function
• Prevents the degeneration of the myelin sheath
• Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in nerves

Manganese

• Plays a crucial role in nerve health, supports nerve function
• Aides in mitochondrial function to produce energy for the nerve
• Helps with the repair of damaged nerves
• Assist with nerve signaling

Zinc

• Plays a key role in nerve health
• Assists with nerve regeneration and repair
• Reduces nerve inflammation
• Assists in nerve signaling
• Supports insulin function, preventing damage caused by high blood sugar
• Contributes to maintaining the myelin sheath

Vitamin D

• Has anti-inflammatory properties
• Reduces nerve inflammation
• May help protect and repair damaged nerves

7-Blood Testing

Our neuropathy program monitors fasting blood sugar levels. A fasting blood sugar over 100 can create ongoing nerve damage. Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that provides your average blood sugar over the last three months. We consider anything over 5 a concern for prediabetes.

We have a phlebotomist on site, and blood draws can be done at our office and sent to Lab Corp for testing and analysis.

8-Applying Topical Products

Applying certain topical products to the feet and hands can reduce pain and inflammation associated with neuropathy. At Gonstead Physical Medicine, we incorporate a CBD neuropathy product with essential oils to reduce neuropathy symptoms.