Loma Linda University in California is recruiting participants for a research study that will test a treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, known as Intraneural Facilitation (INF) therapy. This in-office treatment aims to reduce pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
According to a press release from Loma Linda University, INF therapy involves physical manipulation of affected areas to bring pressurized blood flow to damaged nerves. For the study, participants will receive about 60 minutes of treatment three times a week, for four weeks. Participants must be 50 to 75 years old and have both type 2 diabetes and moderate to severe neuropathy below their ankles, with symptoms such as burning, sharp pain, numbness, tingling or sensitivity to touch.
To get cutting-edge diabetes news, strategies for blood glucose management, nutrition tips, healthy recipes, and more delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter!
Since the study is a randomized controlled trial, not all participants will receive INF therapy and may instead be given an alternative treatment protocol. All participants will receive a $100 gift card upon successful completion of the study.
Loma Linda University already uses INF therapy as a treatment in its Neuropathic Therapy Center, and practitioners often observe beneficial outcomes. “It has been a blessing to treat patients with INF and see their lives change as patients realize what life can be like again without pain or numbness,” says Mark Bussell, a physical therapist at the Center, on its website.
But a randomized study of INF therapy may help determine whether the observed improvements in symptoms are due to the specific treatment offered, or due to other factors such as the psychological boost that can occur from knowing you’re being cared for.
For more information on recruitment and eligibility for the study, see the press release for contact information.
Want to learn more about neuropathy? Read “Coping With Painful Neuropathy,” “Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy,” and “Controlling Neuropathic Pain.”
