I attended a Peripheral Neuropathy Seminar given by a local Physical Therapy Office. The speakers included PTs, a Podiatrist an a representative from Anodyne.

It was geared to diabetics, but much of it applied to others. The PTs claimed they have about 80% success rate in using Anodyne for 30 minutes 3 times a week along with 30 minutes of exercise (mostly balance). They are very selective in who they accept as patients which explains their high rate of success. The diabetic are never really cured as long as they stil have diabetis, but they do reach a plateau which gives them substantial relief, but they will have to continue using Anodyne. They could not quote any success rate for non-diabetic. Most of their patients are diabetics who have problems with the lower extremities.

The Anodyne representative said that PN is often caused by insufficient blood flow in the capillaries feeding the nerve. Anodyne releases Nitric Oxide which is already in the body and this dialates the capillaries to increase the blood flow. The representantitive could not quote any success rate for non-diabetics because the cause if PN is usually unknown for them.

The insurance companies will cover some of the costs of the PT if a prescription is written by a physician and the PTs can demonstrate improvement in the patient. Medicare will not pay for the purchase of anodyne equipment but they will cover the cost of PT if their is a prescription

One that you surely got a 'sell' for the anodyne therapies. And, two I'd be really suspicious of 'programs' that pre-screen in a manner that assures any particular 'program's success'? [I don't think there are any current NIH Clinical Trials using anodyne therapy in progress for diabetes, but I may be wrong...I'll check and get back to you?]
As WE all know and share here, PAIN IS PAIN IS PAIN! Don't matter the type, treatments either help or they don't. Plain and simple. As Melody aptly described about her 'meeting', some of us can't turn it off?
Would that some mediation and mind re-programming can help, it doesn't for every set of conditions or issues. Try, and succeed or not...go with the flow or whatever?
My philosophy is that the more one learns about the process of the PN, what helps or hurts it, how all that affects you...stresses, meds, whatevers... the better you can deal with and understand all that is going on IN you. Thus cope. It IS a form of brainwashing yourself to COPE with this stuff. Use any viable options out there try, use, and some might just work? Thinking positively about all this is key to the coping...again it can't make things worse? Good hope and thoughts - plus a few pain free moments? - j

I did physical therapy in November-December 2005 using the Anodyne system and other exercises for balance. The Anodyne therapy did work for me. I ordered a home unit when I finished with PT on the recommendation of the therapist and with help from them, was approved by my insurance company. I received the unit the first week in January 2006 and used it faithfully every day for three months (according to directions received with unit). I then went to 2-3 times a week. I continue to use it at least 3 times a week as it continues to give me relief, especially when I have been on my feet a lot during the day.

I have been on Lyrica since April 2006 (150mg twice a day) and Tramadol for pain. With this combination, I am relatively comfortable most of the time.

Dahlek, I think pre-screening is a good thing. Only those who the PTs think the therapy may help will become patients. Why waste the time and money of people who they do not think the therapy will help.

Since I am not a diabetic, I have no intention of using anodyne therapy since there is no anecdotal evidence that it would work for non-diabetics.

IF it's for a clinical trial or the like...
I mean Why treat only those who are guaranteed or most likely to succeed? I am one very firm advocate of PT, I just hate to see folks denied therapy which many research works have proved to be beneficial to those who have been given a less than a 40% success rate, and such folks have smashed that Statistic to bits! But, only given access to key and astute therapies.

I guess that given all the therapies open to those with any of the 200+ neuropathies, to EXCLUDE any given individual, well, skews the results to a very warped and too positive set of test and testing protocol results.

I appeciate this all as I used to be active with animal accupuncture/accupressure and was always amazed and surprised at the results. Usually positive? Before I acquired my neuropathies, I'd seriously been considering an animal therapy second career. But my neuropathy involves SENSORY deficits...lacking that 'touch' I can't even think of doing it safely for all concerned.

I myself love the accupoint therapies...that was less 'whelming' at the start and seemed to 'jump-start' lots of nerves? Tho it's not something I would do EVERY day mind you...Moderation about good things and all that. - j

hiobie,
There have been posts on this and other boards in the past about Anodyne Therapy.
Most has not been from diabetics. Its been around for a while, just not available in many areas. The units are not used (or purchased) by many hospitals or PT/OT health professionals.
As with just about everything with PN, the results are what you'd expect.
It helps some.... others...not.
I'd say that if you have the opportunity and time, give it a 3 month trial (if the cost is not prohibitive). You just may be one, that it helps. Get your doc to write an RX.
It is a similar result as with Rebuilder and Rejuvinator and TENS, etc.
Diabetes need not be a contributing factor for either consideration, or treatment.

I have only reported what the presnters said. Most of the patients that come to see the PTs are diabetics and most are there because of problems with their feet or legs.

I'm not diabetic but my problems are my legs well inner ankle/foot/calf and never heard of this. I'm not too big on pt as I had bad experiences. I am doing on my own though.
Hoibie, I know you said the pt would only do it if they thought would help but I have always found that they like to experiment on people and that is why I fear pt. I don't want any more mistakes.
Dahlek I'm sorry that would of been a wonderful career. Can you do anything with animals to help you mentally? Anyhow is accupoint like accupuncture?Sorry I'm a little new on this stuff but have been thinking of acupuncture so wondering.Thanks