Therapeutic laser and neural mobilization in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a case report

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common complication of diabetes, leads to neuropathic pain, reduced nerve conduction, impaired balance, and abnormal plantar pressure, increasing the risk of falls and ulceration. Conventional therapies often provide limited relief, leaving persistent pain and dysfunction. Class IV laser therapy offers potent photobiomodulation to enhance nerve regeneration and conduction, while neural mobilization restores nerve dynamics. This case report highlights the therapeutic potential of class IV laser therapy as a key intervention for neurorehabilitation in DPN, used in conjunction with neural mobilization to enhance outcomes. The laser intervention resulted in marked alleviation of neuropathic pain and significant improvement in nerve conduction, balance, and proprioceptive control. Plantar pressure analysis demonstrated a more balanced load distribution, indicating optimized foot biomechanics and reduced ulceration risk. Overall, the findings underscore class IV laser therapy, particularly when integrated with neural mobilization, as a powerful, non-invasive physiotherapeutic approach capable of accelerating neural recovery and enhancing functional restoration in patients with DPN.