What is Red Light Therapy?

Just like plants depend on sunlight to flourish, the human body is dependent on light for optimal health and well-being. Light is a necessary nutrient for our cells to function well, like the nutrients our cells get from food. Over the last several decades, scientists and medical professionals have published thousands of studies on the power of Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), and the positive effects it has on cell function and its use to improve a wide variety of health conditions. 

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a term specifically referring to the science of the non-thermal interaction of light on the cells in our body. The most common lights used in PBM are low levels of red and near infrared light, hence, the therapy is commonly referred to as "Red Light Therapy." Red Light Therapy utilizes these healing wavelengths mainly through the use of laser or LED lights. 

Red Light Therapy has an established history as a proven treatment for many different types of pain – acute injuries, chronic pain, joint pain, tendonitis, nerve pain, arthritic pain, and fibromyalgia. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications used regularly can have several side-effects, which leads people to try alternative and natural options.

Red Light is used as a safe and effective therapy with little to no side effects. Red Light Therapy stimulates your body’s natural healing process at the cellular level through increased ATP (cellular energy) production, protein synthesis, blood flow, oxygenation of tissues, and reduced inflammation and protection. 

What are the top 10 evidence-based uses for Red + Near Infrared Light Therapy?

1.   Reduce Inflammation

2.   Improve Skin Health

3.   Decrease Pain

4.   Improve Athletic Performance

5.   Reduce Depression and Anxiety

6.   Improve Cognitive Function

7.   Speed Healing from Injury

8.   Promote Fat Loss

9.   Improve immune Function

10. Improve Sleep

 

How Does Red + Near Infrared Light Therapy Work?

The health of every organ and every cell in the body depends on energy being produced by the mitochondria in those cells.  Skin, muscle, fat, bone, gland, or brain – when the mitochondria produce more energy, the cells in those tissues work better.

Increased Cellular ATP Production. Red Light and Near Infrared Light therapy stimulates your body’s natural healing process at the cellular level through increased ATP production in the mitochondria.

With an increase in mitochondrial output of ATP, a series of metabolic events occur that improve blood oxygenation, improve blood flow, increase collagen production, reduce overall inflammation, and improve cellular regeneration and protection; building cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses. Light entering your skin creates a low-dose healthy metabolic stress (hormesis) that builds your cell’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant defense systems. This results in a reduced amount of cellular free radicals being produced and less oxidative stress for our cell, protecting your tissues from further inflammation.

 

   Red Light Therapy FAQs   

* What is the difference between Red Light and Near Infrared Light?

Red Light and Near Infrared Light enters our skin and have overlapping benefits for our body. It’s for this reason they are recommended to be used together, and are commonly referred to together as "Red Light Therapy." This combination of Red and Near Infrared Light is used is used in Armstrong Athletic Bodywork's Red Light Therapy services.

Red Light wavelengths (630-680nm being the most common range)  are absorbed in highest proportions by our skin, making it very effective for improving skin health and collagen production. The visible nature of Red Light also has health benefits when observed by our eyes in an ambient light setting, including improved sleep and mood.

Near Infrared light wavelengths (common range of 800-880nm)  are not visible to the human eye, but that does not mean they are not working. On the contrary, near infrared light can penetrate deeper into our tissues making it ideal for reducing pain, inflammation, and speeding recovery.

 

* How long is a Red + Near Infrared Light Therapy session?

When beginning a Red Light Therapy routine, you can start with a lower duration and gradually work your way up to an increased duration if you feel more benefits. A Red Light Therapy session can extend up to 30 minutes. Exceeding 30 minutes is not recommended, though you may treat multiple body areas per day. Treatment is personalized to each individual, so an optimal treatment strategy tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences will be assessed.

 

* How often should Red + Near Infrared Light Therapy be used?

Ideally, a Red Light Therapy routine of 3-5 times per week is recommended, though you can utilize Red Light Therapy just a few times per week and still enjoy benefits. Treatment is personalized to each individual, so an optimal treatment strategy tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences will be assessed.

 

* When can I expect to experience results from my Red + Near Infrared Light Therapy?

You may experience results as soon as after the first session. However, consistent use over time will get you the best results for pain, inflammation, recovery, tissue healing, sleep, mood, and more.

 

* What does Red + Near Infrared Light Therapy feel like?

The warmth generated by the Red Light Therapy devices used at Armstrong Athletic Bodywork are designed to feel similar to the sun on your skin, and should always feel comfortable. If for any reason it starts to feel too warm to you, inform your practitioner, as this can be adjusted.

A Red Light Therapy panel may be used to heal regional pain, inflammation, health conditions, or larger areas of the body. The Red Light Therapy panel is set up approximately 6 inches from the desired treatment area.

A Red Light Therapy wrap may be used for more targeted healing of local pain, inflammation, or health conditions. The Red Light Therapy wrap may feel warming on your skin, but not hot. The Red Light Therapy wrap offers the advantage of targeted treatment to one area of the body while simultaneously allowing bodywork to continue on another area of the body.

 

* Is there UV light in Red + Near Infrared Light Therapy?

No. Red Light Therapy is safe and ultraviolet (UV) light free. The wavelengths used in red light therapy (red and near infrared lights) are outside of the UV range, so they are not harmful to the eyes. Red light is generally fine to look at, however it is not recommended to stare directly at the light, as some people may find it uncomfortable or irritating to their eyes. You can simply close your eyes, look away from the light, or use red light blocking glasses provided.

 

* Can Red + Near Infrared Light Therapy be used over my clothes?

Direct exposure to the skin is recommended. Lighter garments like underwear, bras, shorts, tank tops may be worn during a Red Light Therapy session. Garments will reduce your light exposure, but benefits will still be available. If treating your face, removing makeup will achieve better results.

 

* Are there recommended health considerations for use of Red + Near Infrared Light Therapy?

While Red Light Therapy is considered safe, effective, and impactful, I realize that no one healing element may be best for all people. Consulting your healthcare provider prior to Red Light Therapy is recommended if you believe you are sensitive to light, are using medications that may increase sensitivity to light, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have suspicious or cancerous lesions, have recently had a steroid injection, or are using topical steroids.

 

Have Questions or Concerns?

Please contact me at 413-212-1744 with any questions or concerns you may have. Your comfort and safety are of the utmost importance. If for any reason you experience discomfort, stop treatment and inform your practitioner. 

 

Sources: fringeheals.com