Whether you have chronic pain, are recovering from an injury or seeking relief from a condition such as arthritis, Red Light Therapy can help. This non-invasive, rejuvenating therapy can offer a promising alternative to traditional pain management methods such as medication and surgery.
How does it work?
In red light therapy, the skin is exposed to low concentrations of red or near-infrared light. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light that can damage the skin, red light therapy penetrates the skin without causing damage.
The therapeutic effects of red light therapy are attributed to its ability to reach deeper tissues beneath the skin. Once the red light is absorbed by the cells, it interacts with the mitochondria, also called the ‘powerhouse of the cell’, to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is essential for cellular energy and function. Increased ATP production is believed to stimulate cellular repair and regeneration processes to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
The science behind red light therapy
Cellular repair and growth: Red light therapy promotes the release of nitric oxide, which can improve blood flow and oxygen supply to tissues. This process helps repair damaged cells and supports the growth of new, healthy cells.
Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a common source of pain. Red light therapy has been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase the activity of anti-inflammatory cytokines, leading to reduced inflammation and pain.
Nerve regeneration: Red light therapy can stimulate nerve repair and growth, which can provide relief from neuropathic pain conditions.
Muscle recovery: Athletes and people recovering from muscle injuries can benefit from red light therapy. It can promote muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting faster healing.
Pain relief: chronic pain conditions: There has been research on the effectiveness of red light therapy in chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and promoting cell repair.
Joint and muscle pain: Many athletes find relief from sports injuries or overuse injuries for joint pain through regular sessions with Red Light Therapy.
Back/neck and shoulder pain: Pain in the lower back, neck or shoulders are a common ailment and red light therapy can be an effective treatment option by relieving inflammation and stimulating tissue repair.
Post-operative recovery: Patients recovering from surgery can benefit from red light therapy as it can speed up the healing process and reduce post-operative pain and swelling.
Red light therapy
A session usually lasts 10-15 minutes and you may feel a gentle warmth on your skin, but no discomfort. The number of sessions required varies depending on the condition treated and the individual response to therapy.
Safety and side effects
Red light therapy is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. However, it is essential not to look directly into the light to protect your eyes and to undergo the therapy under the supervision of a trained technician.
Is red light therapy right for you?
Consistent red light therapy sessions may be just what you need to experience pain relief. Using the power of light to heal and relieve discomfort, this non-invasive therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote cell repair, while instantly boosting your mood.
Pain relief with red light therapy
