What is Light Therapy?
Did you know your body has the ability to absorb light? When exposed to low level laser therapy (LLLT), molecules in the cells known as photoreceptors rev cellular metabolism by stimulating the mitochondria to produce more ATP, increasing cellular energy. First utilized by NASA in the 1980’s, LLLT was used to grow plants in space but was quickly discovered to have broader medical applications. Known as photobiomodulation, infrared light therapy can have dramatic effects on inflammation in muscles and joints by delivering fresh oxygenated blood to the tissues, reducing healing time and managing pain. With wavelengths of up to 3000 nanometers, near infrared is able to penetrate bone and affect blood circulation deep in the body. A 2022 systematic review published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) promotes infrared radiation (IR) as a safe and useful complement to conventional methods in the treatment musculoskeletal pain syndromes like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. What’s more, animal studies have demonstrated promising outcomes in the treatment of chronic neuro-degenerative conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease with this non-invasive therapy. With its wide range of delivery and applications IR, as with any new technology, will need further research to determine optimal treatment plans for individuals with these particular complaints but the future looks bright for IR utilization.
Red light therapy (RLT), by contrast, works on the more superficial regions of the body and is known for its esthetic and anti-aging applications. Red light therapy enhances the production of collagen and elastin, two structural proteins in the skin which dwindle with age. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation by promoting blood circulation through the superficial capillaries improving the texture of skin. In this way it may also counter hair loss. In clinical settings RLT is used to treat fine lines, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. There is also potential in using RLT in wound healing as it promotes circulation and oxygenation of tissue as new blood vessels are formed. While LLLT is relatively safe, proper dosage and amount of treatment time is of utmost importance. Always consult with a qualified practitioner and look for products that have FDA clearance. Although there is more research that needs to be done, what’s clear is that photobiomodulation is a promising medical technology that is a non-invasive, drug- free, anti-inflammatory therapy that continues to demonstrate positive outcomes in clinical and at-home settings. For more information on this technology please check out the below resources.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8946909/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.965788/full
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/phpp.12282
https://lightstimpro.com/products/lightstim-retail-products?