What is Red Light Therapy?

Treatment using Red Light Therapy Device is a relatively new option that is rapidly gaining popularity. When you first hear about red light therapy, you probably have a lot of questions. With so many scientific terms and hard-to-pronounce words like "photobiomodulation", you're probably scratching your head.

Don't worry. We've got you covered in this deep dive into red light therapy. We'll cover exactly what red light therapy is, the science behind how it works, and how it affects the body before and after treatment.

Definition and History of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is also commonly referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and photobiomodulation therapy. It's the process of applying red and near-infrared light to various parts of the body, providing a safe, painless and natural option for treating a wide range of conditions and physiological problems.

Red light therapy uses devices equipped with special LED bulbs that emit specific wavelengths. These purpose-built light devices range from hand-held units to larger, full-body systems that can be tailored to treat specific areas and effectively address individual needs.

The roots of red light therapy date back to 1967, when it was discovered by Endre Mester at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary. Mester's original intention was to study whether lasers could cause cancer, and surprisingly led to the discovery of 'laser biostimulation'. In his study, Mester exposed shaved rats to low-power red light and found that they not only avoided cancer but also experienced accelerated hair growth, paving the way for this groundbreaking therapy.

What are the benefits?

Since its initial use, red light therapy has been an increasingly popular treatment primarily due to its quick and painless results. In order to better understand why this treatment has become so popular, here are some of the many benefits of red light therapy:

Stimulates healing for quicker, faster recovery

Aids in pain reduction

Helps with neurological issues such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Elevates mood and sense of well-being

Boosts the immune system response

Helps with signs of skin tissue aging

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The science that supports the technology used for therapy

With such a vast and diverse range of benefits, red light therapy has seen massive increases in the number of scientific studies to understand better how and why it works so well. As of today, there have been over ten thousand scientific studies completed. With their research, there is a mountain of evidence to support their claims. To better understand why red light therapy works, we’ll further dive into how low light therapy works and how cells respond when provided with this therapy.

How does Red Light Therapy work?

Red light therapy, also known as Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), involves the use of red light in various forms. While red light therapy typically uses LED lights, LLLT uses laser lights. Here's how they differ: like the sun, which emits light at different frequencies, LED lights emit the same wavelength of colour in an incoherent way. Laser lights, on the other hand, emit a single, coherent wavelength.

Red light therapy devices are usually equipped with LED lights that emit specific red and near-infrared wavelengths measured in nanometres (nm), ranging from 620 to 660nm for visible red and 810-850nm for near-infrared. LLLT devices use laser light emitting between 600nm and 1000nm, which is less intense than surgical lasers and does not generate heat. The higher wavelength light bulbs are more typically used in offices for their ability to deliver more therapeutic results.

The choice of wavelength is crucial in ensuring that the therapy is non-invasive and safe. Both LED red light therapy devices and LLLT lasers do not heat cells, making them safe, with no known adverse effects. Red light therapy is therefore a reliable option for those seeking safe treatment.

Red Light Therapy Before and After

During red light therapy, what is happening in our body? How does red light therapy benefit?

Effective red light therapy improves cellular metabolism and reduces inflammation through a photochemical response. In this process, red and infrared light increases cellular production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). You may remember from biology class, "The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell!"

When cells are stressed, they perform poorly because nitric oxide molecules bind to ATP, preventing it from functioning properly. Red light therapy penetrates the mitochondria, detaching nitric oxide from ATP and allowing it to bind to oxygen instead. This rejuvenates mitochondrial function and ATP efficiency, and the nitric oxide molecules released from the cells act as vasodilators, increasing blood flow to the treatment site and surrounding areas.

This process is similar to photosynthesis in plants, where light triggers chemical reactions. In cells, these photochemical reactions help them to work at full capacity, increasing energy levels. The resulting increased blood flow reduces inflammation and pain, underlining the effectiveness of the red light therapy.

red light therapy australia view of back

Who can experience the benefits of using Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy can benefit everyone as a pain-free solution to a myriad health ailments and mood conditions. It is ideal for anyone looking to reduce pain and inflammation and increase their body’s ability to heal itself. Red Light therapy is also a fantastic choice for people who are seeking treatment outside of pharmaceuticals or surgery options.

While the following list does not include all the individual categories of people who have seen the benefits of red light therapy, this list does boast some of the patient groups that have all seen success and health benefits after starting this type of treatment.

Wound healing and muscle recovery
Arguably one of the most popular reasons for seeking LLLT or red light therapy; bodily injuries, painful joints, and other soft tissue problems lead many people to discover its benefits. From frustrating low back pain to arthritis, studies repeatedly show the benefits of red light therapy to be used as an effective treatment for healing the body.

Both red and near-infrared light therapy has proven effective in promoting the healing of skin wounds. Phototherapy has repeatedly demonstrated itself as beneficial for wound treatment by decreasing inflammation while stimulating an increase in collagen production and angiogenesis. Depending on the type of skin or muscle damage a person is struggling with, LED red light therapy devices or LLLT infrared tools will be used based on the appropriate treatment options.

In addition to the ability to generate rapid body healing, red light therapy is also advantageous for muscle recovery. Surprisingly, studies suggest that red light therapy, both before and after physical activity, may increase athletic performance! Phototherapy benefits athletes because it increases muscle mass that is attained after training while lowering the
Patients with Fibromyalgia
Light therapy is an effective treatment option for people who have fibromyalgia or postherpetic neuralgia. These problematic and challenging-to-treat conditions are often debilitating. If left untreated, pain can continue and become a long-term and ongoing problem.

Patients searching for a pain management solution are wise to consider LLLT. When red light therapy is targeted to the painful trigger points associated with fibromyalgia, patients have seen a dramatic decrease in their pain levels. This aids them in their recovery and encourages the reversal of their painful and exhausting condition.
People seeking skin rejuvenation
Light therapy is a valuable and non-invasive treatment plan for those looking to combat signs of aging. Red light therapy helps to restore the skin’s youthful appearance by increasing cell regeneration. Sun exposure is a major cause of skin aging and the appearance of sagging skin. Red light therapy combats signs of aging by increasing collagen levels and improving skin elasticity.

Red light therapy can assist in reducing wrinkle appearance by increasing collagen levels of the skin. As a result, skin elasticity is improved. LLLT is an excellent choice for people looking to improve their skin’s appearance with no reported side effects and no downtime for treatment.

In addition to LLLT, red light therapy is becoming quickly popular amongst people looking to achieve a more youthful glow. Today, there are specially designed light therapy devices that specifically target wrinkles and other signs of
skin aging.
Those with mood disorders
Studies boast the benefits of red light therapy to help boost mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality by increasing melatonin levels. With mental health becoming more widely discussed, it is essential to know all the available treatment options available.

Red light therapy’s ability to improve cellular functions means that it also increases cognitive functions as well. Effective treatment can help alleviate problems associated with depression and anxiety. In terms of improving mental health and wellness, red light therapy can be a benefit to all the following aspects:

• Boosting energy levels
• Effectively reduces anxiety
• Maintaining a balanced mood
• Clear mental cognition
• Combats seasonal depression
Patients with neurological problems
Light therapy has shown success in combating mild to moderate dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms. A hypothesis for the cause of Alzheimer’s disease is amyloid deposits in the brain. These deposits consist of an abnormal group of proteins and cause neural damage. Light therapy has proven to be able to successfully decrease the volume of these deposits in neuroblastoma cells.

After utilizing red light therapy treatments, patients saw a significant improvement in assessment scores used to examine the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients also experienced various improvements in their physical and emotional well-being. They reported having improved sleep, decreased anxiety, and better overall fitness, and there were no adverse side effects were reported.
Wound healing and muscle recovery
Arguably one of the most popular reasons for seeking LLLT or red light therapy; bodily injuries, painful joints, and other soft tissue problems lead many people to discover its benefits. From frustrating low back pain to arthritis, studies repeatedly show the benefits of red light therapy to be used as an effective treatment for healing the body.

Both red and near-infrared light therapy has proven effective in promoting the healing of skin wounds. Phototherapy has repeatedly demonstrated itself as beneficial for wound treatment by decreasing inflammation while stimulating an increase in collagen production and angiogenesis. Depending on the type of skin or muscle damage a person is struggling with, LED red light therapy devices or LLLT infrared tools will be used based on the appropriate treatment options.

In addition to the ability to generate rapid body healing, red light therapy is also advantageous for muscle recovery. Surprisingly, studies suggest that red light therapy, both before and after physical activity, may increase athletic performance! Phototherapy benefits athletes because it increases muscle mass that is attained after training while lowering the
Patients with Fibromyalgia
Light therapy is an effective treatment option for people who have fibromyalgia or postherpetic neuralgia. These problematic and challenging-to-treat conditions are often debilitating. If left untreated, pain can continue and become a long-term and ongoing problem.

Patients searching for a pain management solution are wise to consider LLLT. When red light therapy is targeted to the painful trigger points associated with fibromyalgia, patients have seen a dramatic decrease in their pain levels. This aids them in their recovery and encourages the reversal of their painful and exhausting condition.

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What is red light therapy? Red light therapy (RLT), which often goes by other names, like photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is an affiliate of photomedicine—this is an area of treatment that promotes using light to treat numerous health problems and conditions. The source of red light that dates back for more than […]

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Conclusion

Red Light therapy is supported by science and has thousands of scientific research studies to support its claims. As a non-invasive treatment, it is an ideal option for anyone looking to better their health. From chronic inflammation to mood disorders, red light therapy can help benefit everyone. With targeted treatments available, you can expect to see results quickly.

LLLT works by increasing cellular regeneration and improving the cell’s ability to function. These improvements allow for various improvements in health and wellness. With no downtime associated with treatment, it is an easy way to better your overall health and wellness. If you’re looking for a science-supported treatment option that does not require invasive surgery or pharmaceutical medicines, then red light therapy is the solution you are seeking.

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What is Red Light Therapy?

Definition and History of Red Light Therapy