About Red Light Therapy
How does Red Light Therapy Work
The LEDs at specific wavelengths are reported to increase circulation by increasing the formation of new capillaries. New capillaries speed up the healing process by carrying more oxygen as well as more nutrients needed for healing and they can also carry more waste products away. Collagen is the most common protein found in the body and the essential protein used to repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue. Studies cite that LEDs stimulate the production of collagen. It has been reported that by increasing collagen production, less scar tissue is formed at the damaged site. LED therapy is reported to stimulate the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the major carrier of energy to all cells and provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reaction of the cell. Increases in ATP allow cells to use nutrients faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing the energy level in the cell.
Increases lymphatic system activity
Edema has two basic components, liquid, and protein. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of light therapy. This means that both parts of the edema can be eliminated at a much faster rate to relieve swelling. Reduces the excitability of nervous tissue. The light energy stimulates the release of endorphins which are the body's own long-term pain-fighting chemicals. May improve peripheral neuropathies by stimulating nitric oxide production. Increases RNA and DNA synthesis which helps damaged cells to be replaced more quickly. Increases the process of scavenging for and ingesting dead or degenerated cells by phagocyte cells for the purpose of cleanup. This is an important part of the infection-fighting process. Destruction of the infection and clean-up must occur before the healing process can take place.
What does Red Light Therapy help with?
LED light therapy is really a way to help the body heal itself. It uses specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by a photo acceptor, cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria of the cell. The energy (photons) from the lights increases the energy within the cell and that speeds up the healing process. The pads I have use two wavelengths, a visible red, and a near-infrared wavelength. Using both red and near-infrared lights is beneficial because the wavelengths are absorbed by different depths of tissue. The combination of the two work in concert to provide benefits for soft tissue injuries, inflammation, ligament soreness, tendon problems, sore backs, splints, strains, stifle issues, sprains, swelling, shoulder pain, hip pain, sore backs, sore necks, salivary gland problems, wounds, cuts, scrapes, arthritis pain and for trigger points and acupuncture points. Visible red light (660nm) is absorbed by skin layers very efficiently and is best for uses such as stimulating trigger and acupuncture points and for treating wounds and infections. Near-infrared light (850nm) penetrates to a deeper level and has been used to treat concerns of tendons, ligaments, bones, joints, and muscles. There are no reports of adverse side effects regarding LED therapy. It is repeatedly reported that when the cell is "reenergized" it accepts no more energy, so you cannot cause harm and it is reported to have no effect on healthy tissue. The body will not absorb what it cannot use.
What is Cold Laser Therapy & How Does it Help?
- I use a class 3b laser and it is considered a Low-level light therapy (LLLT) device. It has positive biological effects on tissue, selectively affecting damaged cells. LLLT affects tissues at the cellular level by stimulating the damaged cell membranes and internal structures. It is not a heating or photo-thermal effect. The benefits of laser therapy are not through a photo-thermal mechanism. It is, rather, an interaction between photons and photoreceptive structures within damaged cells, such as mitochondria. Here are examples of some of the positive effects of laser therapy:
- Relieves pain by stimulating the release of beta-endorphins, stabilizing nerve cells, relaxing the muscle, and increasing the threshold for pain perception.
- Reduces inflammation promoting better circulation of blood and lymphatic flow and inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators.
- Speeds tissue repair and cell growth by increasing the energy level of the cell, increasing the rate of cell division, stimulating regenerative cells, and stimulating nerve regeneration and scar tissue remodeling.
- Improves circulation within damaged tissue by stimulating the formation of new capillaries and by causing dilation of blood vessels.