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What does red light therapy actually do?
Red light therapy uses photobiomodulation, which is a low-level laser therapy that delivers red and near-infrared light to areas of your body. In doing this, it helps regenerate (or grow back) cells, restore cell function and trigger blood flow. In turn, this helps to heal and relieve pain.
LED panels like this are safe for children and cause no damage to the eyes (goggles aren’t required) you can also wear goggles and use these for facial skin health as well.
NIR (near-infrared)light therapy shows great promise in healing TBI ( traumatic brain injury) and CTE ( chronic traumatic encephalopathy). But real effectiveness requires the use of equipment with enough energy to achieve the depth of penetration needed to affect brain tissue that is most often damaged during injuries.
Studies have shown that light therapy with 660nm and 810nm wavelengths is the most effective at promoting significant improvements in cognitive function after a brain injury.
By increasing cellular energy (stimulation of ATP production in the mitochondria), as well as increasing cerebral blood flow, NIR light improves subnormal cellular activity of injured brain tissue following mild TBI.
Benefits
1. One of the primary benefits of red light therapy is improved metabolic cell functioning. When red and NIR light photons are absorbed by the body, they stimulate metabolic energy production in the mitochondria. Sometimes called cells’ “batteries,” mitochondria are the energy centers of cells, including brain cells (neurons) and even stem cells that are produced in bone marrow. When cells are energized, they function more efficiently.
2. Red light stimulates cerebral blood flow and increases brain oxygenation. This can help people with TBI recover from a condition known as neurovascular dysfunction, which can result in low brain oxygenation and slow healing.
3. Red light helps with neuroprotection, or protecting neurons from damage. This safeguards their survival and longevity, and slows cell apoptosis (cell dealth) due to inflammation.
4. Red light reduces oxidative stress on the brain and promotes blood flow, which can help counteract symptoms of major depressive disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Red light reduces inflammation, which is an immune defense against foreign bodies such as bacteria and viruses. Although acute inflammation is a necessary part of healing, chronic inflammation in the brain can have serious negative effects. Specifically, it is linked to many neurodegenerative diseases and even mood disorders. Red light reduces inflammation by modulating levels of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and by stimulating blood flow to help remove waste products and toxins from the affected area.
6. Red light stimulates the regrowth of neurons, which is a process known as neurogenesis. It also stimulates synaptogenesis (the formation of synapses between neurons), which influences the brain’s neuroplasticity (the brain’s natural ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections). This is especially helpful in cases of TBI where cognitive functions have been impaired. Red light therapy may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes behavioral and/or cognitive therapy.
7. Stimulation of stem cell production, which are the body’s master cells. These cells reside in an inactive state in bones and bone marrow throughout the body, ready to be mobilized as needed, usually in response to injury or other cases of cell death or dysfunction.
8. Enhanced Skin Health: increased collagen production, reduction in wrinkles, fine lines, and acne.
9. Muscle recovery and athletic performance enhancement.
10. Pain relief: relief from chronic pain, muscle soreness, and joint issues.
11. Improved sleep: regulation of circadian rhythms for better sleep.
12. Optimized mood: elevation of mood and reduction in symptoms of depression.
13. Faster wound healing and accelerated recovery from injuries.
14. Hair Growth: Stimulated hair follicles for thicker, healthier hair.
Contraindications for Red Light Therapy
1. Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity, or heightened sensitivity to light, is one of the primary contraindications for red light therapy. Individuals with conditions that make their skin extremely sensitive to light, such as certain autoimmune disorders or skin diseases like lupus for example, should avoid red light therapy. Exposure to therapeutic light may exacerbate their symptoms or cause discomfort. This includes the temporary side effects of photosensitivity from medications such as certain antibiotics.
2. Pregnancy
While red light therapy is generally considered safe for many individuals, it's advisable for pregnant women to exercise caution. Limited research exists on the effects of red light therapy during pregnancy, so it's best to consult a healthcare professional before using it.
3. Skin Cancer
Using red light therapy is generally safe, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. It's best to avoid directing red light directly to areas with confirmed or suspected cancer as it may unintentionally stimulate blood flow to the affected area.
In addition, individuals undergoing cancer treatment, especially those receiving radiation or chemotherapy, should avoid red light therapy in the area undergoing cancer treatment. Although some studies suggest that red light therapy may have potential benefits in cancer care, it's crucial to coordinate any complementary therapies with your oncologist to ensure they are safe and compatible with your cancer treatment plan.
4. Medication Interactions or using Photosensitizing Medications
Some medications can interact with red light therapy, potentially amplifying or diminishing its effects. It's vital to consult your healthcare provider if you are taking any medication regularly to ensure there are no adverse interactions.
5. Open Wounds and Skin Lesions
If you have open wounds, skin lesions, or infections in the treatment area, it's advisable to avoid red light therapy in that specific region until the risk of bleeding has passed.
6. Implants or Medical Devices
The general consensus is that it is safe for people with implants or medical devices to enjoy red light therapy but we recommend that you always check with your healthcare provider
7. Hyperthyroidism (Neck and Upper Chest Only)
If you're dealing with an overactive thyroid, you should be cautious when using red light therapy on your neck and upper chest. Why? Well, the light can reach your thyroid, and too much stimulation might make your symptoms worse. Always make sure to talk to your endocrinologist before trying red light therapy in this area.
8. Epilepsy
You see, all light sources have something called "flicker" – it's like a quick on-and-off thing that you might not even see. But for some folks with epilepsy, flicker in red light panels can be a problem and could potentially trigger a seizure.
9. Eye Disease
Since your eyes are super sensitive, we suggest using goggles to shield your eyes while using the therapy. But here's the deal: if you already have an eye disease, don't use red light therapy without talking to your eye doctor first. Safety always comes first.
10. Fever or Infection
When you have a fever or an infection, your body temperature goes up. The heat from red light therapy isn't likely to skyrocket your body temperature during a fever.