What is Red Light Therapy? Benefits and Side Effects of Red Light Therapy.

Research has shown light therapy can be a powerful tool for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder, Major Depression, and Perinatal Depression.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Holistic and alternative ways for pain management sounds too good to be true right? Let there be light! Red light therapy is a form of photobiomodulation - known as laser therapy - that delivers red frequency light waves to areas of the body. This technique has been around since the 1960s where it was first discovered by Hungarian physician Endre Mester.

Red light therapy is now used as an alternative therapy for conditions such as seasonal affective disorder, major depression, and even perinatal depression. Research continues to grow about the benefits of red light therapy.

How does Red Light Therapy work?

Red light therapy utilizes light waves within the 630nm and 700nm range. When the therapy is applied, photons - particles of light - are absorbed by the skin surface to activate chromophores - the part of the cell that gives it color. This process triggers photochemical changes in cells. Light induces a complex physiological chain of reactions within the cells to accelerate wound healing, tissue regeneration, increase circulation, and reduce acute inflammation. Light therapy has even been shown to improve function in normal tissues and cells.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy:

• Accelerate wound healing

• Tissue regeneration

• Increase circulation

• Reduce acute inflammation

• Reduce acute and chronic pain

• Help restore normal cellular function

• Increase in energy levels

• Boost Immune Function

When Should Red Light Therapy be used?

The use of red light therapy continues to grow with the help of modern research. The most common application of red light therapy is for the relief of pain and inflammation. With it's ability to target deep tissue, red light therapy can work to relieve a wide range of conditions. Common symptoms alleviated by red light therapy include arthritis, migraines, and muscle soreness. Red light therapy has been seen as a safe non-invasive way to manage pain and inflammation within the body.

What are the Potential Risk of Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy appears to be safe in low dose at short term intervals. This therapy is considered a non-toxic, non-invasive, topical treatment. Unlike UV - which can be harmful in large amounts without proper precautions- red light therapy does not require any preventative measures to use.

How can Red Light Therapy improve immune function?

Your immune system is your body's defense against harmful invaders that can cause disease. Red light therapy has been linked to improving immune system function. Red light therapy is used as a treatment to increase your body's natural ability to produce white blood cells- which are the main component in fighting off unwanted infections. These special cells are crucial in protecting your body from disease and maintaining regular function. Red light therapy can give your immune system an extra boost to help keep you feeling strong and healthy.

Red light therapy is still an emerging modality that we are gaining new research. If you have interest in this therapy it is always a good idea to seek out a professional opinion before starting.

Dr. Lily Fackrell

First Light Chiropractic & Family Wellness

Lee's Summit, Missouri