What is Red Light Therapy?
Infrared light therapy, low-level light therapy, laser therapy - photobiomodulation (PBM) goes by many names, but what exactly is it?
PBM therapy uses light sources (red and near-infrared light) such as lasers and other high-intensity LEDs to treat injuries, relieve pain and accelerate the body’s healing process. Light emitted by PBM devices is not as intense as a surgical laser, so it doesn’t hurt or burn the skin.
How does light therapy work? Read our complete guide to photobiomodulation, low-level light therapy, red light therapy and infrared therapy.
How does light therapy work?
When your body’s tissues are inflamed and damaged, your cells reduce the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), slowing the body’s healing process. PBM restores this normal cellular function by increasing the amounts of ATP in your body’s cells.
When light energy (photons) emitted by a PBM device enter your body it is absorbed by the mitochondria of your cells, triggering the production of ATP. This increases the production of energy inside the body, helps improve cell metabolism and reduces inflammation.
Besides stimulating ATP production, photobiomodulation increases your body’s levels of free Nitric Oxide (NO) and regulating levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Both are involved in many physiological processes, and balanced levels of NO and ROS help reduce tissue inflammation and promote faster healing.
Red light therapy benefits
PBM, or infrared light therapy, is used to treat a wide variety of ailments, such as tissue injuries, joint inflammation, neck and back pain, and others. This type of alternative treatment is widely used to help patients heal quickly, without the side effects associated with prescription drugs used to treat inflammation such as opioids and Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Red light therapy is also credited with helping to optimize cell health and increase cell longevity. Optimizing cell metabolism helps speed up the healing process, increasing the chances of a quick recovery.
Though the potential benefits of PBM therapy are many, it is mostly used for pain relief, injury treatment, and inflammation reduction.
Red light therapy for pain relief
PBM is a recognized treatment for chronic pain management, and for patients experiencing acute pain. If your pain is disrupting your daily routine, PBM can provide an alternative to pain medication.
Infrared light therapy for inflammation
PBM improves blood circulation, assisting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the cells and therefore reducing inflammation. This anti-inflammatory effect can be useful in treating traumatic injuries, joint pain, brain disorders and other conditions.
Light therapy for energy
By triggering the cell’s mitochondria to create more ATP, PBM therapy not only helps your body fight fatigue, it also promotes healing. Increased levels of energy can be utilized for important tasks such as cell repair, production and metabolism.
Red light therapy for wound healing
PBM has been known to shorten the body’s recovery process. From soft tissue repair to chronic wound healing, PBM can help people get back on their feet quicker after an injury.
Light therapy for sleep
Many people have experienced PBM’s therapeutic effect on their sleep patterns. In studies, patients report less difficulty falling asleep, along with improved and deeper sleep periods after undergoing red light therapy. Evidence also suggests PBM therapy can be useful in treating insomnia and helping restless sleepers wake up feeling more alert, refreshed and energized.
Light therapy for stress
Research shows that PBM therapy can reduce stress by easing anxiety and improving mood. As a result, people who suffer from depression, seasonal affective disorder, and anxiety can benefit from undergoing light therapy.
Red light therapy for alopecia and other forms of hair loss
Another potential use of PBM therapy is its ability to stimulate hair growth in men and women. The light treatment can promote the stimulation of hair follicles, moving more of them from the telogen phase to the anagen phase which can result in fuller and thicker hair.
Light therapy for brain injury
PBM can be helpful in treating traumatic injuries and disorders of the brain, such as psychiatric disorders, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Research shows that red light therapy delivered to the brain can stimulate cognition, memory and mood. As a result, PBM is used as a complementary treatment for dementia to help sufferers regulate their mood and retain cognitive function.
Anti-aging red light therapy for skin
PBM has been proven to reduce wrinkles and smooth out your skin. It can help heal acne scars, burns, and damage from UV exposure.
Red light therapy for sports injuries
PBM has been widely used to treat sports injuries and help athletes faster recovery from injuries more quickly.
How long does red light therapy take to work?
PBM therapy typically requires more than one treatment to achieve optimal pain relief, depending on the location of the body part being treated, the severity of the condition and the individual’s response. It may take several treatments or more for results to become evident. While most patients notice a difference after 8 to 30 sessions, in some cases patients report results much faster.
RegenClinic is proud to be the only laser clinic in Victoria, BC, offering red light therapy for clients from Southern Vancouver Island to B.C’s Lower Mainland and beyond.
We create a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere to help our clients feel at home while undergoing treatment. Our team of knowledgeable and friendly staff look forward to helping you realize your health goals.
Book an appointment today and see how we can help you achieve your health goals.
