What Does Red Light Therapy Do?

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser/light or photobiomodulation therapy, uses red and/or near-infrared light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.  Let’s explore what red light therapy is, how it works, and some of the ways it may be used to enhance overall wellness.

How does red light therapy work?

Red and near infrared light therapy targets the mitochondria in our cells, which are responsible for producing energy. The therapy works by exposing the skin and other parts of the body to low-energy red or infrared light, which stimulates the mitochondria to produce more ATP, the energy currency of our body. ATP levels are depleted when cells and tissues are inflamed or injured. This increase in ATP production can improve cellular function and support cellular regeneration, resulting in benefits such as reduced inflammation and pain, improved wound healing, collagen production and even hair growth.  Red light therapy also increases blood flow and the formation of new blood vessels, which can further support healing and rejuvenation of the body’s tissues. Overall, red light therapy offers a natural, non-invasive way to promote healing and improve overall health and wellness. As more research supports the effectiveness of red light therapy, it has become an increasingly popular option for those looking to improve their overall health and well-being.

This causes the mitochondria to produce more ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

This increase in ATP production can provide a significant boost to our cells’ overall functioning and promote healing and growth processes throughout our bodies. For those suffering from joint and muscle pain, red light therapy has also been found to be an effective pain relief treatment that delivers light energy directly to the affected areas including joint capsules, tendons and ligaments as well as joints and muscle. With these benefits and more, it’s no wonder that red light therapy is becoming an increasingly popular treatment option for a variety of health issues.

ATP is the energy currency of our body and is essential for all cellular processes

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is often referred to as the energy currency of our body. It’s the molecule that powers all the cellular processes, including muscle contractions, protein synthesis, and nerve impulses. When tissues are injured or inflamed, ATP levels decline and the metabolism decreases. Red light therapy targets the mitochondria, which are the organelles responsible for producing ATP.  By stimulating the mitochondria, red light therapy can help enhance ATP production, which is essential for cellular respiration and overall bodily function. ATP is used for energy transfer in numerous metabolic processes, and without it, our body’s systems would not be able to repair injuries and decrease inflammation. That’s why red light therapy’s ability to support ATP production can have a significant impact on reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and even improving skin rejuvenation and hair growth.

Red light therapy also increases blood flow and the formation of new blood vessels

Apart from boosting cellular energy production, red light therapy also has been shown to increase blood flow and promote the formation of new blood vessels called capillaries. This increased circulation can lead to improved wound healing, reduced inflammation and pain. For those seeking relief from joint and muscle pain, red light therapy can also aid in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, aiding in the healing process. 

Red light therapy for muscle tissue

Red light therapy is known to improve muscle tissue health and aid in recovery from sports injuries and DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). This non-invasive therapy stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO), allowing for vasodilation and thus better oxygenation, nutrient delivery, toxin removal, and cellular healing.  Red light therapy also encourages the myosatellite cells that helps muscles repair after injuries including micro-damage from DOMS. As a result, muscle cells are able to perform better, improving strength and performance.  Red light therapy reduces muscle inflammation and soreness, allowing athletes to recover faster and return to training quicker than they would without treatment. With these benefits, it’s no wonder why red light therapy is a popular choice among athletes in the fitness world.

Red light therapy for inflammation reduction

Red light therapy has been shown to be an effective method for reducing inflammation in various parts of the body. This is because the therapy targets the immune cells in the blood including stem cells and white blood cells that control inflammation and repair. RLT causes a shift of these blood cells towards anti-inflammatory effects that circulate deeper into the tissues that are being treated. Increased blood flow through nitric oxide release and the formation of new blood vessels also contributes to its effectiveness in reducing inflammation.  Its ability to resolve the inflammatory response faster and reduce oxidative damage makes it a promising treatment for those suffering from chronic or acute inflammation.  There are no known side effects which makes it an attractive treatment option to healthcare professionals. With more research and studies supporting its effectiveness, red light therapy is becoming an increasingly popular method for managing inflammation and promoting healing in the body.

How does red light therapy deliver light to the skin?

Red light therapy delivers light to the skin through the use of medical-grade devices that utilize light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These devices emit specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light which penetrate the skin’s surface and reach the deeper layers of the skin.  The light energy is also absorbed by skin cells and stimulates the production of collagen, which is responsible for providing structure and elasticity to the skin which decreases as we age. Red light therapy is an effective way of delivering light energy to the skin, providing many benefits without the risks associated with invasive procedures.

Red light therapy for pain relief.

Red light therapy has been gaining recognition as a natural and safe treatment option for acute and chronic pain relief in joints, muscles, tendons and other types of tissues.  By using red light therapy, individuals may experience improved mobility, less stiffness, and less reliance on pain medications and ointments. Red light therapy is a promising natural alternative to traditional pain management methods. The therapy also relaxes muscles, relieving stiffness and spasms. Red light therapy is especially helpful for those suffering from joint conditions, as it reduces inflammation and eliminates joint and muscle pain. Studies have supported the efficacy of red light therapy for relieving arthritic pain and inflammation. It is a natural and non-invasive treatment that can help individuals recover from injuries and manage chronic pain.

Research and studies supporting the effectiveness of red light therapy

Research and studies have shown that red light therapy can be an effective method for relieving pain and inflammation in joints and muscles. By targeting the mitochondria in our cells and increasing ATP production, red light therapy helps cells perform their healing processes more efficiently.  This, combined with increased blood flow and the formation of new blood vessels, can improve wound healing, reduce inflammation and pain, and even promote skin rejuvenation and hair growth.  Studies have shown that red light therapy can be particularly beneficial in treating osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint disease – by slowing down the progression of joint cartilage wear and improving mobility. With all of these benefits, it’s clear that red light therapy is an important healing tool in one’s wellness routine.