rank-math domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home2/xyeurzte/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114Two years ago, I experienced incredible pain from three herniated discs, but I was determined to do everything I could to avoid surgery. This is when I first came upon research that showed the benefits of red light therapy for back pain.<\/p>\n
After two months of daily use with a red light panel, I was in much less pain and my doctor confirmed that my herniations healed faster than she expected. As a side benefit, I also noticed that I felt more rested in the mornings. This piqued my interest in learning more about red light therapy. And in the last two years, the popularity of red light therapy has grown significantly with new products constantly hitting the market.<\/p>\n
Also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) and low-level laser light therapy (LLLT), there are more than 10,000 research studies dating back to the 1960\u2019s using light therapy with more than 1,000 randomized clinical trials. Nearly 400 trials are currently active.<\/p>\n
Despite this extensive history, light therapy has not been openly accepted by the conventional medical community because its mechanism of action (exactly how it works) has not been confirmed. However, in recent years, the positive results seen from clinical trials have grabbed the attention of holistic and alternative therapy practitioners as well as increased the popularity of red light therapy in the marketplace.<\/p>\n
According to the PBM Foundation, PBM or red light therapy (RLT) is \u201c\u2026 the application of red and near-infrared light to diseased or injured tissues to reduce inflammation, promote regeneration and enhance immune resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like the way sunlight promotes vitamin D synthesis in the body or photosynthesis is used by plants, RLT initiates changes to our cells.<\/p>\n
Mitochondria are the organelles inside our cells that produce energy. When we experience stress, such as illness or injury, our mitochondria make less energy and create more free radicals. Over time, these free radicals increase systemic inflammation that can lead to disease. When red light is applied to the body at the right wavelength and intensity, and for the right amount of time, inflammation is reduced, and energy is increased to allow the body to begin to heal itself.<\/p>\n
When I dove into the research, I was amazed by the number of studies performed using red light therapy applications for pain relief.<\/p>\n
RLT has been most researched with respect to chronic back pain and many studies claim it relieves pain associated with herniated discs and sciatica. Current conventional treatments for herniated disc pain include medications (NSAIDs), spinal injections and, for extreme or long-term cases, surgery. However, these treatments all have serious side effects. Because RLT is non-invasive and has no obvious side effects, it may be a safer alternative to reduce inflammation, increase tissue repair and decrease pain sensitivity.<\/p>\n
One important way to reduce pain is to decrease inflammation. A 2017 literature review of animal studies noted that decreased inflammation was a consistent clinical result when applying RLT to spinal cord injuries. In addition, it showed that RLT was able to penetrate the body to the depth of the spinal cord and target a specific location. Another 2017 literature review agreed by noting that a decrease in inflammation was one of the most common effects of light therapy.<\/p>\n
A 2018 study of people with hip replacements noted the decrease of pro-inflammatory markers after RLT. As a result of decreased pain and inflammation levels from RLT, tissue repair increased.<\/p>\n
A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis selected 7 randomized controlled trials from 2000 to 2014 to see the results of RLT on the pain visual analog scale, a commonly used format to measure degrees of pain. In all the trials, the scale for non-specific, chronic low pain was reportedly lower in the RLT groups than in the placebo groups.<\/p>\n
In addition to back pain, there are many other areas being studied using RLT. These include:<\/p>\n
Even as far back as 2008, light therapy was being used clinically to treat hard-to-heal wounds and inflamed tissues. A 2016 review article summarized that \u201c\u2026 red and near-infrared light \u2026 appears to emerge as a promising drug-free approach for promoting wound healing, reduction in inflammation, pain and restoration of function \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
I was surprised to see a video of Pope Francis featured on the PBM Foundation website. He says he was able to avoid surgery for a fractured knee by leveraging RLT and other modalities. Click here<\/a> to view his video and read the research.<\/p>\n A 2022 randomized placebo-controlled trial looked at RLT effects on humans who were deprived of sunlight because they spent significant time indoors. RLT was used at home by people with mild sleep issues for 5 days a week for 4 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks, they were evaluated in areas of general well-being, health, sleep and circadian rhythm. This took place in both winter and summer months. The results showed consistent improvements in mood, reduced drowsiness and increased quality of life in the winter months. No change in sleep itself was noted.<\/p>\n Another 2022 article used full-body RLT on athletes and saw increased recovery and increased deep sleep despite getting less sleep overall. The article concluded that RLT may be a possible therapy to help the body recover faster from stress.<\/p>\n For many years, dental research has seen positive results using light therapy for surgical ablation as well as reducing inflammation and wound healing. According to a November 2023 review, red light therapy is being considered for combating bacteria in periodontal diseases.<\/p>\n A 2021 special article from the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine cited that PMB therapy reduced non-specific pain for fibromyalgia as well as knee pain, osteoarthritis and neck pain.<\/p>\n There are many other applications being studied, such as autoimmunity, weight reduction and hair loss, that are clinically seeing mixed results. While the research isn\u2019t overwhelmingly positive, I\u2019ll continue to watch for new research in these areas.<\/p>\n Because RLT is getting more attention, there is a glut of products flooding the market. Even though some may say that they are FDA-approved, you should still do your own research. Here are the general categories:<\/p>\n Like the name suggests, large body panels are designed for you stand in front of or lay down with your core body exposed to the red light. Some manufacturers allow for multiple panels to be joined together so the RLT can be applied to the whole body at one time. The panels are usually more expensive, ranging from $1,000 and more, but if you have a large body area, like your back, that you\u2019d like to expose to RLT at one time, then one or more panels might be right for you.<\/p>\n Portable panel sizes range from devices that will fit in your hand to ones that are \u00bc to \u00bd the size of a large body panel. These panels are great for using RLT on a specific body area, such as a knee. They are also much better for using while traveling. Portable panels may include a stand and range from $200 to $800.<\/p>\n In just the past two years, I\u2019ve noticed so many specialized RLT products, such as facial masks and handheld torches. There are even RLT devices for small pets<\/a> and soon blankets for horses<\/a>! Many stores, including Costco, are selling RLT devices<\/a>. The best advice I can give is to consider what outcome you\u2019re looking for (i.e. pain relief in knee joints or improving facial skin conditions) and research the options. Consider the reviews and ask your friends and family if they\u2019ve tried RLT devices. Just because a product is expensive, it doesn\u2019t mean that it delivers better results than a less expensive version.<\/p>\n The very best resources I\u2019ve found are Alex Fergus\u2019 Light Therapy Insiders<\/a> and YouTube videos<\/a>. Alex has been researching and discussing RLT (and other forms of light therapy) for many years and is extremely thorough in his research and presentations. He provides some anecdotal information but bases his opinions on the research.<\/p>\n Currently, there is no consistent dosing and length-of-use guidelines for RLT applications, however, a promising step forward is the formation of WALT, the World Association of photobiomoduLation Therapy<\/a>. WALT is a private organization with a goal of establishing best practice standards for light therapies based on clinical evidence. WALT has suggested dosage recommendations for back pain and inflammation that are based on randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RLT data.<\/p>\n Since my herniated discs, I used my RLT devices for a fractured wrist (thank you, pickleball!) and, again, received positive feedback from my doctor as to how well and how quickly my fracture healed. I continue to use it several times a week for chronic back pain and enhanced sleep. When I am on my game and adhere to a healthy diet and positive lifestyle strategies of good sleep and less stress, I believe that RLT provides even more benefits to me.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re considering RLT and you want to better understand the terms used, watch this introduction video<\/a> by Alex Fergus .<\/p>\n Full disclosure: I purchased the Mito Red Light panel and handheld device. If interested, you can get a small discount towards your Mito Red Light purchase by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n In my opinion, RLT shows many promising benefits and may be a viable alternative to use alone or with conventional treatments for pain and inflammation from acute and chronic conditions.<\/p>\n Tafur J, Mills PJ. Low-intensity light therapy: exploring the role of redox mechanisms.\u00a0Photomed Laser Surg<\/em>. 2008;26(4):323-328. doi:10.1089\/pho.2007.2184<\/p>\n Anders JJ, Lanzafame RJ, Arany PR. Low-Level Light\/Laser Therapy Versus Photobiomodulation Therapy. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery.<\/em> 2015;33(4):183-184. doi:https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1089\/pho.2015.9848<\/p>\nImproved Sleep<\/em><\/h5>\n
Dental Support<\/em><\/h5>\n
Fibromyalgia and Acute and Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions<\/em><\/h5>\n
Type of Red Light Therapy Products<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Large Body Panels<\/em><\/h5>\n
Portable Panels<\/em><\/h5>\n
Other Devices<\/em><\/h5>\n
Red Light Therapy Resource<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Length of Time to Use Red Light Therapy? <\/strong><\/h4>\n
Is Red Light Therapy Right for You? <\/strong><\/h4>\n
Additional<\/strong> Research: <\/strong><\/h5>\n