If you've been hearing buzz about red light therapy but are still wondering what it is and how it works, you've come to the right place!
From its intriguing history to its numerous benefits and applications, our comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this revolutionary treatment!
We'll dive into the science behind red light therapy and examine how it works within the body to promote various health and wellness benefits.
As well as discovering the multitude of benefits and uses of red light therapy, you’ll learn how RLT (red light therapy) can be used to rejuvenate the skin, grow hair, heal wounds, reduce inflammation, and heal joint pain.
We'll also discuss the different types of red light therapy devices on the market, including handheld devices and full-body beds, to help you decide which option is best for you.
But that’s not all, because we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about red light therapy, such as the safety and effectiveness of at-home devices.
So, let's dive in and discover the wonders of red light therapy, your new go-to solution for a healthier, happier you!
The History Of Red Light Therapy
It might seem like a modern invention, but the roots of light therapy actually date back to ancient civilizations…
You see, the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were all known to harness the sun's healing powers, appreciating the benefits of natural light for both physical and emotional well-being.
The red light therapy we use today, though, has its roots in the early 20th century. In 1903, a Danish physician named Niels Ryberg Finsen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking work on phototherapy.
Dr. Finsen discovered something pretty amazing – that certain wavelengths of light could actually be really good for our bodies! He used ultraviolet light to treat a skin condition called “lupus vulgaris” caused by tuberculosis bacteria, and his success laid the groundwork for the development of modern red light therapy. [1]
Fast forward to the 1960s, when a Hungarian researcher named Endre Mester stumbled upon the concept of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) while studying the potential applications of laser technology...
Mester found that low-powered lasers could promote wound healing and hair growth in laboratory animals. This breakthrough led to further studies, and by the 1980s, NASA started exploring the potential of LED-based red light therapy to maintain the health of astronauts during long-duration space missions. [2]
Since then, red light therapy has come a long way, with an ever-growing body of research supporting its use in a wide range of applications.
Today, red light therapy is a popular, non-invasive treatment option offered by wellness centers, spas, and dermatology clinics, as well as being available for home use through various devices.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
As you’ll know if you’ve read our previous blogs, red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that harnesses the power of specific wavelengths of light to promote cellular function, repair, and regeneration.
Sometimes known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level light therapy (LLLT), this innovative technology relies on the use of red and near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate cellular activity, leading to a wide range of health and wellness benefits.
As we discussed in our blog “Red Light Therapy VS Near Infrared VS Infrared: Key Differences Explained”, there are two wavelengths of red light used for red light therapy: the visible red light spectrum (630-700 nm) and the near-infrared spectrum (approximately 780-1100 nm).
Both of these wavelengths can penetrate the skin, and reach cells, tissues, and even deeper structures like muscles and bones.
As soon as light energy hits a cell, it stimulates a series of biochemical reactions, including the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that gives us energy.
One of the biggest benefits of red light therapy lies in its versatility and adaptability – it can be used to target specific areas of the body or applied as a full-body treatment, depending on your specific needs and goals.
In recent years, research has continued to expand the potential applications of red light therapy, making it a highly popular option for improving health, enhancing appearance, and speeding up recovery from injuries.
What Does Red Light Therapy Do?
Red light therapy offers a wide range of benefits, thanks to its ability to stimulate cellular repair and regeneration.
This versatile treatment has been found to be effective in addressing various health and wellness concerns, making it a go-to option for individuals looking to improve their quality of life.
Let's explore some of the key areas where red light therapy has shown promise:
Skin & Hair
Among the most well-known uses of red light therapy, is for skin care and hair growth.
The treatment has been found to stimulate collagen production, which helps to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone.
Red light therapy also promotes hair growth by increasing blood flow and stimulating hair follicle activity, making it a popular choice for individuals struggling with hair loss or thinning hair.
According to a recent, randomized controlled trial, it was found that subjects who received RLT experienced a 51% increase in hair counts compared to those in the control group who received sham treatment! [3]
Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can also benefit from red light therapy as it aids in sports injury rehabilitation.
By promoting cellular repair and reducing inflammation, red light therapy helps to accelerate the healing process, enabling individuals to recover more quickly from injuries such as strains, sprains, and muscle damage.
This, in turn, allows them to return to their regular training and performance routines sooner. To go into this in more depth, check out our recent blog where we answered the age-old question: Should You Use Red Light Therapy Before Or After a Workout?
Pain & Inflammation
Red light therapy has been shown to provide relief from both acute and chronic pain, as well as helping to reduce inflammation.
It works by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammatory markers, making it a valuable tool for individuals suffering from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other sources of chronic pain.
Again, we’ve got you covered with another in-depth blog post – Red Light Therapy At Home For Pain: Everything You Need To Know
Wound Healing
The healing properties of red light therapy extend to wound care as well. By stimulating collagen production, increasing blood flow, and reducing inflammation, red light therapy can accelerate the wound healing process. [4]
This makes it an attractive option for individuals recovering from surgery or those with chronic health conditions that make wound healing difficult.
Joint Health
Joint health is yet another area where red light therapy has demonstrated its effectiveness!
By reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow, and promoting collagen production, red light therapy can help alleviate joint pain, improve joint mobility, and slow down the progression of degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Once again, we have a whole blog post dedicated to this subject which you can find by clicking here: How To Treat Joint Pain And Arthritis With Red Light Therapy.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
The science behind red light therapy may seem complex, but the basic concept is surprisingly straightforward...
At the heart of this treatment is the ability of red and near-infrared light wavelengths to stimulate the cells and tissues within our bodies, setting off a chain reaction of beneficial biological processes.
When red and near-infrared light penetrates the skin, it is absorbed by cells and specifically by the mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses responsible for generating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
This absorption of light energy stimulates the mitochondria to produce more ATP, effectively boosting the cell's energy levels and enhancing its ability to perform various functions.
Additionally, red light therapy helps to reduce inflammation by regulating the body's inflammatory response and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory molecules.
The end result is a versatile treatment that supports the body's natural healing processes and promotes overall health and well-being.
From skin rejuvenation and hair growth to pain relief and joint health, red light therapy provides many benefits by kickstarting cellular function and supporting the body's natural healing powers!
Types of Red Light Therapy
In recent years, red light therapy has become more popular, leading to more devices available on the market that cater to different needs, preferences, and budgets.
We’ve spoken about this in great detail in our blog: Targeted vs Full-Body Red Light Therapy, so make sure to check that out if you haven’t already!
But for now, let’s take a closer look at two of the most common types of red light therapy devices: handheld devices and full-body beds.
Handheld Devices
Handheld red light therapy devices are portable, easy to use, and offer a more targeted approach to treatment.
These compact devices are designed to focus on specific areas of the body, making them an excellent choice for individuals looking to address localized concerns such as osteoarthritis, post-surgery rehabilitation, or spot treatment of injuries and joint pain.
Aside from being more user-friendly and affordable, handheld devices are more portable than full-body panels, making them popular for home use.
Full Body Beds
For those seeking a more comprehensive, full-body red light therapy experience, full-body beds provide an immersive solution.
These larger devices, often found in professional settings such as spas, wellness centers, and dermatology clinics, are designed to cover the entire body in red and near-infrared light, allowing for simultaneous treatment of multiple areas.
However whole-body devices can be very expensive and can be hard to use at home due to their large and cumbersome nature.
Not only that but because it’s not as targeted as a handheld device, it can be quite hard to accurately predict the dosage needed for you to achieve the maximum benefits!
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual needs, preferences, and the desired scope of treatment.
Red Light Therapy FAQs
As with any innovative treatment, it's natural to have questions and concerns about red light therapy.
To help put your mind at ease and provide a clearer understanding of this therapy, we've compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about red light therapy.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
In general, red light therapy is considered to be safe and well-tolerated by most individuals. The treatment is non-invasive, painless, and does not involve the use of harmful UV rays or chemicals.
Numerous studies have shown that red light therapy can provide a range of health benefits with minimal side effects, making it a popular choice for those seeking an all-natural, low-risk treatment option.
Are At-Home Use Red Light Therapy Devices a Safe, Reasonable Option?
At-home red light therapy devices have gained popularity in recent years, allowing individuals to enjoy the benefits of this treatment from the convenience of their own homes.
Using a portable red light therapy device like our Move+ Pro, you can enjoy the benefits of medical-grade lasers and LEDs without the need to leave your home!
Are There Any Risks to Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is generally considered to be a low-risk treatment option, with no known serious risks or side effects when used correctly.
It's important to make sure you are using a legitimate and reputable company when purchasing red light therapy devices, as some may not meet safety standards or may not be as effective.
In conclusion, red light therapy has emerged as a revolutionary treatment option with the potential to improve our health and well-being in various ways.
From promoting skin and hair rejuvenation to aiding in sports injury rehabilitation and enhancing joint health, the benefits of this therapy are both diverse and compelling.
As research continues to advance our understanding of red light therapy, we can look forward to even more applications and breakthroughs in the future.
So, why not explore the world of red light therapy and discover how it can transform your life for the better?
With our Move+ Pro, it’s easier than ever to get the benefits of red light therapy from the comfort of your own home!
Using a combination of both LED lights and medical-grade laser technology, you can receive pinpoint accuracy on your problem areas for fast and effective relief!
So whether you're looking to rehab an old sports injury, or ease the debilitating pain of osteoarthritis that is (literally!) wearing you down... the Move+ Pro could be the answer you've been looking for!
Give it a try today and experience the power of red light therapy for yourself!
With our 30-day Money-Back Guarantee, there’s no risk involved – so why not give it a shot?
There’s nothing to lose, and potentially everything to gain!
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For more tips and guides on red light therapy:
- Red Light Therapy Vs. Near Infrared Vs. Infrared: Differences Explained
- Red Light Therapy And Distance From Your Skin: How Far Should You Be?
- Red Light Wavelengths: Everything You Need To Know
- What Does Red Light Therapy Do? A Beginner’s Guide
- How Often Can You Do Red Light Therapy?
- Red Light Therapy Benefits For Pain Relief
- How Dangerous Is Red Light Therapy?
Want to read about the science? Read:
Sources:
1 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3014565/
2 - https://spinoff.nasa.gov/NASA-Research-Illuminates-Medical-Uses-of-Light
