Having that mobility back is a major blessing, but many will be looking to spring into action soon after to continue daily life - whether that’s the need to go back to work or simply to carry out tasks without discomfort.
While patients should follow healthcare advice from the medical professionals carrying out the surgery, it’s understandable to want to ramp up the progress.
To help you have a smoother recovery, we’re looking at red light therapy after hip surgery and sharing all the intricate details you need to know to get started.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light to allow benefits like healing, pain reduction, and the improvement of various health and cosmetic conditions.
It uses light-emitting diodes to emit photons of light through certain wavelengths. It’s gentle, doesn’t require surgery, and isn’t invasive. When red light is applied, it triggers the production of ATP, leading to improved cellular metabolism.
Targeted red light therapy usually comes in the form of a device or panels, the former of which can focus on specific parts of the body. This means a device can be strapped around or on the hip so the benefits of light can treat this problem area.
The main benefits are:
- Enhanced wound healing
- Reduced pain and inflammation, making it a useful treatment for pain management after an injury or surgery
- Improved collagen production as it stimulates collagen synthesis
- Some report better sleep and mood after undergoing red light therapy sessions
How does red light therapy work?
Red light therapy works by stimulating blood flow and energy production (the mighty ATP) in the cells of the targeted area. It uses light-emitting diodes to emit photos of light through specific wavelengths.
When this light is applied to the hip region, multiple processes are triggered, which can help the area heal faster.
This form of light releases nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, increasing the circulation to the area. It also stimulates the mitochondria to ramp up energy production and reduce oxidative stress.
As a result, it reduces pain and inflammation whilst triggering the healing process to help damaged tissues repair themselves.
How soon after hip surgery can you start with red light therapy?
Before you begin any post-surgery treatment, you should consult with your doctor, as they’ll be able to guide you with what’s best for your situation.
If you have any open wounds or incisions, you should leave an adequate amount of time for them to heal before beginning any therapy.
Once you’ve been given the green light from your healthcare provider, you can start using red light therapy to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and manage your pain.
How can red light therapy help with post-operative care?
The use of red light therapy after hip surgery brings many benefits - so much so that the treatment is now being used by medical professionals and athletes worldwide.
From its convenience and non-invasive elements to its holistic powers, light therapy can provide a transformative effect on both physical rejuvenation and mental vitality.
Pain: causes and management
One of the most well-documented and widely recognized benefits of light therapy is its pain-relieving capabilities.
It promotes the body’s natural pain-killing endorphins, which can bring relief after surgery or if you’re struggling with chronic pain.
Light therapy also helps block pain signal transmission through two actions: it alters nerve cell membrane permeability to sodium ions, and it modifies nerve thresholds, making nerves less excitable to pain stimuli.
Due to the reduced nerve irritation and short-term endorphin release, a rapid reduction in pain can be felt with the use of red light therapy. Once these therapy sessions continue, long-term pain relief can be felt as the effects become longer-lasting.
Inflammation
Ahead of your hip surgery, struggles with mobility were highly likely. Inflammation can be the cause of this and it can be present while your body is recovering too.
Red light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects due to the modulation of cellular processes and immune responses. It also has the ability to quickly deliver essential nutrients to the hip, which can further reduce any swelling and inflammation.
Enhanced circulation and tissue recovery
When a red light therapy device is held against the skin, nitric oxide is stimulated. This helps to dilate blood vessels, widening them in the process. When these vessels are expanded, circulation is increased, and more oxygen and nutrients are able to flow to the injured area.
This improved circulation is helpful as those vital components (like nutrients and oxygen) allow for the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues. While this would happen naturally, red light speeds up the process.
How to incorporate red light therapy into your recovery?
When you hear the words ‘red light therapy,’ your mind may immediately jump to an intimidating image of a healthcare facility or clinic. While this is correct, red light is now a whole lot more accessible than it has been previously.
If you wish to carry out treatment through a clinic, this will cost you around $200 - $500 per therapy session (depending on provider, location) and should be done multiple times a week to see results.If you’re looking for a more accessible (and cheaper) way to incorporate red light therapy into your recovery, an at-home option may be right for you.
There are many red light therapy devices on the market today that can help with pain management in the comfort of your own home.
Choosing the right device for hip pain
When searching for a red light therapy device for hip pain, it’s important you choose one that you trust and is legit - that should be first and foremost.
Read through reviews and testimonials to see how people in the industry perceive the brand and device. This can be seen through third-party review sites, testimonials, or word of mouth.
Here at Kineon, our medical-grade laser device - called the MOVE+ Pro - is trusted by top health experts and professionals worldwide. Our site has numerous testimonials from incredible athletes, competitors, nutritionists, and doctors.
Secondly, understand which wavelengths and light tools the device utilizes. Our MOVE+ Pro gives you the best of both worlds with red light and infrared light therapy.
The device includes:
WAVELENGTH8 x 660nm deep red LEDs per module
10 x 808nm Infrared lasers per module
OPTICAL POWER
Infrared lasers (class 1): 5mW per laser diode, 50mW per module
Deep red LEDs: 80mW per emission area
Finally, size matters when it comes to RLT. There’s a huge variety on the market, but for something like hip pain, having a device that can deliver targeted relief could be more beneficial.
Then, if you do need to focus on multiple areas, you can use accessories like extender straps for larger surface areas.
Using your Kineon Device
The technology of the MOVE+ Pro has been based on many successful clinical trials to ensure only the most effective wavelengths, dosage, and components are used.
The use of both LED lights and medical-grade laser technology can offer targeted relief to your joints by increasing blood flow and energy production in the cells of the hip.
When the device arrives, you’ll receive all the information you need to get started.
If you have any questions, you’ll never be left guessing, as we have a whole host of information and support to guide you.
Alongside the help listed online, we even have a dedicated support group on Facebook. This is a welcoming environment for people to talk freely with people in the same situation.
Importance of relaxation
The beauty of our MOVE+ Pro device is that it’s lightweight, wireless, and completely portable. This means you can use it on the go, wherever and whenever you please.
But being relaxed when using it can help your nervous system which promotes overall wellness and leads to healthier sleep.
To achieve this, think of your red light therapy usage as being self-care time. Consider finding somewhere that is quiet and comfortable - where you can relax without interruptions.
Opening the windows or choosing a larger room will help keep the room well-ventilated and enjoyable for you, rather than being distracted by humidity.
To relax fully, soften the lighting, tidy the space around you, and put on soothing music to enhance the ambiance.
If you’d prefer to be seated in your usual surroundings, use reclining or snug furniture so you feel at ease.
Ultimately, the device gives you the ability to access holistic healing wherever you feel most comfortable.
Prepare your skin
When using red light therapy against your skin, there are some things to keep in mind…
While the light can still provide benefits when used over clothing, the most optimal results can be achieved when the treatment is applied directly against the skin. The clothes can act as a barrier, whereas direct contact with the skin ensures the light is not scattered and can be absorbed into the body’s tissues with maximum effect.
Sunscreen can have a similar impact as wearing clothes. Although SPF is recommended to be worn every day, consider using the RLT device before applying any sunscreen to the body.
You should also stay hydrated. Red light therapy can’t work miracles; you have to be helping your body to recover rather than hindering it.
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as proper hydration is crucial for optimal muscle function and recovery. Being dehydrated can lead to decreased performance and delayed recovery.
Duration and frequency
To get the most out of red light, and if using an at-home device, consider the therapy as an extension of your usual daily routine.
Find a 5-15 minute slot where you can use the device so you get into the habit of using it - whether that’s when you’re winding down for the day or on your lunch break. It’s all about being consistent with red light.
It can be used every day or multiple times a day as it’s a non-invasive therapy. It shouldn’t be something you pick up once and forget about for a few weeks though, as doing treatment often is key.
P.S. Our customers report an 80% reduction in pain within 1-4 weeks! Utilize red light therapy after hip surgery to take charge of your own pain management.
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