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Benefits of RLT
Red Light Therapy is the application of red and near-infrared light waves that have the ability to penetrate deep into the skin and aid in the production of energy in our cells. This is also sometimes referred to as photobiomodulation, biostimulation, LED light therapy or low-power laser therapy (LLLT).
There are 2000+ published studies on photobiomodulation. Some of the studied benefits include:
More cellular energy
Improved blood flow
Skin rejuvenation
Tissue healing and repair
Healthy inflammation and pain response
Positive Effects of Red Light Therapy
Energy (ATP) Production
Mitochondria are the batteries inside our cells. They generate energy (in the form of ATP) which our cells need in order to function.
When the mitochondria do not work properly because of environmental factors like poor diet, infections, toxins, the cell cannot work well and this can result in symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and even insulin resistance which underlies Type 2 diabetes.
Our mitochondria have receptors for red light. Think of receptors as the doors that allow the nutrients into our cells.
This means that red light can activate the mitochondria to produce more energy. When cells have more energy, they can work better, leading to benefits such as healthier skin, better cognition, athletic performance, faster muscle recovery as well as less inflammation and pain.
Repair and Regeneration
Red light therapy encourages the production of nitric oxide, a potent compound that dilates blood vessels. This allows more blood flow with nutrient and oxygen delivery to tissues. Studies have shown that red light therapy can encourage healthy wound healing and repair. [1,2]
These are just some of the conditions that have been studied and shown to be beneficial:
- Tendinitis [3, 4]
- Wound healing [5, 6]
[1] Brassolatti P, de Andrade ALM, Bossini PS, Otterço AN, Parizotto NA. Evaluation of the low-level laser therapy application parameters for skin burn treatment in experimental model: a systematic review. Lasers Med Sci. 2018 Jul;33(5):1159-1169. doi: 10.1007/s10103-018-2526-5. Epub 2018 May 5. PMID: 29730821.
[2] De Oliveira RA, Fernandes GA, Lima AC, Tajra Filho AD, de Barros Araújo R Jr, Nicolau RA. The effects of LED emissions on sternotomy incision repair after myocardial revascularization: a randomized double-blind study with follow-up. Lasers Med Sci. 2014 May;29(3):1195-202. doi: 10.1007/s10103-013-1503-2. Epub 2013 Dec 14. PMID: 24337350.
[3] Foley J, Vasily DB, Bradle J, Rudio C, Calderhead RG. 830 nm light-emitting diode (led) phototherapy significantly reduced return-to-play in injured university athletes: a pilot study. Laser Ther. 2016;25(1):35-42. doi:10.5978/islsm.16-OR-03
[4] Bjordal JM, Lopes-Martins RA, Iversen VV. A randomized, placebo controlled trial of low level laser therapy for activated Achilles tendinitis with microdialysis measurement of peritendinous prostaglandin E2 concentrations. Br J Sports Med. 2006 Jan;40(1):76-80; discussion 76-80. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2005.020842. PMID: 16371497; PMCID: PMC2491942.
[5] Hopkins JT, McLoda TA, Seegmiller JG, David Baxter G. Low-Level Laser Therapy Facilitates Superficial Wound Healing in Humans: A Triple-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study. J Athl Train.2004;39(3):223-229.
[6] Kaviani A, Djavid GE, Ataie-Fashtami L, Fateh M, Ghodsi M, Salami M, Zand N, Kashef N, Larijani B. A randomized clinical trial on the effect of low-level laser therapy on chronic diabetic foot wound healing: a preliminary report. Photomed Laser Surg. 2011 Feb;29(2):109-14. doi: 10.1089/pho.2009.2680. Epub 2011 Jan 9. PMID: 21214368.
Skin and Hair Health
One of the most studied applications of red light therapy has been its benefit on skin health.
Red light has been shown in studies to stimulate collagen production and reverse signs of ageing [1,2, 3].
We know that collagen production starts to slow down from our 20’s and many skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema are inflammatory in nature.
Red light therapy can help support healthy collagen and inflammation in the skin.
In addition, studies have shown that red light can also support healthy hair growth [4] and there’s preliminary evidence to show it may even help with cellulite [5].
[1] Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014;32(2):93-100. doi:10.1089/pho.2013.3616
[2] Lee SY, Park KH, Choi JW, Kwon JK, Lee DR, Shin MS, Lee JS, You CE, Park MY. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and split-face clinical study on LED phototherapy for skin rejuvenation: clinical, profilometric, histologic, ultrastructural, and biochemical evaluations and comparison of three different treatment settings. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2007 Jul 27;88(1):51-67. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2007.04.008. Epub 2007 May 1. PMID: 17566756.
[3] Goldberg DJ, Amin S, Russell BA, Phelps R, Kellett N, Reilly LA. Combined 633-nm and 830-nm led treatment of photoaging skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2006 Sep;5(8):748-53. PMID: 16989189.
[4] Liu KH, Liu D, Chen YT, Chin SY. Comparative effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for adult androgenic alopecia: a system review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lasers Med Sci. 2019 Aug;34(6):1063-1069. doi: 10.1007/s10103-019-02723-6. Epub 2019 Jan 31. PMID: 30706177.[5] Jackson RF, Roche GC, Shanks SC. A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial evaluating the ability of low-level laser therapy to improve the appearance of cellulite. Lasers Surg Med. 2013 Mar;45(3):141-7. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22119. PMID: 23508376.
Inflammation and Pain
Acute inflammation is a vital part of the immune system’s response to injury and insults. However, due to modern lifestyle that often comprises a poor diet, sleep deprivation, stress, and environmental exposures, inflammation can persist and become chronic. This can underlie symptoms such as pain, brain fog, depression, and fatigue.
Red light therapy can be used as part of a healthy lifestyle to support cellular function and manage inflammation.
Studies have shown that when a cell absorbs red light, it can generate helpful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds [1]
In addition, studies have shown that red light therapy can support healthy inflammation and pain in plantar fasciitis [2], chronic neck pain [3], and even joint conditions [4]
[1] Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361. doi:10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337
[2] Wang W, Jiang W, Tang C, Zhang X, Xiang J. Clinical efficacy of low-level laser therapy in plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Jan;98(3):e14088. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000014088. PMID: 30653125; PMCID: PMC6370152.
[3] Gross AR, Dziengo S, Boers O, Goldsmith CH, Graham N, Lilge L, Burnie S, White R. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression. Open Orthop J. 2013 Sep 20;7:396-419. doi: 10.2174/1874325001307010396. PMID: 24155802; PMCID: PMC3802126.
[4] Xu, Gang-Zhu & Jia, Jie & Jin, Lin & Li, Jia-Heng & Wang, Zhan-Yue & Cao, Dong-Yuan. (2018). Low-Level Laser Therapy for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Pain Research and Management. 2018. 1-13. 10.1155/2018/4230583.
Why isn’t everyone taking advantage of these benefits?
1. The cost of laser based RLT has previously been prohibitive and inconvenient, requiring doctors’ office or hospital visits. Thankfully, LED based RLT is a lot more affordable, easily accessible, and safer.
2. Many critics say the data on RLT is conflicting and contradictory. This is in part due to the fact that we all respond to light differently, and therefore finding the optimal dose that delivers results may take time and experimentation. Commercially available red light therapy devices vary vastly in quality, making it even more difficult to assess efficacy. This is why, at LUMEBOX®, we conduct 3rd party independent lab tests to quantify the power and irradiance for quality assurance.
Advancements
Studies have demonstrated that near-infrared and red-light therapy devices produce the same benefits that expensive laser treatments offered.
However, most portable devices on the market are under-powered.
LUMEBOX® delivers unrivalled power and irradiance in a high-quality portable device at a fraction of the cost, offering simultaneous red and NIR wavelength delivery, all in the privacy and comfort of your own home.
Recap
Wow, that’s a lot of biology…so, let’s simplify and recap just some of the benefits of red-light therapy that multiple independent studies have captured:
Skin rejuvenation
Inflammation and pain
Wound Healing
Muscle and Work-out recovery
Enhanced performance
