Maximize Recovery with Red Light Therapy

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation and low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses red and near-infrared light to target your body’s cells and improve their function. Think of it like a specialized light that tells your cells what to do, helps your body heal, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation.

The primary effect is to Stimulate healing and cellular response with a secondary effect of photon absorption that includes increased ATP, a brief burst of reactive oxygen species, an increase in nitric oxide, and modulation of calcium levels. Tertiary effects include activation of a wide range of transcription factors leading to improved cell survival, increased proliferation and migration, and new protein synthesis. 

It should be noted that Red Light therapy is among one of the only things that can actually speed up healing and recovery. Other modalities such as Dry Needling, Cupping, and Sports Massage will elicit an inflammatory response to produce a secondary healing effect. 

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

1. Stimulates Healing: The red and near-infrared light penetrates your skin and helps your body’s cells produce more energy. This boost in energy helps your cells repair themselves faster, leading to quicker healing.

2. Relieves Pain: Red light therapy can reduce pain in your muscles and joints. It helps relax your muscles and decreases pain, so you can move more freely.

3. Reduces Inflammation: Inflammation is your body’s response to injury, and it can cause swelling and pain. Red light therapy reduces this inflammation, helping you recover faster.

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy

At the cellular level, red light therapy increases ATP production. ATP is the energy currency of your cells. With more ATP, your cells can perform their functions better and repair themselves more effectively. This therapy also increases nitric oxide, which improves blood flow and reduces oxidative stress, further aiding in healing and pain relief.

Cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) is unit IV in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. The most popular theory to explain exactly why photon absorption by CCO could led to increase of the enzyme activity, increased oxygen consumption, and increased ATP production is based on photodissociation of inhibitory nitric oxide (NO). Near Infrared is going to be better for ATP production and energy. 

How Long Has Red Light Therapy Been Around?

Red light therapy has been used since the 1960s when a Hungarian doctor named Endre Mester discovered its benefits. Over the past 20 years, this therapy has gained popularity because of its proven effectiveness and safety. There are now over thousands of studies showing positive results for various conditions. Lasers used to be the only way to reproduce Red Light Therapy but recent studies show light emitting diodes produce the same effects as high end lasers. 

Uses of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy can be used to treat both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) conditions. It is effective for:

• Musculoskeletal Issues: Helps with injuries and pain in muscles and joints.

• Dermatologic Conditions: Improves skin health and treats conditions like acne and eczema.

• Inflammatory Conditions: Reduces inflammation in various parts of the body.

  
  

The red light penetrates the skin at depths of 600-780 nm, while near-infrared light goes deeper, up to 1400 nm. This helps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and speed up recovery.

What to Expect During a Red Light Therapy Session

At AVION Sports Rehab, your red light therapy session will be comfortable and straightforward:

1. Get Comfortable: You'll either sit or lie down in a relaxed position.

2. Light Application: Our therapist will use a special red light sleeve directly on the skin of the area that needs treatment.

3. Relax: The session will last about 10-20 minutes. Vibration therapy can also be added with the sleeve to disrupt pain and increase relaxation and healing. 

4. Feel Better: After the session, you should start feeling the positive effects and can do so weekly or daily for at least 3 weeks for maximal benefit. 

   
   

Why Choose AVION Sports Rehab for Red Light Therapy?

At AVION Sports Rehab, we have a team of experts trained in using red light therapy to help you achieve the best results. We are committed to helping you heal, reduce pain, and stay healthy. Our state-of-the-art equipment and personalized care ensure you get the most out of your therapy sessions.

Ready to Try Red Light Therapy?

If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of red light therapy, come visit us at AVION Sports Rehab. Check out our website at www.avionpt.com to learn more and book your appointment.

Resources:

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. Epub 2017 May 19. PMID: 28748217; PMCID: PMC5523874.