The Incredible Impacts of Red Light Therapy
Understanding Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy, often referred to as photobiomodulation, involves using specific wavelengths of light to promote healing. This therapy primarily uses red light, ranging from 600 to 700 nanometers, and near-infrared light, which extends from 700 to 1400 nanometers. The goal is to harness these wavelengths to penetrate the skin and affect cellular processes beneficially.
How Red Light Penetrates the Skin
Red light therapy works by penetrating the skin to reach the subcutaneous tissue, where a network of capillaries and immune cells resides. This penetration is crucial because it allows the therapy to influence the body's circulatory and immune systems directly. Near-infrared light goes even further, reaching muscle tissues and thereby affecting a larger volume of blood flow and cellular activity.
Systemic Effects of Near Infrared Therapy
When near-infrared light reaches the muscles, it impacts both the localized area and the systemic circulation. This means that, for example, applying a red light pad to your shoulder can have effects throughout your body, enhancing blood flow and immune response. This systemic impact is one of the key reasons red light therapy is gaining popularity.
How Red and Infrared Light Boost Mitochondria
The mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell, are significantly affected by red and near-infrared light. These wavelengths increase cellular energy by enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. This boost in energy aids in cellular repair and regeneration, making it particularly beneficial for recovery from illnesses or injuries.
Thai Sport’s Approach to Red Light Treatment
At Thai Sport, we utilize low-power LED arrays of both Red and Near Infrared mounted within a “belt”. The lower power makes them entirely safe for use without eye protection, yet they are still as effective as high-powered LEDs since they are applied directly to the body with full skin contact. The therapist wraps the belt around the areas where patients need relief, such as sore muscles or painful joints (never the face).
By utilizing both wavelengths, the belt will penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching not only the subcutaneous tissue but also the muscles. This dual approach enhances the therapy's effectiveness. Thus, it’s important that the settings on the controller are set for both LED types. When set correctly, the Infrared LEDs will also generate sufficient heat.
Dosing Basics: Light Wavelength and Power
We recommend a total dosing time of 30 minutes per location, divided into 15-minute intervals on each area, followed by a 15-minute interval on another area, and then a final dose. Thus, we can do two areas in one session if needed. The controllers have timers on them. We set the timer and the energy level to the highest for both LEDs, then wrapped the area.
Individual Reactions
The main benefit is healing by increasing mitochondrial activity. This is performed at the cellular level, not at the sensory level. In most cases, the patient won’t feel any different right away, but some individuals may feel energized after the session, while others might experience increased hunger due to accelerated metabolism. Regardless, the effect is substantial, just not always easy to sense right after the session.
FAQ
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy is a treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin, promoting healing and energy production at the cellular level.
How does red light therapy work?
It works by penetrating the skin to reach various tissues, enhancing cellular energy production and reducing oxidative stress, which aids in healing and regeneration.
What are the benefits of using both red and near-infrared light?
Combining these lights allows for deeper penetration, affecting both subcutaneous tissue and muscles, thus enhancing the therapy's effectiveness.
Is red light therapy safe?
Yes, when used as directed, red light therapy is generally safe. It's essential to follow manufacturer instructions and consult with healthcare providers when necessary.
