Red Light Therapy

Photobiomodulation

Also called low level laser therapy, or LLLT

Red and near infra-red light are powerful tools for the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. They can make a difference in illnesses like Parkinson’s and Dementia, can treat musculoskeletal chronic pain, as well as being very beneficial for collagen production in skin (anti-aging benefits!) There are over 4000 peer-reviewed studies on the use of light for many conditions.

On the membrane of cells in the body is an enzyme very good at absorbing light energy (cytochrome C oxidase), and this results in a release of nitric oxide along with improved oxygen supply to the tissues, better blood flow, and production of ATP, the body’s energy source. These things are all needed for efficient cell function and to prevent cells becoming “old”.

Blue light vs. Red light

Blue light is useful for very superficial skin problems in the epidermis like acne.
Red (visible) light is useful for the deeper dermis, and skin collagen production (anti-aging – ie. tightening up the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles). It is also helpful for treating the very superficial nerves which can cause a “peripheral neuropathy”, a change in sensation under the soles of the feet sometimes described as walking on crumpled socks, but it can also cause a persistent burning pain.
Near infra-red light (invisible) is good for everything else – including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s which are terribly disabling and distressing conditions traditionally difficult to improve, and also for chronic musculoskeletal pain.

NIR light

Examples of the red-light products our office has purchased and tested

Here are some conditions where people use NIR light:

Neurodegenerative illnesses
Chronic musculoskeletal pain such as rotator cuff, knee arthritis, low back or neck pain, tennis elbow, tendon problems etc.
Gut biome disorders such as irritable bowel, colon inflammation, as well as being part of the Parkinson’s treatment. NIR causes increase in gut microbe fermentation ability and neurotransmitters are produced as a result – including dopamine and other “happy” chemicals.

Important information

Crucial for effective light therapy:

Dose of light delivered (joules of energy)
Power of the device (wattage)
Treatment time (you can overdo light treatment and then you get a poorer result)
Wavelength of light used (which determines red or near infrared light)

Light therapy is painless, quick (3 – 30 mins), and has no side effects.

We recommend that our patients use our website and information pages to inform their purchase of their own products for home use.

Please note, we do not provide treatment in office.