Red light therapy is a noninvasive, cutting-edge treatment for alleviating pain and promoting recovery. It harnesses light wavelengths and targets body tissues. The energy activates a cellular process, resulting in reactions promoting healing, increasing circulation, and lowering inflammation.

The treatment is rapidly becoming popular for showing promising results in most disease treatments, including the skin. While it is a safe and effective treatment option, and numerous devices are online, you should consult your healthcare provider about your symptoms before trying the treatment. More research and trials are required to prove the RLT’s effectiveness. Please continue reading this article to learn what the therapy does.

An Overview of Red Light Therapy

RLT is a therapy option that promotes the healing of various body parts, like muscle tissues and skin. It targets cells and skin by using low levels of red light. It is believed to function by increasing the production of mitochondria (cells that offer energy), promoting cell repair and function.

Other names of RLT include the following:

  • Cold laser therapy.
  • Biostimulation.
  • Low-power laser.
  • Low-level light therapy.
  • Photonic stimulation.
  • Low-power laser therapy.

Scientists who used light-emitting diode technology to grow potatoes in space accidentally discovered RLT. LED technology promoted photosynthesis and assisted in quickly recovering wounds on the researchers’ hands. It prompted the researchers to research LED technology’s potential medicinal applications during space travel. The scientists hoped it would help treat muscle atrophy, bone density issues caused by weightlessness in space, and slow wound recovery.

Healthcare providers widely recognize RLT for its application in photodynamic treatment. The therapy uses low-power red light to activate photosensitizer drugs. The interaction results in chemical reactions that destroy cells. Medical practitioners use skin conditions like acne, warts, psoriasis, and skin cancer.

Currently, scientists are investigating numerous health conditions.

How RLT Works

RLT acts on your body’s power plant cells, known as mitochondria. With increased energy, other body cells become more efficient. Some cells absorb light and are triggered to function.

The therapy works in dermatology health to:

  • Lower cells inflammation.
  • Increase blood circulation to tissues.
  • Escalate fibroblast production, which makes collagen (connective tissues that build skin).
  • Trigger collagen production, giving your skin structure, elasticity, and strength.

Other health condition applications that doctors are investigating include the following:

  • Reduction of cancer chemotherapy side effects like oral mucositis.
  • Relieving inflammation and pain linked to knee osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and tendonitis.
  • Preventing cold sores due to herpes simplex virus from recurring.

While you can read about other uses on the internet, there is no scientific proof supporting RLT use in cellulite removal or mental diseases like depression, weight loss, and cancer.

Different RLT Devices

RLT devices come in different categories, some of which you can use at home. However, a home device is less powerful and effective than one used in medical facilities and takes longer to deliver. The devices include the following:

  • RLT wand — A handheld device with a red LED light at one end. You can use it by moving the wand over the skin areas you want to treat. Typically, people use it to treat small regions like the back of the hand, a specific face spot, or a knee.
  • RLT mask — You fit it over your face and the LED lights inside point toward the skin. This mask is tailored for patients to wear for short durations, often weekly. It can be used to treat facial concerns like wrinkles and acne.
  • Panel — A panel of red LED lights that people can place on their table or mount on their wall. It comes in different sizes. You can use a tiny panel on a targeted area like the face and a large panel on larger body areas.
  • RLT bed — It is identical to a tanning bed. The only difference is that it uses LED lights instead of ultraviolet light. It is large enough to lie down and expose your body to red light.

Understanding RLT Procedure

Typically, the RLT treatment lasts approximately twenty minutes, during which you rest under a panel of warm lights. Some treatments include using the LED wand that a medical practitioner moves over the skin.

Individuals with sensitive eyes should wear protective eyewear. Patients achieve their desired results in eight to ten treatments, each two (2) weeks apart. After the initial treatment sessions, they can maintain their results every three months.

Doctors used RLT alongside other therapies like microdermabrasion and facials for more treatment results.

The Therapy’s Effectiveness

Many medical professionals argue that they do not know whether the therapy is effective for every claimed use. They claim that while the published studies have potential for specific conditions, they should conduct more studies. This therapy option is an emerging topic with growing interest. Currently, there is little proof supporting most of its uses. 

To determine whether RLT is effective, researchers must conduct random, placebo-controlled trials. The trials will involve a given number of individuals with similar characteristics, like sex, race, or age, receiving the placebo for treatment or study therapy of the same conditions.

Some studies could compare other commonly used treatments. Then, the researchers compare the results of the emerging therapy, the standard treatment, and the pilot group.

Will You Realize Your Desired Outcome?

Results vary because every patient’s skin is unique. Additionally, the wavelength of the red light source varies, impacting how deep the light penetrates the skin.

How Safe is RLT?

The treatment seems safe. If used as directed and for a short duration, it does not have side effects. It is also not invasive, toxic, or harsh like many topical skin therapies.

There is also no proof that the treatment causes cancer. The treatment does not harness ultraviolet rays (radiations found in sunlight and tanning booths that could result in skin cancer).

However, you could damage your eyes (if unprotected) or skin if you misuse the product. So far, no long-term safety of medical devices that utilize RLT exists.

It is wise to consult a trained, seasoned and cosmetic therapist or dermatologist. They will ensure you understand your skin health condition and discuss the advantages and risks of RLT and alternative options.

Are Biostimulation Devices Bought for At-Home Use Reasonable, Safe Options?

Yes, they are.

If you purchase the device, ensure you protect your eyes, abide by all instructions, and care for your medicinal device.

Also, check whether the Food and Drug Administration has cleared the device. This means that the device is safe and identical to other devices on the market.

Ineligible Candidates

While biostimulation is safe and effective, it might not be ideal for everyone. Here are a few considerations:

  • Patients with eye conditions — Patients should consider their pre-existing eye conditions; intense light can worsen the conditions.
  • Patients on medication that makes them sensitive to light.
  • People with diseases that make them sensitive to light. One of these conditions is lupus Lupus erythematosus (LE) and porphyria.
  • If you suffer from light-induced migraines or headaches, RLT can worsen or trigger your symptoms.

The Relationship Between Low-Level Laser Therapy and Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with significant changes in a mother’s body, and ensuring the safety of a therapeutic intervention is key. RLT is a gentle and non-invasive treatment.

According to a study conducted by Eric Wilkerson and Monica M. Van Acker et al., low-level laser therapy is safe for both the mother and the fetus. The scientists conducted a review of the literature and analyzed case reports and studies. They also paid attention to the application of red light therapy in different therapeutic applications, like skin rejuvenation, wound recovery, and pain management.

The researchers urged that the treatment is safe during pregnancy, provided people use it within the proper parameters. The treatment’s noninvasive nature, absence of thermal damage, and insignificant risk of negative impacts make it an effective treatment technique for expectant mothers.

Notable benefits of the therapy include the following:

  • Pain management — It is not uncommon to experience pregnancy-related discomforts like joint inflammation and musculoskeletal pain. RLT eases pain by stimulating nitric oxide production and dilating blood vessels. It increases blood circulation, transports more nutrients and oxygen to the painful regions, promotes recovery, and reduces inflammation.
  • Skin health — Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause skin problems like hyperpigmentation, acne, and stretch marks. The treatment has positive impacts on wound recovery, scar appearance reduction, and skin rejuvenation.
  • Better sleep — It can be challenging to get quality sleep while expecting. Biostimulation treatment can help you sleep better and have more energy throughout the following day.
  • Enhancing mood— Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can affect emotional wellness and mood. The treatment provides a sense of relaxation and overall well-being.

Postpartum and Biostimulation Treatment

Low-level laser therapy offers the following advantages for postpartum mothers:

  • Wound healing — Typically, the postpartum period involves healing cesarean incisions, episiotomies, and perineal tears. RLT treatment is popular for wound recovery because it enhances circulation and stimulates cellular activities, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
  • Skin rejuvenation: The treatment stimulates collagen production, promotes a younger appearance, and improves skin elasticity. These benefits can enhance confidence and address skin problems like uneven skin tone, stretch marks, and pigmentation changes.
  • Improves skin texture and reduces scar appearance — RLT modulates scar tissues and stimulates collagen production, resulting in a less noticeable and smoother scar in your postpartum period, especially if you underwent a cesarean section.
  • Hormonal balance — RLT can assist in the restoration of hormonal equilibrium between progesterone and estrogen levels. The therapy’s ability to reduce stress, affect neurotransmitter levels, and promote relaxation can lead to improved mental wellness and prevent postpartum depression.

Risks Nursing and Soon-to-be Mothers Should Be Aware Of

The treatment can cause your body to heat up, which could negatively affect your developing baby. Therefore, you should avoid using the therapy on your abdomen.

RLT can damage your eyes if you do not wear appropriate eye protection. Therefore, you should always wear protective eyewear when undergoing the treatment.

Photonic Stimulation Promotes Oral Health

Doctors can take advantage of RALTs ability to reduce inflammation, pain, and ulcers to help patients with oral health conditions. The treatment can also help manage unhealthy oral microbes.

Below are oral health conditions that use RLT treatment:

  • Temporomandibular dysfunction — Temporomandibular dysfunction causes jaw clicking, restricted jaw movement, and discomfort. The treatment can alleviate pain, improve muscle activities, and increase the range of motion.
  • Burning mouth syndrome — Biostimulation reduces signs in postmenopausal mouth suffering from a burning sensation in their mouth.
  • Periodontitis — RLT treats periodontitis (plaque buildup). Alongside photodynamic therapy, your dentist can aid in reducing the bacteria related to the buildup.
  • Stomatitis.

RLT Stimulates Hair Loss

A hair follicle is a tiny cavity in the skin from which hair grows. It has protein and cells that support and nourish hair shafts. A hair follicle can shrink or become dormant due to hormonal changes, environmental factors, age, and genetics.

When you use an RLT device over your scalp, the wavelength penetrates your skin and triggers mitochondria to produce adenosine triphosphate cells. The increased ATPs stimulate cells to repair themselves and work better, resulting in more active and healthier hair follicles. Dormant hair follicles can enter your hair’s active growth stage (anagen phase).

Average Cost of Low-Level Light Therapy Sessions

The average cost of RLT varies depending on factors such as your specific treatment, the duration of your session, and the service provider. Typically, a session costs between $25 and $200.

Most insurance companies do not cover the therapy. If your physician provides the service, your health insurance might not cover it, and you might pay out of pocket.

Your insurer can offer guidance on the benefits and costs available with your insurance policy.

Find a Seasoned Acupuncturist Near Me

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes low-level light wavelengths to offer many benefits for the body and skin. It penetrates the skin and increases mitochondria production, promoting collagen synthesis, blood circulation, and cellular repair.

Trinity Acupuncture, a Torrance-based clinic, can help you have practical expectations about red light therapy's benefits, risks, side effects, and results. We are committed to using state-of-the-art devices to offer targeted treatment and ensure optimal outcomes. Please contact us at 310-371-1777 to learn how we can help you.