Near Infrared Light Therapy: The Red Light Revolution in Healthcare

The Red Light Revolution in Healthcare

Red means go!

When it comes to traffic lights, red means stop. But in healthcare, red light therapy might be exactly what you need to go forward on your wellness journey!

While traditional western medicine relies heavily on medication and surgery, it's time to consider powerful alternatives for musculoskeletal health and beyond. This is especially relevant considering the United States has the worst healthcare outcomes among high-income countries, as documented by Tikkanen and Abrams.

Healthcare spending in the US reached staggering heights – $4.1 trillion in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and $3.7 trillion in 2019, according to Dr. Rama's report for the American Medical Association. Despite this enormous expenditure, Americans aren't getting the health results they deserve.

[T]he US has the worst health care outcomes for all high income countries - Tikkanen R & Abrams MK. 2020

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What Is Photobiomodulation (PBM)?

The science of light therapy began in 1967 when Endre Mester started experimenting with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on skin cancer. Since then, the field has evolved, and the term was replaced with "photobiomodulation" (PBM).

This change reflected an important discovery: specific wavelengths of light provide therapeutic benefits, and lasers aren't the only way to deliver them. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have become the preferred method – they're safer and more cost-effective.

The Science of Light Wavelengths

Not all light is created equal:

• Visible light wavelengths range from approximately 380 to 800 nanometers (nm)

• Photobiomodulation uses red light and/or near infrared (NIR) light with wavelengths between 600-980 nm

• These specific wavelengths trigger photophysical and photochemical responses in the body

Evidence-Based Benefits of Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy

Research has demonstrated numerous benefits of PBM therapy:

• Reduced arthritis symptoms - (Castano et al. 2007)

• Enhanced wound healing - (Tatmatsu-Rocha et al. 2016)

• Decreased chronic pain - (Martins et al. 2016)

• Lower inflammation levels - (Silveira et al. 2016)

• Improved muscle performance - (Ferraresi C, Hamblin MR, Parizotto NA. 2012)

• Accelerated muscle repair - (De Marchi et al. 2012)

• Reduced COVID-19 cytokine storm effects - (Aguida et al. 2023)

Additional research by Ablon (2018) found PBM effective for certain types of acne and psoriasis while rejuvenating skin and reducing wrinkles. Askalsky and Iosifescu (2019) discovered that transcranial PBM shows promise for those suffering from major depression.

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Safety and Efficacy

One of the most compelling aspects of PBM therapy is its safety profile. The research shows no reports of negative or unwanted side effects from proper use. When it comes to PBM, red really does mean "go"!

Professional PBM Treatment Options

In my clinic, I use Therasage's Tri-Lite Polychromatic Light Emitting Diode with wavelengths ranging from 600-980 nm. These devices serve as both standalone treatments and complementary modalities within comprehensive recovery, wellness, and performance plans.

For those interested in home treatments, you can use coupon code STLGOLFDOC to receive 10% off your Therasage purchase.*

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Take the Next Step in Your Wellness Journey

If you're wondering whether photobiomodulation or near infrared light therapy might benefit your specific health concerns, don't hesitate to contact us. Schedule your appointment today, and let us help you discover the healing power of light!

SCHEDULE HERE

Here's to your health and to changing the status quo!

Dr. David Didlake, DPT

PT, Cert. SMT/DN, CSCS, Cert. TPI Medical Level 3, Dip. Osteopractic, FAAOMPT

Owner, Integrative Therapeutics "Home of the Saint Louis Golf Doc"

Follow me @theintegrativeclinic @thestlgolfdoc

*I may receive compensation with your purchase

Related Articles

1. Electric Dry Needling: A Modern Approach to Pain Relief. by Dr. David Didlake, DPT

2. Blood Flow Restriction Training: The Science-Backed Method for Maximum Muscle Gains with Minimal Resistance. by Dr. David Didlake, DPT

3. Manipulation Therapy Explained: Benefits, Safety, and When It's Right For You. by Dr. David Didlake, DPT

4. Collagen: The Essential Protein for Golf Performance and Recovery. by Dr. David Didlake, DPT

5. The Critical Role of Hydration in Athletic Performance and Overall Health. by Dr. David Didlake, DPT

References

For those interested in the scientific evidence behind electric dry needling, we've included some key research citations:

1. Tikkanen R, and Abrams, MK. U.S. Health Care from a Global Perspective, 2019: Higher Spending, Worse Outcomes? (Commonwealth Fund, Jan. 2020).

2. Castano AP, Dai T, Yaroslavsky I, et al. Low-level laser therapy for zymosan-induced arthritis in rats: Importance of illumination time. Lasers Surg Med. 2007; 39:543–550. [PubMed: 17659584]

3. Tatmatsu-Rocha JC, Ferraresi C, Hamblin MR, et al. Low-level laser therapy (904 nm) can increase collagen and reduce oxidative and nitrosative stress in diabetic wounded mouse skin. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2016; 164:96–102. [PubMed: 27661759]

4. Martins DF, Turnes BL, Cidral-Filho FJ, et al. Light-emitting diode therapy reduces persistent inflammatory pain: Role of interleukin 10 and antioxidant enzymes. Neuroscience. 2016; 324:485–495. [PubMed: 27001179]

5. Silveira PC, Scheffer Dda L, Glaser V, et al. Low-level laser therapy attenuates the acute inflammatory response induced by muscle traumatic injury. Free Radic Res. 2016; 50:503–513. [PubMed: 26983894]

6. Ferraresi C, Hamblin MR, Parizotto NA. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) on muscle tissue: performance, fatigue and repair benefited by the power of light. Photonics Lasers Med. 2012; 1:267–286. [PubMed: 23626925]

7. De Marchi T, Leal Junior EC, Bortoli C, et al. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in human progressive-intensity running: effects on exercise performance, skeletal muscle status, and oxidative stress. Lasers Med Sci. 2012; 27:231–236. [PubMed: 21739259]

8. Aguida, B.; Chabi, M.-M.; Baouz, S.; Mould, R.; Bell, J.D.; Pooam, M.; André, S.; Archambault, D.; Ahmad, M.; Jourdan, N. Near-Infrared Light Exposure Triggers ROS to Downregulate Inflammatory Cytokines Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Human Cell Culture. Antioxidants 2023, 12, 1824. https://doi.org/10.3390/ antiox12101824

9. Ablon G. Phototherapy with Light Emitting Diodes: Treating a Broad Range of Medical and Aesthetic Conditions in Dermatology. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018 Feb;11(2):21-27. Epub 2018 Feb 1. PMID: 29552272; PMCID: PMC5843358

10. Askalsky P, Iosifescu DV. Transcranial Photobiomodulation For The Management Of Depression: Current Perspectives. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2019 Nov 22;15:3255-3272. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S188906. PMID: 31819453; PMCID: PMC6878920.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.