red light therapy

What is red light therapy?  

No, this red light doesn't have anything to do with Roxanne.  Sorry Police / Sting fans.  Basically, red light therapy is the use of red or infrared light emitted via a device directly onto your skin to help activate your mitochondria (the powerplants of cells).  The activation of your mitochondria can increase energy/ATP production, improve blood flow, and therefore increase your body's natural healing potential.  It's like taking the best parts of sunlight, removing the UV radiation, and using it to help tissues heal better. 

Does red light therapy work?

I recommend red light therapy to my patients often for their various musculoskeletal issues.  Numerous studies support the ability of red light therapy to improve wound healing and reduce scar tissue after surgery, in addition to many other benefits.  Additionally, there are several studies which show it also helps with muscle pain and muscle recovery. It also has added benefits of facial skin rejuvenation (reducing fine lines and wrinkles) and hair growth.

Although the data is early, the results of red light therapy as a whole are promising with little downside.  So far the results I have seen on my own patients, especially with wound healing, have been very good.

How often should I use it?

Red light therapy is used around 15 minutes per day with results seen as early as within 2 to 3 weeks.  I use it frequently myself.

As always, check with your doctor before starting red light therapy or any new similar type of treatment.

Recent articles red light therapy:
1. Kurtti A, Nguyen JK, Weedon J, Mamalis A, Lai Y, Masub N, Geisler A, Siegel DM, Jagdeo JR. Light emitting diode-red light for reduction of post-surgical scarring: Results from a dose-ranging, split-face, randomized controlled trial. J Biophotonics. 2021 Jul;14(7): e202100073. doi: 10.1002/jbio.202100073. Epub 2021 May 4. PMID: 33788987.

2. Leal-Junior EC et al. Effect of phototherapy (low-level laser therapy and light-emitting diode therapy) on exercise performance and markers of exercise recovery: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci. 2015 Feb;30(2):925-39. doi: 10.1007/s10103-013-1465-4. Epub 2013 Nov 19. PMID: 24249354.