Pinyon Physical Therapy | Best Physical Therapy in Salt Lake City

If you have social media of any kind, you have probably heard of red light therapy. It is increasing in popularity, and for good reason. In this blog, we will explain what it is (including the two main types - red light therapy and Near-Infrared Therapy (NIR therapy)), the benefits of red light therapy and NIR therapy, what research says, and how you could incorporate it into your wellness journey or physical therapy plan at Pinyon PT.

What Exactly Are Red Light and Near-Infrared Therapy?

Red Light Therapy (RLT): RLT is the use of a specific wavelength range (usually 630-700 nanometers) to treat and help with healing. Red light is particularly good at targeting more superficial layers, which is why you will often see this in a cosmetic application on the face. It is also very helpful in wound healing for the same reason.

Near-Infrared Therapy (NIR): NIR therapy uses a slightly different wavelength (approximately 700-1000 nanometers). It is used to target deeper layers of tissue like muscle and even bone. Though you can't see it with the visible eye, it is penetrating deep into your body when you use it. NIR is especially effective in helping with pain relief, inflammation reduction, and recovery.

How Red Light Therapy and NIR Therapy Work: The Science of Photobiomodulation (PBM)

Red light and NIR work through the process of photobiomodulation (PBM). Our cells have structures called the mitochondria (the "powerhouse" of the cell). Inside the mitochondria are light-sensitive molecules called chromophores. These molecules are able to absorb the light energy that is specific to the red light and NIR wavelengths. In doing so, they are able to help increase the production of ATP. ATP is what is needed for a cell to carry out its normal functions – think cleanup, repair, and regeneration.

TLDR: Our body can use the light energy from Red Light and NIR to increase its ability to carry out normal cellular functions.

PBM can also help modulate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). ROS are byproducts of normal function in our body, but too much ROS and we can have oxidative stress, which is damaging to our bodies. We need some amount of ROS, though, in order to signal help for things like fighting an infection or aiding in healing. PBM can help modulate ROS, making sure we are getting the "just right amount," not too much or too little.

TLDR: PBM (which happens with Red Light and NIR) helps our body titrate the response of ROS, making sure we have enough good signaling and limits the amount of overproduction.

PBM can help to increase the amount of Nitric Oxide (NO) released. NO plays an important role in vasodilation, which helps increase the amount of blood flow going to an area. More blood flow = more healing, increased capacity to handle inflammation and waste products, and more oxygen.

The process of PBM can lead to a cascade of cellular processes that can:

Reduced Inflammation: By modulating inflammatory pathways and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This can be a significant benefit of red light therapy and NIR therapy.
Pain Relief (Analgesia): Through various mechanisms, including reduced inflammation, nerve regeneration, and the release of endorphins. Many individuals seek NIR therapy for pain relief.
Accelerated Tissue Healing: By promoting cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels). This highlights the potential of red light therapy for injury healing.
Improved Blood Flow: Due to vasodilation, facilitated by NIR therapy.
Enhanced Nerve Function: By promoting nerve cell survival and regeneration.

How We Use Light Therapy in the Clinic at Pinyon PT

We use our Red Light/NIR therapy in the clinic to aid in the other treatments we are doing. We don't typically use it as a standalone treatment in the clinic (though you can use red light therapy at home). We would rather use it in conjunction with other tools and treatments to make sure we are using your time the most effectively with our one-on-one care.

We love to use it in addition to our manual therapy techniques and dry needling. We find it especially helpful for inflammation and soft tissue injuries. This is really helpful for our professional athletes who have an acute injury they are trying to rapidly heal in order to keep performing mid-season.

With Red Light/NIR therapy, we can target:

The site of injury to promote healing, remodeling, and reduce inflammation.
Lymph nodes to reduce edema and inflammation.
Nerves to induce analgesia (pain relief).
Trigger points to reduce tenderness and relax contracted muscle fibers.

What are the Contraindications for Red Light/NIR Therapy?

Generally, there aren't many, but we recommend consulting your healthcare provider prior to use. Here are some known ones (sourced from Cotler et al 2015):

Eyes - Do not aim laser beams into the eyes, and everyone present should wear appropriate safety spectacles.
Cancer - Do not treat over the site of any known primary carcinoma or secondary metastasis unless the patient is undergoing chemotherapy when LLLT can be used to reduce side effects such as mucositis. LLLT however can be considered in terminally ill cancer patients for palliative relief.
Pregnancy - Do not treat directly over the developing fetus.
Epileptics - Be aware that low-frequency pulsed visible light (<30Hz) might trigger a seizure in photosensitive, epileptic patients.

What the Research Says About Red Light Therapy and NIR Therapy

There are over 4000 studies that have the general conclusion that LLLT (PBM) has a positive effect on acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. That being said, the effectiveness varies in these studies, in part due to the fact that there are no standardized wavelengths and dosages established in this field. Other limitations in the research world include a lack of long-term follow-ups in human clinical studies. The use of light therapy is relatively new; therefore, we haven't had these longer-term studies done at this point. The current body of research is promising, and we will continue to see more and more research come out on this topic. Our view: the science behind it from a cellular perspective is really fascinating, the potential cascade of positive effects is vast, the risk is very low, and we have been seeing really cool results in the clinic. (Cotler et al 2015)

What Kind of Red Light /NIR Device is Best?

You want to look for a device that is FDA approved, has both Red and NIR light options, and is easy to use. We have loved using the LUMEBOX in the clinic. It can deliver both Red and NIR light simultaneously and is very portable and convenient.

If you want to try the lumebox for yourself, you can use this lumebox discount code to get you $260 off your device or use the code pinyonpt at checkout.

Want to try red light therapy? You can book a free 15-minute consultation with us at Pinyon PT to discuss if red light/NIR might help you with your pain and recovery.

Sources:

Cotler, H. B., Chow, R. T., Hamblin, M. R., & Carroll, J. (2015). The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for musculoskeletal pain. MOJ orthopedics & rheumatology, 2(5), 00068. (Specifically addresses musculoskeletal pain).

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