The Truth About Red Light Therapy Panels as Whole-Body Care: Joint Pain and Muscle Strains
In 2022, there were 58 million Americans over the age of 65, and according to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), by 2050, there will be 82 million, an increase of 47% in this segment. For a growing number of these seniors, aging in place is the preferred option, and it seems to have a better quality of care than going into a facility.
The costs of assisted living average around $70,800 per year, and to that end, in-home care is becoming the more frequent choice. As seniors look to reduce hospitalizations and retain their independence, red light panels are increasingly becoming part of the equation for maintaining better health while aging. Read on to learn more about how red light therapy can benefit the entire body.
How Red Light Therapy May Help with Joint Pain and Muscle Strain
Red light therapy relies on red and near-infrared light, which stimulates cellular activity, promotes healing, and reduces inflammation. It has great benefits as a supportive treatment, delivering light at specific wavelengths to penetrate the skin, providing stimulation for the mitochondria inside the cells.
In doing so, it increases production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to enhance cellular repair. While red light panels at 600 to 650 nm are best for treating the skin and other superficial tissues, near-infrared light therapy at 800 to 850 nm penetrates more deeply to address deeper issues with bones, joints, and muscle health.
Red light panel manufacturers have created these treatment option to address joint pain and arthritis, improving joint function and mobility. It can also help relieve muscle soreness and soft tissue injuries. For younger patients, it is also being explored to help with postpartum healing by restoring the tissues that make up the pelvic floor muscles.
What Is the Medical Rationale Behind the Use of Red Light Therapy Panels?
According to a study cited by the NIH in 2017, low-level laser therapy using red and near-infrared light helps heal the body by reducing pain and inflammation. Since light energy is absorbed by the cells, it paves the way for enhanced energy production. The study found that the level of light needs to be just right – too little or too much can have the opposite effect.
Wavelengths typically between 630 to 700 nm tend to work best, and as the light energy is absorbed, it allows for faster healing, creating ATP and other important molecules. Manufacturers of red light panels are able to create them at less expense, and they also have less risks associated over larger lasers, which were more costly. This has made light therapy emerge more as a preferred treatment to be used in conjunction with other procedures. Patients of all ages have all grown weary of pharmaceutical approaches to treat conditions as the side effects can be distressing. This complementary approach for whole body care through red light therapy allows them to bypass these traditional hinderances and support better health.
Rehabilitation Therapist Case Studies
Plenty of research supports the benefits of red light therapy as a supportive treatment for whole-body care. In a 2024 study involving patients with tennis elbow, pain significantly decreased post-treatment and functionality improved, showing promise for rehabilitation management of this injury.
Using red light and near-infrared light was also researched for pelvic floor muscle restoration in postpartum women. Combined with Kegel exercises, this study investigated 102 patients, separating roughly half into a control group. After the study, those who were in the observation group showed better pelvic floor rehabilitation after a period of two months.
While research continues, the preliminary findings show promising results for those with painful injuries or degenerative conditions. Used in tandem with other treatments, it may help to speed along recovery. For the aging set of the population, this could be the game-changer needed to allow for greater independence in the golden years.
Usage Guidelines for Red Light Panels
The caveat with red light therapy (RLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) as it is also known is in making usage consistent. Usage is generally recommended for a course over several weeks for results to be seen.
Red light panel manufacturers provide instructions on these devices, and it is imperative that they are followed in order to achieve results. Additionally, using these therapies should only be done while under the medical supervision of a doctor. Those curious about trying RLT should consult their practitioner to see if it is a viable treatment for their ailments.
| Therapy Target | Recommended Session Duration (in minutes) | Frequency Per Week |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Recovery and Pain | 10 - 20 | 3 to 5 times |
| Inflammation Reduction | 10 - 15 | 3 to 5 times |
The ideal positioning is important too, and experts recommend that users of these therapy panels stay about 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) from them.
Conclusion: Are Red Light Therapy Panels Worth Trying?
With stimulation of cellular activity through red light therapy, the mitochondria of cells in the body can boost energy production, resulting in support for tissue repair. It is popular for helping athletes recover from injuries due to its ability to increase blood circulation to vital tissues, speeding up muscle repair.
For those experiencing chronic pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions associated with aging, it may also be helpful in providing relief as a supportive treatment.
Since it does not use UV rays, RLT is deemed a safe option, though it may result in temporary and mild irritation or redness. Using red light panels requires following the instructions from the manufacturer to prevent misuse and injury. It is also vital that if you are considering such treatment, you speak with your doctor about incorporating it alongside your other prescribed treatments.
FAQ
1. Will long-term use of a red light therapy panel cause damage to the skin or eyes?
A: When used correctly, red light therapy panels that comply with international safety standards (such as IEC 62471 photobiological safety level RG0) are safe for long-term use. Their core operating wavelengths (660nm red light + 850nm near-infrared light) fall within the "low-risk light band" and do not pose the same risks of photoaging or burns as ultraviolet light. For facial treatments, it is recommended to use the included light-blocking goggles (which block stray light) and avoid prolonged direct viewing of the light source.
Current clinical data shows that users who use the panel daily for 20 minutes for six months experience no abnormal changes in skin barrier function.
2. What is the optimal daily duration and frequency of red light therapy panel use?
A: This depends on your needs, and we recommend using the "as needed" approach:
- Muscle/joint pain relief: Use once daily for 15-20 minutes at a 10-15cm distance. Use for 7-10 consecutive days as a cycle. Once symptoms are alleviated, reduce to 2-3 times per week for continued use.
- Skin care (wrinkle reduction, skin texture improvement): Use once daily for 10-15 minutes at a 20-25cm distance. Use for 4 weeks as a cycle. Avoid using the panel for more than 30 minutes at a time. (Excessive exposure may cause slight dryness, which can be alleviated with moisturizing products.)
Note: The panel has a built-in timer (adjustable from 5 to 30 minutes), and you can select preset modes directly based on the scenario.
3. When using a red light therapy panel, will using skincare products with it affect the results? What skincare products are suitable for use with it?
A: Proper skincare product combination can enhance the results; avoid using irritating products:
- Recommended combination: Use a gentle moisturizing serum (such as hyaluronic acid or ceramide) before treatment. Red light can open the skin's stratum corneum channels, promoting serum absorption (absorption rate is 30%-40% higher than using it alone). After treatment, use a moisturizing cream (such as squalane or shea butter) to reduce moisture loss.
- Avoid combinations: Avoid using products with high concentrations of acids (such as tretinoin or salicylic acid) or alcohol before treatment (they may worsen dryness or irritation). Avoid using sunscreen immediately after treatment (red light has no UV rays, so sunscreen is not necessary, and sunscreen ingredients may interfere with skin respiration).
4.: What are the core technological advantages of iLUXRED's red light therapy products? Do we have relevant patents?
A: We hold multiple design and utility model patents for red light therapy products and have a leading edge in core technologies, covering four key areas: spectrum control, power management, heat dissipation structure, and intelligent control systems. This ensures product performance stability and a superior user experience.
