Collagen Red Light Therapy

WHAT IS RED LIGHT THERAPY?

Red light therapy, also called low-level laser light therapy (LLLT), is a drug-free alternative to traditional medicines. It involves using a device that emits various levels of red light to target and treat skin, pain, and various health conditions. These red light devices use red and infrared light ranging from the mid 660 nanometers to the mid-800-nanometer range.

IS RED LIGHT THERAPY A HOAX?

While it may sound too good to be true, red light therapy has proven itself to be a universal treatment for many health conditions. The history of red light therapy research goes as far back as 1967 when the first device was developed, and into the 1990s, NASA started studying red light therapy for pain relief. This article will go through the many benefits and uses of red light therapy to better understand how it can help. Studies back each use and benefit to show results.

WOUND HEALING AND TISSUE REPAIR

Studies have found red light therapy to be effective in treating wounds and tissue repair. Red light therapy promotes healing by reducing inflammatory cells. Newly stimulated blood cells then form (angiogenesis), and an increase in collagen and fibroblast production occurs.

IMPROVED BLOOD FLOW

Red light therapy improves blood flow by increasing cell energy to trigger physiological effects such as boosted blood flow. Better blood flow means the body is better equipped to heal and perform.

REDUCED PAIN AND INFLAMMATION

A key result of being exposed to red and infrared light waves is the release of nitric oxide. The release of nitric oxide enhances blood circulation to deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues more effectively—this aids in the repair and regeneration of injured tissues, which reduces pain and inflammation. Red light therapy for pain offers a less invasive and safe pain relief method compared to traditional methods.

BETTER JOINT HEALTH

Healthy joints are essential to maintaining one's mobility and independence. Red light therapy has been found to improve joint health by reducing pain and extending the period between retreatment.

IMPROVED INJURY AND RECOVERY TIME

Red light therapy has been studied and used to reduce the return-to-play period of injured athletes. For example, the US track team has been spotted using it, and a study found it able to reduce recovery times from 19.23 to 9.6 days.

SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

An added benefit of red light therapy is safety. There haven't been any reports of LLLT harming a particular skin type. However, it should be noted that overexposure to any light can be damaging. Therefore, it's important to be moderate when using light treatment. Overall, red light therapy for skin can aid in treating many types of conditions.

AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Prescription drugs, for a while, have been the standard in healthcare. Unfortunately, this poses many threats to long-term health and can be addictive, depending on the type. Red light therapy poses a non-addictive alternative to traditional drugs and can even be used interchangeably.

ENHANCED BONE REPAIR AND GROWTH

One significant effect of LLLT exposure is the activation of stem cells. Stem cells are where brain cells, blood cells, heart muscle cells, and bone cells originate. When activated, stem cells travel through the bloodstream to the injured area and then transform into the needed cell type. For example, red and infrared light has been found to activate stem cells in the bone marrow to heal.

PROMOTES A HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

A key to being healthy and active is being free from ailments. Unfortunately, chronic pain can put a damper on this lifestyle. Red light therapy reduces pain and injuries to prevent them from worsening for a more effective healing process.