How To Get Instant Pain Relief Naturally with the Best Red Light Therapy Devices

Inflammation no more! How to Harness Red Light Therapy to Soothe Inflammation at Home Reading How To Get Instant Pain Relief Naturally with the Best Red Light Therapy Devices 10 minutes

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What Is Red Light Therapy?
But How Does Red Light Therapy Benefit Pain?
What Does the Science Say About Red Light Therapy's Benefits for Pain?
How to Use Red Light Therapy at Home for Pain
Using Red Light Therapy for Pain
People Also Ask

We’ve all suffered from pain from time to time, and finding effective, healthy ways to deal with it instead of resorting to painkillers as a quick fix is a constant search. Whether it’s chronic back pain, period pain, post-workout soreness, or arthritis, many are looking for non-invasive treatments.

One of the most promising treatments that has gained traction globally is red light therapy. One of the reasons it’s become popular is that it’s easy to use at home, compared to treatments like physiotherapy, which require frequent and often expensive trips to the clinic.

Here, we’ll break down how red light therapy for pain and inflammation works, the scientific backing behind it, how to use it, and the best red light therapy devices for pain to use at home.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

A quick recap if you’ve heard myths about it and want to clarify what it is: during red light therapy, your skin is exposed to low wavelengths of red or near-infrared (NIR) light. Red light typically ranges from 620-750 nanometers (nm), while near-infrared ranges from 800-1000 nm. The most beneficial frequencies are 630 nm and 660 nm in red light, alongside 810 nm, 830 nm, and 850 nm in near-infrared light.

But How Does Red Light Therapy Benefit Pain?

These wavelengths of light penetrate deep into your cells and are absorbed by the mitochondria—the cell's powerhouse. They stimulate the mitochondria to produce more energy (ATP), thus providing your tissues with energy for healing and rejuvenation.
Here’s a detailed explanation of how red light for pain relief works:

Red Light Increases Blood Flow

When red light enters the skin, it stimulates the release of nitric oxide. It does this by stimulating enzymes in the mitochondria, specifically cytochrome c oxidase, to release nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a natural vasodilator; it relaxes blood vessel walls, causing increased blood flow. More blood brings more nutrients to the inflamed/injured area, which supports your body’s natural healing process.

Red Light Reduces Inflammation

Red light reduces pro-inflammatory markers. Pro-inflammatory markers are molecules, typically proteins, that signal and promote inflammation in the body. Red light blocks these signals in cells that cause inflammation, like NF-κB. This lowers the levels of inflammatory chemicals, such as TNF-α and IL-6, helping to reduce inflammation.
Many studies have shown this effect. For example, a recent study demonstrated that red light therapy decreases levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines by modulating NF-κB pathways, thereby reducing pain in patients with arthritis. (1) This makes red light therapy at home for nerve pain an excellent solution for sufferers of chronic pain.

Red Light Enhances Collagen Production

Red light has been shown in multiple studies to stimulate collagen production by activating fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for collagen production. When red light penetrates and increases ATP production, the excess energy also stimulates fibroblasts as a by-product, resulting in greater collagen synthesis. Greater collagen helps repair damaged tissues and improve skin elasticity. Additionally, stronger, more elastic tissues can better support surrounding structures, further alleviating pain. (2)

Red Light Helps Repair and Regenerate Nerve Cells

Red light promotes the proliferation of Schwann cells, which are essential for nerve healing. It also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, creating a favorable environment for regeneration. A study published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery demonstrated that red light therapy significantly improved nerve regeneration and functional recovery. (3) This makes red light therapy at home for nerve pain a solution for those suffering from neuropathy.

What Does the Science Say About Red Light Therapy's Benefits for Pain?

There’s a plethora of scientific evidence that supports the use of red light therapy for pain management across a range of conditions. Here are some recent studies:

Chronic Pain Relief

A study by Pain Research and Management found that red light therapy significantly reduced chronic low back pain. Nine patients were randomly assigned to receive either IR therapy or a placebo. Results showed a significant reduction in pain for the IR group, with mean pain scores dropping from 6.9 to 3.0 over seven weeks, compared to a smaller decrease in the placebo group. (4)

Arthritis

Various clinical trials have demonstrated red light therapy’s ability to reduce inflammation and improve joint function in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients. Red light therapy was shown to reduce inflammation and recover joint function. The study found that patients experienced less joint pain and better mobility after regular treatments. (5)

Red Light Therapy for Muscle Recovery

In a pilot study, researchers assessed the effectiveness of red light therapy in speeding up the return to play (RTP) for injured university athletes. They treated 395 injuries over 15 months, finding a significant reduction in RTP time, averaging 9.6 days compared to an anticipated 19.23 days. Additionally, 78.5% of participants reported satisfaction with the treatment. This suggests that red and infrared light therapy for muscle pain post-exercise is a promising approach, though further controlled studies are needed.

How to Use Red Light Therapy at Home for Pain

Getting started with red light therapy at home is straightforward and requires just a reliable device and the right method. Here’s how to effectively implement it:

Choose the Appropriate Device
Select a device that aligns with the area you want to treat. For full-body treatments, consider a large, powerful panel like the Red Light Therapy PowerPanel—MEGA. For more typical home use, mid-sized panels priced between $500 and $1,500 work well. An excellent mid-range choice is the Red Light Therapy PowerPanel Mini, available for about $599 AUD.
Ensure Correct Wavelength Emission
Your red light therapy device should emit both red and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. Red light is beneficial for surface-level issues like skin damage, while NIR penetrates deeper to tackle pain and other deeper tissue problems. The optimal range for red light is between 600 to 650 nanometers (nm), while NIR light should be between 800 to 850 nm. Devices like those from BlockBlueLight are specifically optimized for these wavelengths.
Check Power Density
Power density, measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²), indicates how much light energy the device delivers to the skin. A higher power density allows the light to penetrate more deeply. Look for devices with at least 100 mW/cm²; for example, the Red Light Therapy PowerPanel—PRO has a power density of 160 mW/cm².
Verify LED Quantity
Ensure that the panel is equipped with numerous light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A higher number of LEDs contributes to better light distribution and more effective treatment.
Safety Certifications
It's crucial to use a device that adheres to safety regulations. All BlockBlueLight panels are FDA-registered and comply with standards like AS/NZS 60335.2.27:2020, AS/NZS 60335.1:2020, and CE.
Flicker-Free and EMF Safe
Flickering lights can lead to discomfort and eye strain and may hinder the effectiveness of the therapy. BlockBlueLight’s panels eliminate flicker for a smoother experience.
Incorporate Safety Features
Our devices include timers to help avoid accidental overuse, which can lead to skin irritation. Since many users find red light therapy relaxing and may doze off, setting a timer for 10-20 minutes is essential. All panels also come with safety goggles to protect your eyes from intense light exposure.

Using Red Light Therapy for Pain

Red light therapy at home for nerve pain

If you're using red light therapy for sciatic pain or any kind of pain, follow these steps for a successful session:

Prep the Treatment Area
Ensure the area is clean and free from any dirt or topical products, unless you’re using red light to enhance absorption.
Position the Device
Place the device 6-12 inches away from the targeted area for effective penetration.
Set the Timer
To prevent burns, always set a timer for 10-20 minutes. Many users report falling asleep during their sessions, so this step is crucial.
Wear Goggles
If treating areas near your face, put on the included safety goggles. Although red light isn’t known to harm the eyes, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Relax and Enjoy
Turn on the device and make the most of your time. You might listen to music or practice mindfulness while the therapy works.
Be Consistent
For optimal results, aim for 10-20 minute sessions at least 3-5 times a week. Consistency is key in experiencing the full benefits of red light therapy.

How To Get Instant Pain Relief Naturally with the Best Red Light Therapy Devices

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What Is Red Light Therapy?