If you’re tired of health bills piling up every time you have a simple pain problem, then red light therapy may be the answer you’re looking for. Before the name scares you off - let us explain!
Also known as a low-power laser, red light therapy is a relatively new venture in medical science but has already gained some popularity. Healthcare practitioners and patients have realized the high efficiency of red light devices due to their affordability and ease of use.
Whether you’re struggling with pain or some type of skin condition, red light therapy can offer you benefits that conventional medical practices won’t. Keep reading to find out what red light therapy is, how it works, what red light therapy devices you should use, and how to do red light therapy at home.
What Does Red Light Therapy Mean?
Red light therapy works precisely as the name suggests: you expose your skin to specific low wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, which penetrate the skin to stimulate cellular activity and initiate healing. For red light therapy, the most valuable frequencies are 630 nm and 660nm, whereas for near-infrared light, they are 810 nm, 830 nm, and 850 nm.
Red light therapy can be used for several health and medical issues. According to experts, this therapy may help with pain relief, a youthful skin look, rehabilitation of sports injuries, and healing wounds. Some studies have even found that red light therapy may be effective in decreasing the side effects of cancer treatments. (1)
Before we jump into how often you need to do red light therapy, let’s examine the science behind how it helps with the problems mentioned earlier.
Why Does Red Light Therapy Have Health Benefits?
At its core, why does red light therapy work? Your cells’ mitochondria absorb these wavelengths of red light. As the cell's powerhouse, the mitochondria produce more energy when they receive this light. Here are the benefits that result from this process:
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Reduced inflammation: Human bodies contain specific molecules known as pro-inflammatory markers that signal inflammation. Overall, inflammation is the body’s normal response to injuries and is necessary to promote post-injury healing. However, excessive and chronic inflammation can lead to other issues, such as heart disease or stroke.
This is why reducing inflammation is necessary, and red light therapy can be a great tool. Red light blocks signals from pro-inflammatory markers, lowering inflammatory chemical release. How often do you need to use red light therapy to reduce inflammation? This depends on the patient, but as a general rule of thumb, three to five sessions a week can make a lot of difference. - Increased blood flow: The mitochondria contain certain enzymes that get stimulated when red light enters the cell. This stimulation leads to the release of nitric oxide, which acts as a natural vasodilator. By relaxing the blood vessels, it increases the flow of blood throughout the human body. The improved blood flow helps the body in its healing process. This effect was demonstrated in a 2021 study that used 670 nm light to stimulate vasodilation. (2)
- Repair of nerve cells: Red light therapy has also been shown to help in nerve healing, by increasing the production of Schwann cells. Furthermore, it can also facilitate nerve regeneration and functional recovery. You may wonder how long it takes to do red light therapy for nerve repair. Generally, long-term nerve problems show improvement after a consistent use of red light therapy for around 12 weeks. Some people may see improvements even earlier, depending on their pain condition and device.
This brings us to our next point: how to do red light therapy at home?
How to Do Red Light Therapy?
Using your red light therapy at-home device isn’t difficult at all; you just need to follow a few simple steps:
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Clean the treatment area: Make sure no creams or other products are applied. However, if you’re using the therapy to improve product absorption, you may leave them on.
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Properly position the device: For effective penetration, keep the device 6-12 inches away from the treatment area.
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Set your timer: Red light therapy has soothing effects, and many people tend to fall asleep. Set a time for ten to twenty minutes so you don’t accidentally overheat your body.
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Put on safety goggles if needed: If the treatment area is near your face, make sure to wear the included goggles. Red light therapy won’t generally harm your eyes, but taking all necessary precautions is better.
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Turn on the device and relax: The last part is essential. Try playing music, meditating, or even listening to a relaxing audiobook.
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Stay consistent: Stay consistent in your red light therapy sessions for best results. People commonly ask, "How many times a week should I do red light therapy?" The optimal amount is 3-5 sessions of ten to twenty minutes per week.
What Can I Expect During My Red Light Therapy Session?
First-time users of red light therapy may have certain confusions, which some expectation setting can sort:
Don’t expect it to hurt: Red light therapy is noninvasive, so most people won’t experience any pain. You may feel a slight warmth on your skin, but it shouldn’t be unpleasant.
Expect to relax and doze off: You might underestimate how soothing red light therapy can be; many people can doze off. So, instead of stressing about the process, just lean into it and let it relax you.
Give it time: Not everyone will see a visible result after the first session. You may need to give it a bit more time, depending on your concern. Consistency and patience are two essential pillars of the red light therapy process.
How to Pick a Red Light Therapy Device?
BlockBlueLight has a range of red light therapy devices ideal for at-home usage, but how do you choose the best one for yourself? There are a couple of different factors to consider here:
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Size: Your device should be appropriately sized for the area you’re looking to treat. Those seeking full-body treatments should pick a large and powerful panel, such as the Red Light Therapy PowerPanel—MEGA. However, for milder home usage, you can typically pick a mid-sized panel that ranges between $500 and $1,500. The Red Light Therapy PowerPanel Mini, priced at $599, would be a phenomenal choice.
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Wavelength Emissions: Any device you pick should emit both red and near-infrared wavelengths. The former helps with surface-level issues, while the latter can penetrate deeper into the skin and tackle deeper tissue problems. As mentioned previously, both these light variations are only helpful at specific wavelength ranges. Choosing a device from BlockBlueLight will ensure that you pick a panel optimized for these ranges.
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Power Density: Power density is measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²) and reveals how much light the skin receives from the device. You should generally look for devices with a power density of at least 100 mW/cm², as higher densities allow better and deeper penetration. The Red Light Therapy PowerPanel—PRO is an excellent choice, with 160 mW/cm² in power density.
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LED Quantity: Panels with more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer more effective treatment as they deliver better light distribution.
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Flicker-free Lights: Flickering lights are annoying but can pose more significant problems in your red light therapy device. In addition to causing discomfort and eye strain, they can also reduce the effectiveness of the therapy by causing uneven light distribution. This is why our panels come with 24V DC, which removes the chance of flickering.
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Safety Features: BlockBlueLight devices come with timers to ensure optimal usage. Accidentally overusing the panel may cause skin irritation, so you should consider setting a 10- or 20-minute timer. Devices also include safety goggles that prevent your eyes from prolonged light exposure.
People Also Ask
Does red light therapy actually have health benefits?
Yes, there have been several studies that prove how red light therapy can help with pain reduction, decrease inflammation, and aid nerve regeneration.
How often to do red light therapy at home?
Three to five times a week is more than enough for red light therapy sessions at home. If you’re using this therapy for pain reduction, you can also start with daily sessions, which you gradually decrease to 3-5 times a week. The adequate number of sessions will depend on the severity of your condition.
How long do you need to do red light therapy at home?
This depends on the type of problem you’re looking to treat. More minor issues may show improvement within 4-6 weeks, whereas deep-rooted issues may require up to 12 weeks of consistent usage. Notice how the issue feels after every session so you know when to stop.
Can I use my phone during red light therapy?
The best practice is to avoid using your phone or any other electronic devices during red light therapy. Instead, try relaxing and being mindful in the moment.
To learn more about red light therapy, refer to the following articles:
- How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
- Can You Do Red Light Therapy Every Day?
- Is Red Light Therapy Damaging To Eyes?
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How To Do Red Light Therapy For Hair Loss At Home?
References:
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6732/9/1/10
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134421000919
