When it comes to pain and reduced mobility, the most common culprit is inflammation. It’s estimated around 350 million people worldwide are affected by inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and joint diseases.
Now, there’s a common misconception that all inflammation is bad, and that’s not true. Some inflammation is good. Acute inflammation shows that your body is fighting against invaders, protecting and healing the affected area. However, chronic inflammation is different.
What are the differences between acute and chronic inflammation?
Inflammation can occur for various reasons and doesn’t always mean there’s an infection. Acute inflammation can occur from:
The immune system is triggered and releases white blood cells to the affected area. In addition, tissues accumulate plasma proteins, which leads to a buildup of fluid that causes the area to swell. With time, the area heals with the swelling and inflammation subsiding.
While acute inflammation decreases once the area is healed, chronic inflammation is caused by white blood cells attacking healthy tissues and organs.
Chronic inflammation can persist for months, even years. It’s linked to various diseases such as:
But is there a solution to reduce acute and chronic inflammation? Or do people with inflammation need to live in pain and discomfort? Well, this is where red light therapy can help.
Does red light therapy help inflammation?
In short, yes. Red light therapy helps with inflammation. But how? Red and near-infrared light therapy deliver wavelengths of light into the skin, penetrating into the cells. The wavelengths of light stimulate the cell’s energy production and reduce oxidative stress, allowing your body to speed up the natural healing process and reduce inflammation.
Changing your daily habits to reduce inflammation
While undergoing red light therapy treatment to reduce inflammation, you can make other small changes in your daily routine to further help yourself.
#1 Get deep and restful sleep every night
We tend to undervalue the importance of a good night’s sleep; however, sleep is crucial in reducing inflammation. Sleep deprivation can increase inflammation, and long-term sleep disorders can cause chronic inflammation. Luckily, red light therapy can also help stabilize your circadian rhythm and get you a restful sleep.
#2 Eat anti-inflammatory foods and stay hydrated
Your diet can help you moderate your inflammation. To help maintain your inflammation, eat a balanced diet of protein, fats, and carbs (whole grains). In addition, make sure you stay hydrated.
#4 Stay away from inflammatory foods
Certain foods can increase inflammation in your body. So, it’s essential you stop eating those foods or significantly limit them. Inflammatory foods include:
#4 Stay active
When there’s inflammation, it may feel more comfortable to be sedentary. However, that doesn’t help your body. To overcome inflammation, you need to move. Get active and exercise on a daily basis.
#5 Incorporate red light therapy as a part of your daily routine
Red light therapy is extremely helpful to reduce inflammation, but only if you’re using the treatment on a regular basis. Dr. Hamblin, one of the world’s leading photo-medicine researchers, says that light therapy can reduce inflammation.
If you’re looking to use red light therapy for skin inflammation, acute or chronic inflammation, it will help reduce discomfort and pain, while speeding up the healing process. Professional athletes and doctors use red light therapy to enhance recovery after sports-related injuries, and the results are outstanding.
So, whether you have inflammation from a sports-related injury, infection, or disease, light therapy can act as the best treatment in reducing symptoms of inflammation.
Luckily, Kaiyan Medical produces MDSAP-certified and FDA-approved light therapy products and devices for your own at-home treatment or even for your patients. We've worked hard to provide solutions for both patients and healthcare practitioners, catering to various needs. Whether you're looking to private label your own light therapy devices or for home use, contact our team, as we would love to help you through your light therapy journey.
We can usually identify inflammation when we see it. The inflamed part of the body looks red and swollen, and it feels hot and painful. But in this article, we’ll find out why we experience inflammation, as well as its causes, risk factors, and how red light therapy devices can help reduce it.
Inflammation is our body’s natural response to pain, irritation, damaged cells, exposure to germs, and potential danger. There are two types of inflammation:
1. Acute inflammation
This type of inflammation happens as our body’s healthy response to injury or stress. We mean “healthy” because it helps the body recover faster. The inflammation happens only for a few hours and then starts to repair the damaged tissue.
2. Chronic inflammation
On the other hand, chronic inflammation can be excruciating and may cause discomfort or inconvenience. It causes an imbalance in the body, making it operate inefficiently over time. Chronic inflammation can be caused by viral infections, repetitive tissue damage, autoimmune reactions, and persistent and recurring acute inflammation. At its worse, this type of inflammation may lead to more serious diseases and/or conditions such as cancer, stroke, depression, and heart disorder.
Common Causes of Inflammation
Anything that causes stress on your body may lead to inflammation. These include:
Signs of Inflammation
There are five common signs of inflammation:
For acute inflammation, doctors normally recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. Meanwhile, chronic inflammation may also be prescribed with NSAIDs, along with steroids and supplements.
However, these common treatment options help prevent inflammation symptoms but do not deal with the root cause, including improper cellular function, biological imbalance, and damaged tissues. This is also why lifestyle changes (improved diet, regular exercises, and high-quality sleep) and red light therapy could be of great help.
Red light therapy, also referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive treatment option. This kind of therapy delivers wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light to your skin and cells for multiple benefits. When it comes to inflammation, it can help cut down oxidative stress and activate protective cellular mechanisms to boost your immune system and protect you from diseases that may cause inflammation. It can also boost the generation of healing agents and antioxidants in the body to speed up damaged tissues' healing process.
Red light therapy can give your body the light exposure needed to function more efficiently, improve blood flow, and limit inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural part of our biological processes, but chronic cases may also lead to serious health risks that can affect the quality of your life. Therefore, if you’re experiencing signs of inflammation, regardless if it’s acute or chronic, please schedule an appointment with your doctor to get the care and treatment you need as early as possible.
In the meantime, to protect your body from the stress that may cause inflammation, you can do red light therapy either through a health provider or from the comfort of your home. If you need to purchase red light therapy devices, you can browse through our catalog to see the brands and products that we offer.
As humans, we are made of energy and fueled by light. While nutrition and exercise play a role in our well-being and health, light plays a crucial role in us functioning optimally. New and groundbreaking research is unearthing a new understanding of how our cells function and the evidence points to the power of light.
Through technological advancements in science, it’s discovered that our bodies operate similar to a battery. Wavelengths of light give us power, while our overall health determines our ability to receive and maintain the energy from light. And this is where light therapy comes into the equation.
Science has proven that our bodies interact with specific wavelengths that benefit our bodies in various ways.
Red light therapy devices, such as light therapy masks, shine red and near-infrared light onto the skin, stimulating the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within the mitochondria. By stimulating ATP, damaged cells heal, and new cells are produced faster than normal. But we’ll talk more about that in-depth a little later.
Red light therapy comprises both red light and infrared wavelengths, penetrating through the skin’s layers, right into the cells. Red light wavelengths boost collagen and elastin and improve cell communication. It penetrates superficially and helps aid various skin conditions.
Near-infrared wavelengths stimulate healing, increase mitochondrial function, and improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation. Near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeply into the body.
At the core of your body’s healing capabilities are the mitochondria. The mitochondria play a vital role in your internal organs and tissue, including the liver, skin, heart, and muscles. It’s in charge of the body’s energy supply via ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
With both working together, they provide energy to our body and maintain the cell cycle and growth. This is why you’ll often hear the mitochondria referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell.”
Here's how the mitochondria is affected by red light:
Interestingly, our body weight is made of 70% water, with 99% of our bodies' molecules also made of water, making it a powerful component in red light therapy treatment.
Research by Prof Gerald Pollock of the University of Washington proved that water adjacent to a cell is structured water, also known as EZ water. This specific water forms a separation of charge, functioning in the body as positive and negative poles - similar to a battery.
While we’ve been talking about red light therapy, what does it actually mean? Typically, “red light therapy” refers to natural light treatments which deliver red and near-infrared wavelengths as natural sunlight using LEDs or cold lasers.
While you may think red light therapy includes all colors of light, it doesn’t. The term doesn’t include blue or white light, and it isn’t equivalent to full-spectrum light. Red light therapy doesn’t rely on heat, differentiating it from other light-based treatments such as infrared saunas and heat therapy.
Red light therapy is also known as RLT, photobiomodulation (PBM), phototherapy, LED therapy, LED light therapy, infrared therapy, low-level laser therapy, or low-level light therapy (LLLT).
As stated before, red light therapy works to heal the entire body and functions on multiple levels.
Red light therapy affects the body in multiple ways, including bodily systems:
Fascia
Fascia is the thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds virtually every organ, muscle, nerve fiber, blood vessel, and bone in place. While it performs as an internal structure for your body, the fascia also contains nerves, making it almost as sensitive as skin.
The fascia may look like a layer of tissue; however, it’s made up of interwoven layers of collagen and elastin fibers. The fascia is overlooked, yet over recent years, it has been the key to understanding how changes in one area of our body affect others. Red light therapy works to improve communication within the fascia network.
Gut-Brain Axis
The gut-brain axis connects the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions. Recent research discovered the importance of gut microbiota concerning these interactions.
Red light therapy can positively influence mood and neuropsychological issues by the following:
Immune System
Red and near-infrared light penetrate through the skin into the cells, which results in low-dose metabolic stress that strengthens the cells’ anti-inflammatory and natural defense systems. In turn, the body becomes resilient to infections.
Safe and low exposure to red light therapy improves the body’s response to external viruses and bacteria. Red light therapy can influence the immune response in the following ways:
Circulatory System
Red light therapy is scientifically proven to increase the micro-circulation of blood and support the circulatory system as a whole by stimulating the development of new capillaries which carry oxygen throughout the body.
Proper oxygen supply and flow are essential for the proliferation of cells, protein synthesis, tissue restoration, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis. In addition, circulation is also responsible for waste elimination, specifically degenerated cells.
Nervous System
The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, neurons, and neural support cells, which is your body’s command center. It controls your movements, automatic responses, and other body systems such as digestion and breathing.
Red light therapy affects the nervous system in the following ways:
For all forms of nerve damage, red light therapy offers non-pharmaceutical treatment options.
Stem Cells
Red light therapy shows impressive results regarding stem cell growth, maximizing the potential of stem cell implantation for various medical needs. Therefore, red light therapy may show positive results after surgery to stimulate stem cells which repair tissues and organs.
In studies, red light therapy has proven to stimulate mesenchymal stem cells in bone marrow, enhancing their ability to reach the brain. This research shows the possibilities of using red light therapy to heal degenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
It’s clear red light therapy provides multilevel treatment to the body, becoming a popular natural and holistic option for both professionals and consumers, but where did it come from?
Light therapy technology isn’t new; it’s been around for decades as NASA experimented with red light therapy during the 1980s and 1990s. Over the past 10-20 years, red light therapy reached a breakthrough in LED lighting technology, allowing the production of safe and affordable clinical and at-home devices.
In 2016, Kaiyan Medical became the first leading manufacturer of red light therapy of affordable FDA-approved and MDASAP-approved light therapy devices.
We mentioned red light therapy being a holistic treatment option, but what does that mean. Holistic medicine is a full-body approach to healthcare. By focusing on the body, mind, and soul, the body receives the full support and care it needs to function optimally.
Principles of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine is based on the following principles:
The purpose of treatment is to identify the underlying cause of the disease, rather than treating only the symptoms.
While there are endless benefits the body receives from red light therapy, here are the six main benefits.
Photobiomodulation, in other words, red light therapy, has proven effective against carpal tunnel syndrome, mucositis, neck pain, menstrual cramps, temporomandibular joint pain, and neuropathic pain from amputation. It also significantly reduces the pain of hypersensitivity while improving sensorimotor function.
These improvements come after anti-inflammatory cells populate the injured area, providing long-lasting pain relief. In addition, it’s also been shown to provide effective relief by affecting the following:
Red light therapy has proven to be highly effective in rapidly treating wounds from burns, scars, bedsores, ulcers, surgery incisions, and diabetic neuropathy.
NASA strongly supports this claim as this technology was used in treating wounds. Red and near-infrared light proves effective in all four phases of the wound-healing process:
These processes are regulated by various factors connected via nitric oxide (NO) signaling release, adjusted by light energy.
An issue the body encounters when trying to heal a wound is low oxygen flow, and red light increases the flow of oxygen, speeding up the natural healing process. By reducing inflammation and increasing oxygenation of the wounded area, blood vessels can form, rapidly repairing the area, lessening pain and scarring.
By reducing pain, red light therapy eliminates the reliant on pharmaceutical painkillers during the healing process.
The human body receives energy on the cellular level, maintaining communication between organs and ensuring disease resistance.
A strong immune system works to protect the body from harmful bacteria and viruses at all times. With red light therapy, the body receives a boost of support as it releases nitric oxide and melatonin, two components involved in DNA repair and antimicrobial.
This process is called hormesis. Red and near-infrared wavelengths penetrate through the skin into the cells, causing mild metabolic stress, which stimulates cells to activate their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant response.
With the support of red light therapy, the body is better prepared to fight infections. Numerous studies have proven red light therapy to have the following effects on the immune system:
Inflammation in the body can be acute and topical (short-term, resulting from sprains, infections, and accidents) or chronic and general (long-term, caused by ongoing conditions).
Acute inflammation is a healthy bodily response; however, chronic and general inflammation can negatively impact long-term health.
As of today, the current treatment for inflammation is NSAID or steroid drugs, both having a detrimental effect on the healing process and long-term health. Red light therapy stimulates the body to activate its natural healing mechanism, reducing the health risks of long-term drug use.
Red light therapy decreases the number of inflammatory cells, increases fibroblast proliferation (cells that synthesize collagen and other matrix macromolecules), stimulates angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels), and activates the body’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant response.
The following conditions are connected with chronic and acute inflammation, all proving promising results with red light therapy treatment:
Red light therapy is extremely popular in competitive sports and performance. It offers natural and non-pharmaceutical treatment, which applies to many areas of the body.
Aside from the overwhelming benefits on overall health, red light therapy encourages muscles growth and repair by stimulating the production of ATP, which aids in faster recovery and better performance.
Red light therapy used before training prepares and strengthens the body while aiding muscle recovery after training.
Here are the scientifically documented effects of red light therapy:
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depressions, impacting 5% of Americans, specifically during the winter when there’s less natural sunlight. SAD is also known as seasonal depression or winter blues.
Many people treat SAD symptoms via bright white light treatment, mimicking the sun’s light daily. However, researchers recommend natural light treatment, like red light therapy, to help with light deficiency. Over recent years, physicians recommend red light therapy alongside psychotherapy and medication.
While many people are using red light therapy devices for at-home treatment, red light therapy systems are found in many clinical and professional settings:
Skincare Professionals: Red light therapy is a popular skincare treatment among Hollywood celebrities, including Kourtney Kardashian, Julia Roberts, and Emma Stone. Leading skincare professionals like dermatologists and aestheticians use red light therapy to help promote collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and treat skin conditions.
Health Practitioners: Health practitioners from all specialties are incorporating red light therapy into their practice. Dentists use it to reduce inflammation, physicians for mental health conditions, and oncologists for cancer side effects.
Natural Health Experts: Leading voices in the health and wellness industry such as Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, Ben Greenfield, and Dave Asprey strongly support the use of red light therapy. Paleo and Keto health experts like Robb Wolf, Mark Sisson, Luke Story, and Dr. Anthony Gustin also support red light therapy.
Sports Medicine Pros: The National Sports Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) adopted red light therapy to treat sports injuries. Top trainers and doctors, including Dr. Troy Van Biezen and Dr. Ara Suppiah, use red light therapy to heal their athletes.
Elite Pro Athletes: Professional athletes worldwide, including NFL stars like Patrick Peterson, UFC champion Anthony Pettis, and gold medal gymnast Sanne Weavers use red light therapy to enhance performance and quicken recovery.
Fitness & Training: World-renown fitness trainers, including Lacey Stone and Jorge Cruise, use red light therapy to enhance athletic performance and muscle recovery.
Supportive Cancer Care: The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) recommends the treatment of red light therapy for oral mucositis (OM), a common symptom of cancer treatment.
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Based on Washington Post, an estimated 20.3% of Americans (50 million) experience chronic pain, making it seem as if it’s a part of being alive. And while we’ve grown to accept the fact we’ll experience pain at some point, we rarely realize the negative impact pain can have physically and mentally. When ignored or mistreated, acute pain can manifest into chronic pain, bringing along a series of adverse long-term effects. This can create a cycle of pain and can immensely affect one’s ability to use the area in pain. Chronic pain can also develop many health issues, including high blood pressure, fatigue, sleeping problems, and even eating disorders.
When we talk about pain relief, it’s mandatory to bring up pain medications. While this type of pain relief is tempting because of its convenience, it can bring further health complications. Low-risk drugs such as ibuprofen may be harmless at first, but overuse can have adverse health consequences. And opioids are proven to lose effectiveness long-term, making them highly addictive. But then, “how do we manage pain safely and effectively?” One option is the holistic method of red light therapy.
To understand red/infrared treatment clearly, one must first understand what the light spectrum is and how it works. The light spectrum visible to the human eye is just a portion of the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Our eyesight is only able to see wavelengths from 380 to 700 nanometers. Nanometers are units of measurement which measure light. One nanometer equates to one billionth of a meter.
Humans can only see violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red colors on the light spectrum. Humans are not able to see infrared, which is measures in the mid-800s nanometer range. As objects become hotter, they produce more energy which is dominated by shorter wavelengths. Thus, changing colors before our eyes. Flames from a blow torch, for example, transform from red to blue as their temperature increases and wavelengths grow shorter.
Scientists use the light spectrum as a method for measuring the temperature of stars. Our sun produces more yellow light because it has a 5,500 C° temperature. If our sun were cooler, say 3,000 C°, it would have a reddish appearance. If it were 12,000 C°, it would appear to be blue.
One the light spectrum, blue light is measured at 400 to 500 nanometers. This type of light therapy is commonly used for bright light therapy (aka phototherapy). It’s proven to increase alertness, memory, and moods. It’s beneficial for turning off melatonin production to make us feel more alert. It should be noted that too much blue light can cause sleep disorders. It’s recommended to limit electronic usage at night because they emit blue light.
When it comes to blue light therapy, it’s best to proceed with caution. Due to its lower wavelengths and higher energy levels, blue light can cause eye damage. Studies have shown light colors between 415 and 455 nanometers to cause harm to the eyes — standard electronics including TVs, computers, and cell phones produce wavelengths from 400 to 490 nanometers. Additional research is needed to understand the long-term effects.
In comparison to blue light, red light is on the opposite end of the spectrum. Red light is delivered in the mid-600 nanometer range, while infrared is in the mid-800s. Due to its range and longer wavelengths, infrared is invisible to the human eye.
Red and infrared light, commonly used to treat skin and pain conditions, have been proven to be a holistic treatment for:
These types of light are effective because of their ability to penetrate deep into the skin. Red and infrared light promotes melatonin production. This stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is essential to function properly as it provides our body’s cells with energy. This is why red light therapy products are so effective for speeding up the healing process.
Red light therapy lights are effective because of their ability to reach deep into the skin without damaging it. Red light therapy machines penetrate 2–7 centimeters into inner skin layers using red and infrared light to effectively reach muscles, nerves, and bones. Wavelengths from 700 to 1,000 nanometers are ideal for treating inflammation conditions.
The warmth we feel from the sun is infrared light. Infrared light does not contain ultraviolet radiation, which is harmful to us. Once the skin is penetrated, red and infrared light becomes absorbed by photoreceptors in our body’s cells. This creates a series of metabolic events and natural processes within the cells. When our bodies are exposed to red light therapy, here’s what happens:
When it comes to how red light therapy works and improves our body’s functions, it’s pretty complex. There is still much research required to understand how it works fully, its benefits, and the long-term effects. Yet, our current knowledge shows a promising future for pain relief and holistic health.
Red light therapy has clinically proven to be versatile for treating many pain types, including chronic, joint, neck, osteoarthritis, and more. Because it provides targeted pain relief, it’s incredibly versatile for various conditions. We’ve provided a list of the many pain types red light therapy helps, along with studies.
Because of its general safety, red light therapy can be used at home or anywhere it’s needed. It’s excellent for anyone with chronic pain and can be used as often as it’s needed, up to three times per day per target area.
A study on elderly patients with osteoarthritis in their knees (joints) found red light therapy to treat their pain and disability.
Red light therapy for neck pain is an effective treatment for chronic pain in the neck. One study involving 60 students with chronic neck pain found red light therapy an effective pain relief method. In six weeks, red light therapy increased range of motion, decreased pain, and improved functionality.
By nature, osteoarthritis causes inflammation in affected areas. This makes red light therapy an excellent treatment for osteoarthritis. A study that compared high-intensity light therapy to low-intensity light therapy found both effective decreasing pain and improving function when combined with exercise.
Red light therapy enhances the healing process by boosting the body to lower swelling in target areas. Chiropractors use red light therapy to treat bursitis because it effectively treats this condition.
Healthline reports red light therapy as an effective short-term method for carpal tunnel relief. However, these studies are limited.
45 patients with diabetic foot ulcers, in a study, reported improved blood circulation and autonomous nervous system regulation after using red light therapy.
A study conducted in 2011 on patients with psoriasis compared red and blue light therapy’s effectiveness. Participants were given high-dose treatments three times each week for four hours, applying 10% silicic acid solution to plaques. The study concluded both are effective in treating psoriasis.
It’s been shown that red light therapy reduces pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Healthcare professionals are now starting to study and consistently use red light therapy to diagnose and analyze this condition. Red light therapy gives them the ability to see how much light passes through the body. RA often alters the number of tissues, water, and blood in the affected area. Red light gives doctors an insight into how it’s progressing.
When treating ailments, red and infrared therapy offers a drug-free, safe, and effective relief method. Extensive studies on red light therapy show it a great source of foot pain relief, back pain relief, and more. As studies move forward, we’ll continue to gain a fuller understanding of red LED light therapy, its capabilities, and the conditions it can treat.
When it comes to recovery for athletes, red light therapy has made significant strides. During the Rio Olympics, the US track team was spotted bringing a $181,000 red light therapy bed to the event. Micheal Hamblin, a Harvard expert, stated, “red light therapy may help you recover from exercise, sleep better, heal wounds and injuries like tendonitis, reduce arthritis.” What’s more, a study involving 65 athletes with varying strains, sprains, tendonitis, ligament damage, and contusions found red light therapy to reduce the average return to play period. This treatment was able to reduce the average recovery time from 19.23 to 9.6 days.
Rats with Osteoporosis experienced enhanced bone repair and growth via red light therapy. This was achieved through stimulation of the newly formed bone, fibro vascularization, and angiogenesis.
With more than 15 years in the light industry, we can help you develop a light therapy device for all the conditions described above.
In 2019, 20.4% of adults had chronic pain, and 7.4% of adults had chronic pain that frequently limited life or work activities (referred to as high impact chronic pain) in the past 3 months. Chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain increased with age and were highest among adults aged 65 and over.
To make the right decision about effective therapies for reducing chronic pain, it’s important to understand how each method works and what results you can expect. TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a drug-free therapy that is available to assist with chronic pain management.
The TENS device consists of a control unit, an electrical lead, and gel pads or metal plates applied to the skin. When turned on, the TENS device delivers a low voltage current through the electrode pads placed on the skin. This current activates non-painful sensory nerve fibers and creates a tingling sensation.
You can use it at a doctor or physiotherapist clinic. You can also hire or purchase a TENS machine to use at home.
The electric current from the TENS machines acts on both the peripheral nervous system (nerves extending to your limbs and skin) and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to reduce pain.
In the peripheral nervous system, TENS reduces pain through a mechanism called ‘gate control.’ The TENS current activates fast transmitting non-painful sensory nerves. This nervous input travels much faster than the slowly transmitted pain signals, reaching the central nervous system first. These signals compete with the painful nerve signals, preventing the pain signals from traveling to the higher pain centers of the brain[2].
TENS acts by releasing pain inhibiting chemicals in the central nervous system, including natural endorphins and serotonin, and reducing chemicals that otherwise elevate painful sensations. There’s also evidence that pain inhibiting activity occurs in the central cortex of the brain during TENS therapy.
For effective pain relief, a TENS device needs to be used for 30–60 minutes and can be used for up to 2 hours. It can be used several times a day, as needed.
TENS should not be used on broken or desensitized skin, over an area of infection, or in a malignant tumor.
Areas of the body where it is unsafe to use TENS include the head, the front of the neck, or the chest. You should avoid placing the electrode over the carotid artery.
You can use TENS, where the electrodes are placed on either side of the spinal column, but you should not place the TENS electrodes directly over the spinal column.
Patients who should not use a TENS machine include less than 36 weeks pregnant, patients with a cardiac pacemaker, or patients with epilepsy.
Most people will not experience side effects. However, there is a small risk of allergic reaction to the electrode pads. Overuse of the machine may lead to muscle soreness, and setting the intensity too high can produce discomfort and muscle twitching.
Holistic medicine is a whole-body approach to healthcare. It aims to improve health and wellness through the body, mind, and soul.
Holistic medicine is based on several core values:
LED stands for light-emitting diode. These lights have been in use since the 1960s, but people have only recently begun to use them as a skin treatment.
Before red light therapy entered the health and wellness industries, NASA developed LED lights to grow plants in space. But that was short-lived as LED’s benefits for wound healing and human tissue growth became visible.
LED lights, including blue and red, use varying wavelengths to penetrate the skin and absorb cells. The cell’s absorption triggers a biological process that helps the skin, muscles, and tissues rejuvenate and heal.
What makes LED treatment popular is its non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive treatment for healing acne, reversing sun damage, healing wounds, and other skin conditions.
Using LED treatment may be an amazing option for those who prefer a natural and non-pharmaceutical option to manage joint and muscle issues. By using a specific combination of visible and infrared wavelengths, you can heal the body from the inside out, healing conditions including arthritis without any side effects.
Whether you’re suffering from arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or a different ailment, here are the top five pain relief devices to try.
5) Double Side FDA Cleared Red/Infrared Lights Therapy Glove
Those who have arthritis or repetitive strain injury should avoid gripping and straining the area. The double side therapy glove can surround their hand for complete coverage without injuring their wrists or fingers.
4)The Multifunction Pen LED
A portable solution, ideal for travel, the multifunction pen LED is around the size of a flashlight, using specific wavelengths for anti-inflammatory treatment in localized areas of application.
3) Handheld Device with LED Red Light
The LED red light therapy handheld device is built with an ergonomic handle, allowing the wrist to naturally rest and the fingers to grip comfortably. Its compact and efficient design is ideal for travel.
2) Light Therapy Infrared Light Panel for Whole Body
Are you looking for deep penetration? The light therapy infrared light panel has the largest amount of diodes, ideal for full body treatment. It’s ideal for reducing inflammation, increasing circulation, and stimulating cell growth.
1. FDA Cleared Red/Infrared Led Light Therapy Pad
A red/infrared light therapy pad is ideal for treating larger or numerous areas of the body, including the lower back. You can apply the therapy pad for 15 minutes, receiving the ideal amount of LED light for treatment.
When it comes to pain, we could hardly avert it! Especially the muscle pain. Given that the human body has over 600 muscles, it is tough to avoid muscle pain. Evidently, one out of three Americans is affected by muscle pain annually.
Not only this, Musculoskeletal pain affects around 116 million Americans, which results in poor productivity, missed work or school, fatigue, and lost interest in work.
But doesn’t we treatments for this chronic pain? Of course, we do have several options. Currently, therapies available consist of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, pain medications, and surgery. Each of these has its own specific risk profiles.
What we need now is an effective solution that is less time-consuming, low risk, safe and non-invasive, and yet cost-effective. All these features are available in treatment; we call Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT). Light therapy has been in the medical field over the past forty years. Light therapy has been demonstrated to lessen inflammation and edema, promote healing in a range of musculoskeletal pathologies. LLLT is being accepted around the globe. This is an advanced, cost-effective, non-invasive therapy for pain that could elevate the quality of life while reducing your financial strains. The causes of muscular pain are numerous. Hence, LLLT helps people from all fields like sports, fitness, medical, and even old age.
In this process, light with a wavelength in the red to the near-infrared region of the spectrum (660nm–905nm) is employed on the skin surface. The reason for using these wavelengths is that they have the ability to penetrate the skin and soft/hard tissues. From various conducted clinical trials, this treatment is proven to have a good effect on pain, inflammation, and repairing of the tissues. The therapy goes from 30 to 120 seconds or more a week, depending upon the pain's severity.
Based on the tissue condition, the therapy can go on for weeks or months. LLLT has resulted in relief and reduction of inflammation, pain relief, and accelerated tissue regeneration.
But how does the light actually work?
Do you know that many acute orthopedic conditions such as strains, sprains, muscular back pain, frozen shoulder, neck and back pain, etc., are amenable to Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT)?
The Infra-Red light relieves pain in a different section of the body and increases relaxation sensation while also comforting the muscles. LLLT has been shown to enhance the multiplication of cells like fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and lymphocytes. Fibroblasts and keratinocytes are two major cell types that respond to the inflammatory phase in the repair/regeneration process.
LLLT can enhance neovascularization, promote angiogenesis, and increase collagen synthesis to succor in the healing of acute and chronic wounds. The LED light sessions have shown the ability to heal skin, nerves, tendons, cartilage, and bones. Low-intensity LLLT stimulates mitochondria and also enhances the mitochondrial membrane potential.
The peripheral nerve endings of nociceptors (also known as the pain receptors), consisting of the thinly myelinated and unmyelinated, slow-conducting C fibers, lie within the epidermis. This complex network converts harmful stimuli into action potentials. Moreover, these nerve endings lie on the surface or superficial in nature, making the LLLT wavelength penetration work easy.
Hence, with the rise of chronic pain in different countries, it is imperative to validate cost-effective and safe techniques for managing painful conditions, allowing people to live active and productive lives. Light therapy is constantly evolving in relieving muscular pain. It improves the muscle's endurance, reduces muscle soreness, joint pain, and inflammation.
It’s time to let go of the pain!!
Experience the difference with light therapy from Kaiyan Medical.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12605431/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27472858/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4743666/
When it comes to muscle and joint stiffness, osteoarthritis, and arthritis, the one thing in common is pain and inflammation. When suffering from joint and muscular conditions, a person’s range of motion decreases, and swelling and skin redness increase, making everyday tasks a struggle.
Many young to middle-aged people are unaware of these conditions as they’ve been labeled as conditions mainly for the elderly; however, things have changed.
Though these conditions are common within the elderly community, we’re seeing an increase among young adults. In the United States alone, 23% of adults — over 53 million people — have arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In other words, joint pain isn’t just for old age, as we once thought.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) appears in every 8 in 100,000 people between 18 and 34 years old. Of course, no one — young or old — wants to wake up feeling joint stiffness, swelling, or pain every morning.
However, the old myth that arthritis is untreatable is about to be debunked with light therapy.
Naturally, a medical professional will have to make a conclusive arthritis diagnosis. However, once diagnosed, many people find home treatments to deal with the pain — like light therapy. And the people who are undergoing light therapy are receiving incredible pain relief from their treatment. For example, a study published in the Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that infrared light treatment on inflammatory arthritis of the spine (spondylitis) encouraged increased function and improved quality of life for participants.
But what’s the science behind red light therapy treating joint conditions? Red light therapy uses low levels of red light to stimulate a natural response to cell performance. The light penetrates through the layers of the dermis, entering the muscles and nerves. As the cells absorb the energy, they become more active, with increased blood flow to the treated area, promoting cell regrowth and regeneration. Through this combination of increased blood flow and cellular activity, it rapidly reduces inflammation and pain.
With the recent advancements in modern technology, those who have arthritis or other joint conditions no longer need to opt for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. These forms of the medication come with serious side effects such as edema, heartburn, stomach ulcers, cataracts, bone loss, and elevated blood clots. This alternative non-invasive treatment allows people to choose a drug-free treatment that reduces swelling, inflammation, and pain through red light therapy.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that elderly patients who underwent red and infrared therapy treatment had reduced their pain by 50%. Besides, they found participants who underwent red and infrared light therapy had a significant improvement in function. Another study from 2016 saw a substantial reduction in pain and an increased range of motion after five to seven red light therapy treatments for Bouchard’s and Heberden’s osteoarthritis. These studies are only a few examples of how red light therapy shows results as an effective treatment.
A little red light can go a long way for your body, mind, and soul. More and more people recognize the benefits of red light therapy as a natural home treatment. For people suffering from any joint condition, red light therapy will reduce inflammation, eliminating joint and muscle pain.
But there’s more to red light therapy than this. It’s important to be reminded that light therapy also heals other ailments in the body. Red light therapy is effective for injuries, muscle recovery, cancer side effects, skincare, and depression.
With an FDA-approved and MDA-certified Lunas red light therapy device, users can achieve optimal therapeutic results by merely exposing their bare skin to the light for a few minutes per day. Healing yourself doesn’t need a lot of time or money; you need the right tools. Lunas light therapy devices have the power to heal bodies and minds all around the world.
