Red Light Therapy Is a Natural Solution for Inflammation Relief

Although inflammation is a vital part of our body’s defense system, it can sometimes escalate into chronic conditions, leading to pain, discomfort, and various health issues. 

How do you treat inflammation?

Many people rely on medication, such as aspirin and Alleve, to manage inflammation, and while these treatments can be effective, they often come with unwanted side effects, especially when dealing with chronic inflammation.

However, there is a natural and non-invasive method that can help manage inflammation effectively - red light therapy. By penetrating deep into tissues and cells, red and near-infrared light stimulates cellular function and promotes the healing process.

In this blog, we’ll explore how red light therapy can help with inflammation. Supported by multiple clinical studies, red light therapy offers a natural solution for relieving inflammation and improving overall well-being.

What is inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural defense mechanism against harm. It’s a complex biological response triggered by injury, infection, or other threats to our health. There are two main types of inflammation:

• Acute inflammation: A short-term response, typically lasting hours to days. It’s characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
• Chronic inflammation: A long-term condition where the inflammatory response persists, sometimes for months or years. It can lead to various health issues and is associated with diseases like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Risks and side effects of inflammation drugs

Inflammation drugs, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, are commonly used to manage pain and reduce inflammation. While they can be effective, they also come with potential risks and side effects.

• Gastrointestinal issues: NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining, leading to heartburn, indigestion, ulcers, and even bleeding. This risk is increased with prolonged use and higher doses.
• Increase blood pressure: Some NSAIDs can elevate blood pressure, especially in individuals already at risk.
• Kidney problems: NSAIDs can impair kidney function, especially in people with pre-existing kidney conditions or those taking other medications that can affect the kidneys.
• Heart problems: Long-term use of NSAIDs has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly in high doses or individuals with certain risk factors.
• Allergic reactions: While rare, NSAIDs can cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Red light therapy fights pain and inflammation

Since medications used to treat inflammation can carry risks and side effects, red light therapy (RLT) has emerged as a natural and healthier alternative. 

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red (600nm-700nm) and near-infrared light (800nm-850nm) to stimulate cellular processes and promote healing. RLT has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation.

As Dr. Michael Hamblin, a former Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, noted, “One of the most reproducible effects of light therapy is an overall reduction of inflammation.”

Research has demonstrated that light therapy with wavelengths ranging from 660nm to 880nm and a dosage of 10J/cm² can help reduce pain and swelling. While the reduction in pain was observed, it wasn't statistically significant, and there was no significant reduction in swelling. However, light therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for managing acute pain associated with lower extremity sprains and strains.

Another study found that low-level red light therapy (0.2–1.2 J/cm²) can inhibit inflammation and normalize pilosebaceous duct hyperkeratinization, a key factor in the development of acne. This suggests that medical devices using low-level red LED light therapy may offer an effective treatment for acne.

Atop Red light therapy devices for inflammation

At Atop, we offer a variety of red light therapy devices to help manage inflammation. From panels and belts to knee braces, facial masks, and pads, our RLT products can target specific areas of pain and inflammation. These devices can effectively reduce inflammation, relieve joint pain, relax muscles, increase blood circulation, and accelerate wound healing. Many of our RLT products are portable, allowing you to take them anywhere for convenient use.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease, illness, or health problem.