Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy, RLT, helps the body heal itself and is thought to work by producing a biochemical effect in the cells. Specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by a photo acceptor, cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria of the cell. The mitochondria are the energy-creating, powerhouse of the cell. The energy (photons) from the lights increases the energy within the cell and that speeds up the healing process. The energy from the photons is stored through photochemical reactions in ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The use of the two lights must be specific wavelengths and must be delivered at a specific dosage. The use of two wavelengths in the light therapy pads, are a visible red and a near infrared wavelength. Using both red and near infrared lights is beneficial because the wavelengths are absorbed by different depths of tissue.
The combination of the two work in conjunction to provide benefits for soft tissue injuries, inflammation, ligament soreness, tendon problems, sore backs, splints, strains, stifle issues, sprains, swelling, shoulder pain, hip pain, sore backs, sore necks, salivary gland problems, wounds, cuts, scrapes, arthritis pain and for trigger points and acupuncture points. Visible red light (660nm) is absorbed by skin layers very efficiently and is best for uses such as stimulating trigger and acupuncture points and for treating wounds and infections. Near infrared light (880nm) penetrates to a deeper level has been used to treat concerns of tendons, ligaments, bones, joints and muscle.
RLT has been shown to increase the rate of wound healing and tissue repair and improve joint and musculoskeletal health by NASA and university research.
Red light therapy, RLT, is thought to work by producing a biochemical effect in cells that strengthens the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the energy-creating, powerhouse of the cell. The energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things is called ATP(adenosine triphosphate). By increasing the function of the mitochondria using RLT, a cell can make more ATP. With more energy, cels can function more efficiently, rejuvenate themselves, and repair damage. I specifically use RLT to stimulate acupressure points and to aid in inflammation reduction in joints.