Light Therapy

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a type of therapy that involves exposing the skin and other tissues to low-level red and/or near-infrared light. This therapy has been shown to have a range of potential benefits, including reducing inflammation, increasing circulation, promoting wound healing, reducing pain, and improving skin health.

One of the main ways that red light therapy is thought to work is by stimulating the production of ATP, which is the energy molecule that fuels all cellular processes. The red and near-infrared light can penetrate into the skin and tissues and be absorbed by the mitochondria in the cells, where it can promote the production of ATP.

There is a growing body of research on the potential benefits of red light therapy. For example, a 2014 study published in the journal Lasers in Medical Science found that red light therapy was effective at reducing pain and inflammation in patients with temporomandibular joint disorder. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2018 found that red light therapy was effective at improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the skin.

There are also several review articles that summarize the research on red light therapy. For example, a 2017 review published in the journal Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery concluded that red light therapy has a range of potential benefits for the skin, including improving skin texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and improving overall skin health. Another review published in the Journal of Athletic Training in 2020 found that red light therapy may be effective at reducing muscle soreness and improving athletic performance.

Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of red light therapy and to identify the optimal treatment parameters, the current scientific evidence suggests that this therapy has the potential to be a safe and effective tool for promoting health and healing in a range of contexts.