01. WHAT IS RED LIGHT THERAPY?
Red light therapy, also called low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, is a treatment method that uses red and/or near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.
Red light devices are fitted with LED bulbs that expose the skin to specific wavelengths of light, which vary in length and are measured in nanometers (nm).
The term “red light therapy” includes red light, with wavelengths ranging from 630nm to 660nm; and NIR light, which ranges from 800nm to 850nm. Both red and near-infrared wavelengths have the most profound therapeutic applications.
When red or NIR light is shined on bare skin, mitochondria (the energy centers inside cells) soak up the light. This initiates increased energy production within individual cells and creates a ripple effect of positive biological processes. Energized cells can perform their essential functions better and faster. This, in turn, supports the functioning of the body’s systems for rapid relief of symptoms and “healing from within.”
The light emitted by LED panels does not generate heat. Red light contains no harmful ultraviolet light and has no known side effects. It is non-invasive, painless, enjoyable, and shows great potential for both patients and providers in a wide variety of health and wellness areas.
02. Who offers red light therapy?
Red light therapy is gaining widespread appeal and popularity with many types of businesses, due in large part to a growing body of anecdotal evidence backed by more than 3,000 independent studies.
One of the most common uses for LLLT is in dermatology, where patients see a dramatic reduction in symptoms of chronic skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is also used by neurologists to treat traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
03. Which Businesses Are Suitable For Red Light Massage Therapy?
Complementary/Alternative Medicine Practitioners
Naturopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, Ayurvedic practitioners, massage therapists, and yoga teachers can offer enhanced benefits to their clients using red light therapy. Whether your practice centers on biologically based therapies, manipulative/body-based therapies, energy medicine, or mind-body medicine, LLLT can offer a treatment modality that doesn’t contradict your approach and offers measurable results. A massage therapist, for example, could offer “red light massages” using two large panels mounted on a horizontal stand.
Chiropractors
Red light massage therapy is popular with chiropractors because it is a natural vasodilator, meaning it relaxes the inner muscles of the blood vessels, causing them to widen and circulation to improve. Red light also heals inflammation, which accelerates the healing of musculoskeletal pain, including low back pain, shoulder impingement syndrome, neck pain, joint pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dentists
Red light therapy can benefit your dental practice by offering your patients the pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory properties of red light, which can accelerate healing after dental procedures, and relieve myofascial pain associated with temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
Gyms, Fitness Trainers, Body Sculptors, and Sports Coaches
Give your clients a significant competitive edge with LLLT. It’s completely legal in competition, is safe, non-invasive, and suitable for both elite and recreational athletes. LLLT promotes less muscle fatigue, more muscle growth, and reduced oxidative stress.
Mental Health Professionals
LLLT has shown incredible promise as a treatment for neurological disorders, including traumatic brain injuries and degenerative disorders that lead to psychological distress and severe depression.
Optometrists
Macular degeneration is a devastating eye disorder that is the leading cause of severe, permanent vision loss in people over the age of 60—and it is one of several eye conditions that can be successfully treated using LLLT. Research has shown that macular degeneration is caused by mitochondrial dysfunction; restoring optimal energy production in ocular cells using NIR light can be an effective treatment.
Pain Management Clinics
Near-infrared light absorbs deeply into the body’s tissues where it reduces inflammation and improves blood flow to muscles, connective tissue, and joints, as well as restores normal peripheral nervous system functioning.
Physical Therapists
Red light therapy can help restore patients’ mobility and range of motion while reducing pain.
Scar Clinics
LLLT is widely used to treat burns, hypertrophic scars, stretch marks, and other types of scarring. It works by stimulating the production of collagen, activating stem cells, and reducing UV damage.
Sleep Clinics
As confirmed by a study of Chinese elite athletes, your clients can benefit from red light as a way to regulate melatonin production.
Spas and Anti-Aging Clinics
Red light therapy is well known as an anti-aging treatment that can restore a youthful appearance. LLLT stimulates the formation of new capillaries to increase circulation for improved oxygen nutrient delivery to the skin.
Veterinarians/Animal Naturopaths
Pet owners have expressed the same desire for natural treatments for their beloved pets as they want for themselves, and LLLT shows effectiveness in faster healing for dogs and horses.
Weight Loss Clinics
LLLT can balance the thyroid, which may result in easier weight loss. It also triggers the formation of microscopic pores in adipose cells, which releases lipids.
HOW TO USE RED LIGHT THERAPY IN YOUR PRACTICE
Most practitioners will schedule one client session per hour since sessions can take up to 20 minutes of therapy time.