Search

Introducing: Red Light Therapy

workofheartfarm
Aug 8
2 min read

With all the talk about red light therapy on social media, I thought it was time to shed some light on what it is (and isn't), its effectiveness as a complementary therapy alongside other modalities, and how to best utilize this type of treatment to boost the effectiveness of your massage and Reiki sessions here at Work of Heart!

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, low-level laser therapy, or low-power laser therapy, works by having a continuous red light placed on a targeted area of skin, usually at a light wavelength between 630 – 700 nanometers. This stimulates the production of mitochondria, a main energy source in cells, to help promote cell growth, repair, and function. As a non-invasive, holistic treatment modality, this is the PERFECT addition to Work of Heart's arsenal!

What types of conditions can benefit from Red Light Therapy?

Red Light Therapy can be used for a wide variety of conditions, and even alongside other treatment modalities (PT, massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, etc)

Skin & hair: psoriasis, acne, wrinkles, eczema, minor wounds, hair loss (encourages hair regrowth), dark spots, discoloration, loose skin
Muscles & joints: Muscle/tissue recovery, muscle & joint pain (including arthritis & osteoarthritis), inflammation, Fibromyalgia
Improved circulation
Soothing relief from anxiety, depression, and stress
Chemotherapy support: Lymphatic system support, pain and mouth sores associated with chemotherapy
Many more uses still being discovered

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

While Red Light Therapy doesn't use UV (like a tanning bed), and is completely safe in most cases, care should be taken not to overdo it. "Too much" red light varies from person to person, but in general, you should cut back if you notice redness, swelling, or blistering. These symptoms are usually reported for people doing 60min or more, daily.

That said, adding 30min of Red Light Therapy at the end of your massage session is completely safe and even beneficial for those seeing me weekly/bi-weekly. Those with a history of skin or eye cancers, or people with darker skin tones, should talk to their dermatologist and primary care physician before using the panels.