Understanding Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive treatment that employs red and infrared light to enhance circulation and alleviate pain. Unlike harmful ultraviolet rays, RLT is safe to treat various skin conditions, promote wound healing, and reduce pain. Here at Sweeney Health Centers, we focus on utilizing RLT for the treatment of neuropathy.
RLT emits red and infrared wavelengths of light that penetrate deep into the skin and tissues. Similar to how plants utilize sunlight for photosynthesis, these wavelengths stimulate cellular repair and increase blood flow, leading to numerous health benefits. Let’s take a look at RLT and its uses and then discuss how Sweeney Health Centers of Franklin, TN can help treat your neuropathy with RLT.
Applications of Red Light Therapy
RLT is popular in both clinical and home settings for its rejuvenating effects on the skin, reduction of inflammation, and improvement in muscle recovery. Its applications include:
- Acne, Psoriasis, Anti-Aging, and Eczema Treatment: Many people use RLT at home to manage these skin conditions.
- Wound Healing and Pain Reduction: Clinical settings utilize RLT to accelerate healing and reduce joint pain, particularly in arthritis patients.
- Tissue Recovery: RLT is beneficial for recovery after injury, surgery, or intense exercise.
How Red Light Therapy Works
RLT involves exposing the skin to a light source for a specified duration, typically ranging from a few minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the treatment type and device used. These treatments can be performed at home or in a clinical setting.
At Sweeney Health Centers, we use a combination of 880nm and 660nm diodes. The 880nm wavelength penetrates deeply for cellular healing and regeneration, while the 660nm wavelength, visible to the naked eye, also provides therapeutic benefits.
Specific Uses of Red Light Therapy
- Wound Healing: RLT significantly reduces inflammatory cells post-surgery or injury, promoting faster healing and pain relief.
- Dementia: Studies have shown improvements in patients with dementia, including reduced irritability, increased lucidity, and better sleep.
- Neuropathy: RLT helps alleviate neuropathy symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain.
- Alopecia/Hair Regrowth: Home devices have proven effective in treating hair loss due to alopecia or patterned baldness.
- Dental Issues: RLT can reduce pain and inflammation caused by dental problems, including post-root canal pain.
Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device
When selecting an RLT device for patients, Sweeney Health Centers considers the following factors:
- Availability Through Doctors: Ensure the device is available for purchase only through healthcare professionals.
- Wavelengths: The device should have red and infrared wavelengths, ideally combining 660nm and 880nm for optimal results.
- Skin Contact: Devices requiring direct skin contact are superior, ensuring better light penetration and treatment efficiency.
- LED Type: Flat (surface mount) LEDs are more powerful and comfortable than round LEDs.
- Quality and FDA Clearance: Use high-quality, medical-grade devices that are FDA-cleared. Avoid low-quality products from unregulated sources like Amazon or eBay.
If you want to learn more about our Red Light Therapy at Sweeney Health Centers, contact us today!