Light is not just illumination. Behaving as a wave and as a particle, light can cause changes in the world around us.
Modern technology harnesses the power of light to create amazing devices. X-rays, radar, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves all use light. Light therapy is also beneficial for humans.
Light travels in waves. Scientists measure these waves in wavelengths. More specifically, they measure wavelengths in nanometers (nm).
At certain wavelengths, light takes on different colors. Light may appear red, green or blue. Red light has longer wavelengths (620 to 750 nm) than does blue light (450 to 495 nm).
Specific wavelengths of light also affect our bodies in different ways. Healthcare professionals can use blue light to kill cancer cells, for example. They may use red light therapy for pain. Red light therapy is also an oxidative stress treatment. Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals outnumber antioxidants.
Light therapy uses three main types of light:
- Red & Near-Infrared (NIR) Light – stimulates the cells’ mitochondria, or powerhouse of the cell, to boost cellular energy and reduce pain
- Blue Light – improves sun damage and treats severe acne by killing the microbes that cause it
- Green Light – may reduce the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches
Light therapy usually uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LED light is different from other light sources in that LEDs do not produce heat. The light emitted by the LED devices do penetrate the skin to cause beneficial effects.
What is Red Light Therapy for Pain?
A number of devices can emit red light therapy to treat pain. Red light therapy beds and panels can treat large areas of the body. Handheld devices offer a targeted approach.
Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared wavelengths (635nm – 940nm). This light can penetrate the skin to cause beneficial changes in tissue. Also known as photobiomodulation, red light therapy helps cells produce and transport energy.
Benefits of red light therapy can include:
- Relief from acute muscle and joint pain
- Relief from chronic muscle and joint pain
- Reduced swelling
- Reduced oxidative stress
- Production of collagen
- Faster healing
- Fewer scars
- Minimal side effects
- Painless treatment
LED light therapy colors can boost skin tone and tighten it, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and make skin smoother.
Many wellness centers and medical clinics offer red light therapy for pain and other conditions. Choosing the right provider and device can help you get the most out of treatment. Following the guidance of experts is also important.
You can get red light therapy machines for home use, but it is important to purchase from a trusted source. It is also important to know who made the device and to buy one registered with the FDA.
Can red light therapy cause headaches?
While generally regarded as safe, some patients report headaches after red light therapy or exposure to certain other colors of light. Green is the only color of light that does not cause or worsen headaches.
Benefits from Blue Light Therapy
Blue light penetrates into tissue beneath the skin. There, blue light has a profound effect on skin conditions. Blue light kills the bacteria that causes acne, for example. It also addresses sun damage.
Professionals use blue light to prevent skin cancer and remove cancerous skin lesions. In this treatment, the blue light activates a topical medicine to selectively kill skin cancer cells.
Some skincare professionals use a combination of blue light and red light therapy to treat acne. Blue light therapy from a dermatologist is more effective than an at-home treatment.
Unlike red light therapy, blue light can cause redness and swelling.
Benefits from Green Light Therapy
Researchers are testing green light therapy to see if it reduces migraine pain. The color green is associated with nature; many people consider green to be a calming color. Wellness clinics may have green walls or accents to create a calm environment, for example, and “green rooms” are a great place to relax before a stage performance.
Researchers are looking into using green light devices to ease the intensity and frequency of migraines. Patients sit in a dark room lit only by a string of green LED lights for two hours. Some patients found immediate relief in the intensity and frequency of their migraines. Many said that other colors of light made their headaches worse, but that the green light did not.
While patients would still need to take medications for their migraines, using green light therapy for pain may help them lower their dose.
Discover the Power of Red Light Therapy for Pain and the Benefits of Other LED Light Therapy Colors
Are you looking for the natural benefits of light therapy relief from different conditions? LED light therapy colors might be your answer. But it’s crucial to consult a medical professional to find the right therapy.
Our TheraLight providers are happy to help you start your wellness journey. Click the link below to find a TheraLight provider near you.
This blog was originally published on March 23, 2020, and was last updated on April 15, 2024.
