Light therapy uses our body’s reaction to different spectrums of light to promote increase cell metabolism, decrease pain and inflammation and speed up healing of musculoskeletal pain.
The technical term for light therapy is “photobiomodulation,” and you might also hear it referred to as “red light therapy”, “LED therapy”, “low level laser therapy,” “infrared therapy” or “LightStim ” (the brand name of the FDA-approved ProPanels we use in our office).
The healing properties of light have been known for thousands of years. Even ancient Olympians used to sunbathe to decrease muscle fatigue & promote recovery!
Light therapy takes the best properties of sunlight, and precisely focuses them in order to get the maximum benefit. Our LightStim treatments have several advantages over direct sunlight. It’s UV-free, doesn’t depend on the weather and available 365 days a year!
In the modern era, NASA has used photobiomodulation to treat pain in astronauts during spaceflights! This is important when they are in artificially lit spaceships for extended periods of time.
Similarly, some gyms such as Planet Fitness provide red light therapy as a way for gym-goers to recover after a hard workout. A Total Body Enhancement Machine, as it is called, works in a similar way to a tanning bed, but uses infrared instead of ultraviolet to target muscles and reduce inflammation.
How Does It Work?
Remember photosynthesis from biology class? Plants convert sunlight into energy that helps them synthesize the nutrients they need to grow.
Photobiomodulation works in a similar way, harnessing a photochemical reaction in the body to create nitric oxide. This speeds the body’s healing by making sure cells have the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal damaged tissue.
The LightStim ProPanel we use contains 1400 LED lights combining four different wavelengths of red light therapy: light red, deep red, light infrared and deep infrared.
Over 4000 studies and 400 clinical trials support light therapy’s effectiveness!
Common Questions about Light Therapy
Who does the treatment?Our staff of licensed physical therapists. and trained assistants.
Is red light therapy supported by research?Over four hundred clinical trials and four thousand studies support the use of light therapy for ailments including pain and inflammation, tendinopathy, neuropathy, arthritis, wound healing and general tissue repair.
How often do I have to come to the office for treatment?It depends on your PT treatment plan, but many patients come once or twice per week for a month or two. We offer smaller at-home units and try to pair light therapy appointments with scheduled PT visits to maximize your convenience. You may also want to buy your own home unit, which are available at affordable prices. Lightforce lasers are a popular choice, so if you are curious the cost of a lightforce laser may suit your budget.
Will my insurance cover red light therapy?While physical therapy visits are usually covered by insurance, light therapy generally is not covered by your plan. We offer payment options and package discounts for this affordable treatment.
What can it treat?
Light therapy is an effective way to treat many musculoskeletal issues, including:
- Pain and inflammation
- Tendinopathy
- Arthritis
- Neuropathy
- Wound healing
- General tissue repair
Our medical staff can even use it to repair acne scarring or stimulate hair regrowth!
What to expect
LightStim treatments are quick and painless. Some patients report a slight warming sensation after several minutes, but unlike a tanning bed, this feeling is not intense. There are no restrictions on activity or downtime before or after LightStim treatments.
Want to learn if LightStim is a good option for you? Fill out the form below and we’ll give you the information you need to help make a decision!
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