Red light therapy usually consists of LED (light-emitting diode) technology that is being used to improve a number of ailments, which can range from various skin conditions to issues with muscle tissues.
This unique therapy method was discovered by Endre Mester in 1967 while use of it has increased significantly in the past few years.
What is Red Light Therapy Treatment?
Red light therapy, also known as RLT and LLLT (low-level light therapy), is typically done with a laser or an LED. That said, the use of lasers has been decreasing in favor of LEDs, partially because the latter are nonablative, meaning that they do not harm the skin’s surface. Regardless, both can improve its appearance.
The name of this type of therapy comes from the literal red light that is often used during the procedure. It is either low-level red or infrared light, the latter type being invisible but just off the light spectrum from where red is.
This treatment method does things such as reduce inflammation, improve your circulation, stimulate cells to repair themselves and help with general recovery from wear and tear. In addition, some people use this kind of therapy in a more proactive manner, such as utilizing it prior to exercising. That is because increasing your circulation normally results in a better, more productive workout afterwards.
Also, in many cases, pain relief will be experienced during and following a session.
How does Red Light Therapy work?
A red light therapy session consists of the repetitive exposing of your skin to that red or infrared light or laser. This process stimulates your body’s cells, causing them to produce more energy, to become more effective. That, in turn, results in inflammation being reduced, blood circulation improving and an overall improvement in your healing process. Pain relief and endorphin release may take place as well.
As for the nitty-gritty details of this process’ benefits, the mitochondria are experiencing a biochemical effect that ends up strengthening them. What are the mitochondria? They are the source of a cell’s energy, and them becoming more effective through improved electron transportation and oxygen consumption results in greater efficiency. More to the point, those cells are then more effective in what they do and can better engage in self-repair.
How Red Light Therapy Works with Chiropractic Care in Visalia, CA
We offer red light therapy for a number of reasons as it does, in fact, work effectively in tandem with the chiropractic care that we provide our patients.
For example, chiropractic adjustments help relieve tension and improve joint mobility while related inflammation can then be targeted and improved by red light therapy.
Another way to look at it is that this type of light therapy provides effective, short-term relief from pain and inflammation, regardless of if they occur before or after a chiropractic procedure, while chiropractic care itself is viewed as more of a long-term solution for those symptoms.
Also, consider that our correcting a spinal misalignment will result in this light therapy method then becoming more effective, including in ways that are not directly related to that realignment.
Meanwhile, a chiropractic adjustment combined with red light therapy can enhance your range of motion more than either of those treatment methods would be able to do on its own.
How Our Care Plan Works
1. Better
First, getting you out of pain fast and restoring mobility based on your exam and the goals you have for yourself. Our focus is on getting you feeling better and moving better. We prove that our process can help you feel better quickly. This allows you to take control of your health during the restoration process and sets you up for long-term success.
2. Stronger
Next, we create a stronger and healthier you. Through corrective exercises and continued treatments, we focus on healing damaged tissue and rebuilding strength. When you’re no longer constantly thinking about your problem and taking a more active role in your health, you’ll know you’re getting stronger and more confident.
3. Healthier
Here we help you to take ownership of your health. This phase allows you to live the life you want without worrying about pain. Regular “tune-ups” and at-home exercises keep you strong and healthy.
Common Conditions We Treat with Red Light Therapy in Visalia, CA
Red light therapy can treat numerous conditions, connected with chiropractic care and otherwise, in addition to providing you with a number of other health benefits. We will share several of those with you as well as what you can expect when you have a procedure and after it is over.
Migraines
A condition that it can assist with that many do not think of are migraines and other types of headaches. It is believed that this benefit occurs as a result of reduced inflammation and improved circulation. Also, headaches that are caused by tight muscles can be relieved through this therapy method’s targeting of those muscles.
Joint Pain
Related to joints is, of course, arthritis and other types of joint inflammation. This treatment method can ease those symptoms as well.
Sciatica
Sciatica is another condition that can be helped by Red Light Therapy.
Cellulite
If you have cellulite, note that these procedures may decrease it, particularly if they are being done in combination with regular exercise.
Strained Muscles
Did your workout end with you suffering from a strained muscle or other type of injury? Fortunately, red light therapy can often help ease those painful situations as well.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is one condition that red light therapy can treat. This can be related to your back and neck as well as to your joints and elsewhere.
Health Benefits of Red Light Therapy in Visalia, CA
Red light therapy can also provide numerous other health benefits, many of which are unrelated to specific conditions.
Stimulation of Endorphins
One is the stimulation of endorphins, which is believed to be connected with the reduction of pain, another health benefit that may result from this.
Simply experiencing a greater range of motion as a result can prove to be so beneficial to some. So can reducing generalized inflammation and improving overall circulation.
Healing
Healing is usually also helped, so if you have a wound that needs healing and tissue that requires repairing, note that this procedure can help that take place in a faster, more effective manner.
Carpal Tunnel
Short-term benefits related to carpal tunnel syndrome are possible as well.
Scars
If you have scars, whether from a burn or otherwise, or suffer from psoriasis, red light therapy can help reduce those scars and lesions. It can assist people who are suffering from sunburns as well.
Hair Loss
Red light therapy has also reversed hair loss in some people.
Check Out Our Location Near You
3710 W Mineral King Ave, Visalia, CA 93291
What to Expect During a Red Light Therapy Session in Visalia, CA
During the Procedure
Have you seen red light beds at the fitness center that you normally work out at and wonder what it would be like to use one? Or maybe this is all brand new to you, and you are just now learning about it. Regardless, we will share what you should expect during a red light therapy procedure.
But first, before we get to that, note that you should speak with your chiropractor beforehand about what your goals are for this and succeeding sessions. For example, do you have a physical condition that you would like to get treated, or are you looking at this as more of a general wellness procedure?
Also make sure to discuss your skin’s sensitivity to light if that applies to you.
This type of information will help them determine the best wavelengths to use, how long your procedures should last and how many days or weeks you should return for more of these experiences.
As for a single procedure itself, it will usually last at least three minutes, potentially up to 20.
In many cases, you will be using a red light therapy bed. It usually looks similar to a tanning bed, but, of course, this one serves a very different purpose. It is best to wear minimal clothes in it, such as shorts and, for women, a sports bra, so that as much skin is exposed to that red light as possible.
During those 3-20 minutes that you are lying in that red light bed, you will likely feel a little warm, but you should not be hot. Think of it as more of a gentle uptick in temperature. Overall, most people report this to be a relaxing procedure.
Note that there are also red light panels, which are smaller and focused on a part of your body, like your back, and hand-held devices, which are designed for even smaller areas, such as a sore joint, that you could use instead of a bed.
After the Procedure
Once those minutes have elapsed and your time in the red light therapy bed has concluded, the light panels should turn off. That is your cue to get up and out of it. But make sure to do so slowly, especially after your first time. That is because some experience lightheadedness at this point. If that ever describes you as you get ready to stand up, stop and wait until your lightheadedness has passed before standing.
Generally, that is the only potential post-procedure side effect that people experience although some report limited and temporary swelling or redness.
As for the positive effects that will likely be occurring afterwards, those can include reduced swelling and pain, a relaxed mood and, that evening, improved sleep quality. Also, if you are going to work out right after this, you should experience a higher-quality workout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is red light therapy safe?
Typically, these procedures are safe. The main thing to watch out for is ensuring that you do not use one of these beds for more than 30 minutes as burns and lesions can result if you do. That said, beds normally have timers that result in them shutting off after the designated number of minutes have passed.
Also make sure to use eye protection as doing so will keep your eyes safe.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions that are needed will vary, mostly depending on their intended purpose. But a general response to this question would be two or three 15-minute sessions a week, continued for one or more months.
But, again, what works best for you may be different. For some, a shorter or longer time frame per session could be best. Meanwhile, there are cases when going just once a week is enough to see desired results while some receive recommendations to take advantage of this treatment method multiple times a day, at least in the beginning, such as if their circumstances are especially significant.
Can I combine red light therapy with chiropractic adjustments?
Yes, you absolutely can combine red light therapy with chiropractic adjustments. In fact, they often go hand in hand.
For example, say that you get your spine aligned, which, in and of itself, improves the functioning of your nervous system. If you follow that up with this type of therapy, you would be further helping your tissues receive the nutrients and oxygen that they need.
Also, red light therapy can help your body heal from a chiropractic procedure, benefits that can include reducing resulting inflammation and pain.
Are there any side effects?
There are usually minimal or no side effects unless you experience burns from using the red light therapy bed for longer than 30 minutes or from a defective bed.
As long as you underwent this procedure as it was intended, the most common side effects that you may experience afterwards is lightheadedness, swelling or redness, but all of those should dissipate in minutes or hours. Meanwhile, during the treatment itself, you could experience a tingling feeling or itching that goes away once it ends.
Who should not use red light therapy?
Most can use this therapy method. The main people who should refrain from doing so include those who have cancer, have had an organ transplant or are pregnant.
Also, if you have a darker skin tone or skin of any shade that is vulnerable to light, you should speak with your chiropractor or a different health professional before taking advantage of red light therapy as hyperpigmentation is possible in these circumstances.
Also note that those who have skin that is not usually sensitive to light may temporarily be sensitive to it if they are taking medication that causes that. If this describes you, you may want to refrain from using this therapy method until you are no longer on that medication.
Meanwhile, people who have tattoos might want to consider not utilizing a red light bed or otherwise having this therapy method be used on the tattoo-covered parts of their skin.
