Red Light Therapy for Joint Pain: How it Works

May 19, 2023 Written by:Joel Gottehrer

Joint pain, in its varying degrees of severity, can truly be debilitating. It can hinder your mobility, your ability to carry out day-to-day tasks, and significantly impede your overall quality of life. It can turn simple activities like climbing stairs, opening a jar, or even just walking into grueling tasks. Beyond the physical discomfort, the mental and emotional toll of living with chronic joint pain can be equally challenging, as it can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness.

Fortunately, in the vast landscape of pain management, there exists a promising method known as Red Light Therapy (RLT). RLT is gaining recognition and popularity as a safe, non-invasive, and effective solution for joint pain relief. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to provide not just symptomatic relief, but also address some of the underlying causes of joint pain, thereby offering a comprehensive treatment option.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that may promote healing in various parts of the body such as the skin and muscle tissue. This therapy involves exposure to low levels of red or near-infrared light, which is a type of energy that your body can feel as heat but your eyes can't see. It's sometimes referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-power laser therapy (LPLT), and photobiomodulation (PBM). During the therapy, a red light lamp, device, or laser is used to expose the skin. Mitochondria, our tiny powerhouses responsible for producing energy, are then stimulated by the red light, become more active, and create more energy, which some experts believe can help cells repair and improve their overall health. Whether it’s a red light face mask or red light therapy belt, they use very low levels of heat that don't cause pain or burns which is ideal for people wanting to take advantage of at-home RLT devices.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

Yes, red light therapy is considered safe for most people. It is non-invasive, painless, and has few side effects. However, as with any medical treatment, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning red light therapy treatment.

Common Causes of Joint Pain

Joint pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injuries resulting from sports or accidents, overuse due to repetitive motion or heavy lifting, and age-related wear and tear. In some cases, joint pain can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, or lupus. These conditions can cause inflammation in the joints, leading to stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion.

Traditional Treatments for Joint Pain

Traditional treatments for joint pain typically involve a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Medications commonly used to treat joint pain include over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. For more severe joint pain, prescription medications such as corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be prescribed. Physical therapy can also be beneficial in improving joint function, reducing pain, and preventing further damage. Therapeutic exercises and stretching can help improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. In addition to medication and physical therapy, lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, low-impact exercise, and a healthy diet can help reduce joint pain and inflammation.

How Red Light Therapy Works for Joint Pain Relief

The effectiveness of red light therapy in reducing joint pain and inflammation is largely due to its ability to stimulate cellular repair processes. So how does red light therapy work exactly? When red light is absorbed by the body's cells, it triggers the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that is essential for cellular energy metabolism. ATP helps to power the body's natural healing processes, including the repair of damaged tissues and the reduction of inflammation

Red light therapy has also been shown to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that are important for joint health. Collagen provides structural support for joints, while elastin helps to maintain joint flexibility. By promoting the production of these proteins, red light therapy can help to strengthen and protect joints from damage.

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a treatment that uses low-level red light wavelengths to penetrate deep into the skin, where it interacts with cells to promote various biological effects. Red light therapy works by stimulating the mitochondria, which are the energy-producing powerhouses of cells, to increase ATP production. ATP is an essential molecule that provides energy for cellular processes, including tissue repair, regeneration, and growth. Additionally, red light therapy can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to inflammation and pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of red light therapy can also improve circulation, which can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas, promoting healing and tissue regeneration.

Red Light Therapy and Inflammation Reduction

Inflammation is a major contributor to joint pain. Red light therapy has been shown to reduce chronic pain and inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The therapy has also been found to be effective in treating other forms of joint pain, including those associated with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Accelerating the Healing Process

Red light therapy's anti-inflammatory properties have been found to enhance blood circulation, which can facilitate the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas of the body. This increased supply of oxygen and nutrients can support tissue regeneration. By promoting circulation and collagen production, red light therapy accelerates the healing process This can help to repair damaged tissues and reduce pain. Overall, red light therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for joint pain that can be used in conjunction with other therapies or as a standalone treatment.

Using Lifepro's Red Light Therapy Devices for Joint Pain

Beyond joint pain, red light therapy can effectively treat and reduce the appearance of skin conditions like acne, eczema, wrinkles, and more. If you're interested in using red light therapy for eczema, it's important to use the right type of device and follow a consistent treatment routine. To use a red light therapy device, start by removing any clothing that might obstruct the light. Then, position the device so that it's about 6-12 inches away from your skin and turn it on. You should begin to feel the warmth of the light on your skin. Hold the device in place for the recommended amount of time, which can vary depending on the device and the severity of your joint pain. It's important to use the device regularly, as directed, to see the best results.

Selecting the Right Device

Lifepro offers a range of red light therapy devices, including handheld devices and full-body panels. When selecting a device for joint pain relief, it's important to choose one with wavelengths between 630 and 680 nanometers, which have been shown to be effective for pain relief.

How to Use Lifepro's Red Light Therapy Devices

To use Lifepro's red light therapy devices for joint pain relief, simply hold the device close to the affected area and move it in circular motions for 5-10 minutes per session. Repeat this process 2-3 times per day, or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

How Long Does It Take for Red Light Therapy To Work for Pain?

The individualized nature of joint pain means that the treatment process can vary significantly from person to person. This is also true for red light therapy treatment, which can take varying lengths of time to produce results depending on the severity of the joint pain and the underlying cause. The length of time it takes to see results can also be influenced by other factors, such as age, overall health, and adherence to the recommended treatment plan. Nonetheless, it is essential to work closely with a medical professional to monitor progress, make any necessary adjustments to the red light treatment plan, and ensure that the approach is safe and effective. With consistent and appropriate use, red light therapy can offer an effective, non-invasive option for joint pain relief.

Take the First Step Towards Pain-Free Living with Lifepro

If you're ready to try red light therapy for joint pain relief, Lifepro offers a range of high-quality devices to choose from. Be sure to use our massager machines, like hand massagers to foot massagers, in conjunction with the red light therapy devices for the ultimate impact. With regular use and a commitment to healthy lifestyle habits, red light therapy can be an effective and safe solution for joint pain relief.

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Author

Joel Gottehrer

Joel Gottehrer is the Co-Founder of Lifepro Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping people transform theirs. With over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and owner of two personal training studios, Joel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping transform lives. After suffering from physical injuries, Joel and his business partner, Abraham Brach, came together with a common goal to alleviate the pain caused by their injuries. They continued to find themselves disappointed with the results stemming from various products promising to relieve their pain, and with that – Lifepro Fitness was born. Joel's mission is to have a positive impact on millions of lives with the Lifepro brand. Whether it's finding new and innovative ways to help people recover from injuries or developing products to improve overall wellness, Joel is always looking for ways to push the boundaries. Thanks to his commitment to help people live their lives free of pain, Lifepro has been able to do this for thousands of people since its founding in 2017.

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