Light therapy products can be used for a variety of health, wellness, and beauty applications. How you use the device is important for seeing optimal results. The type of light therapy you use—red light, blue light, infrared light, blended lights—also affects the treatment results. Review these answers to frequently asked questions about:
How does light therapy for pain relief work?
Unlike a heating pad, light therapy works underneath the skins surface, penetrating a 1” to 1”1 ½” below the skin’s surface. Light therapy assists with pain relief by increasing blood circulation, relaxing muscles, and reducing spasms.
There are many studies that show how light therapy works for pain relief, including a NASA study that confirmed their light therapy devices reduced painful side effects from radiation and chemotherapy. Health professionals such as doctors, rehab facilities, therapists, and chiropractors already use light therapy for pain on patients in clinical settings. The efficacy of infrared light therapy for chronic low back pain was studied in the journal Pain: Research and Management.
What should I expect from light therapy treatments for pain?
Many people will experience reduced pain after the first use, but depending on different factors it could take many days of multiple treatments to feel the pain reduction.Some of the factors that impact results are the type of pain, source of pain, medications, location on body, and person’s age. We encourage users to set their expectation levels at a reasonable point and to be realistic about what they are trying to accomplish.
When will I feel better or see some positive results?
If your pain problem has developed over several years and is considered chronic, it may take multiple daily treatments to start reducing pain. The system is not intended to replace any current medication prescribed by your physician. Always consult your physician if the pain persists or intensifies. This may be a symptom of other conditions needing immediate attention.
Can I use the device anywhere on my body?
Yes, the light therapy design will help with minor pain and inflammation on most areas of the body, including sore muscles and tendons, tissue pain, or inflammation.
Will light therapy devices get too hot for direct contact?
The light therapy device can be laid directly on the skin’s surface. You will feel warmth when using the device, but unlike a heating pad it is working under the skin’s surface to increase circulation and stimulate muscle to relieve soreness. For the best results, you will want to allow the light therapy device to have air circulate while you are using it.
