Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by
Light therapy, commonly referred to as phototherapy, may seem like some futuristic treatment that only exists in sci-fi novels, but it’s actually been used to treat medical conditions since the mid-1900s. In more recent years, light therapy has been used to treat cosmetic issues such as wrinkles and stretch marks, but it can also be used to treat serious diseases and even the side effects of chemotherapy treatments!
Red light
The healing power of light – Scientists have used LEDs (light emitting diodes) to perform certain tasks for years. Now, with technological advances, they’re using them to treat pain and other conditions. One of these is red light therapy, which uses a specific wavelength of light—around 660 nanometers—to stimulate cells and tissue. This therapy can be found in beauty salons, physical therapy clinics, and medical offices alike; but what is it exactly and how does it work? Let’s take a look at some of its benefits.
How does red light therapy really work?
For years, salons have been using red light therapy to help reduce signs of aging and other skin issues. While it might seem like a new treatment, in fact, red light therapy has been used in an medical office setting for a number of years to treat more serious conditions, like psoriasis and slow-healing wounds. How does it work? The science behind red light therapy is that it stimulates cellular respiration at deeper levels—with no harm to healthy tissue. Essentially, as cells consume oxygen and create energy, waste products are expelled at a faster rate; after several treatments with red light therapy your body is cleared of harmful toxins and free radicals.
Can this treatment really do what it claims?
There is scientific evidence supporting red light therapy as a treatment for pain and inflammation. For example, one study examined how LED-based phototherapy affected fibromyalgia patients suffering from back pain. This 2015 research found that over half of patients with fibromyalgia reported significant relief from pain and stiffness after just four weeks of treatment—compared to 20 percent in a control group who received sham LED treatments. In other words, it seems there’s something to be said about taking a close look at how red light can help treat or even prevent certain forms of acute and chronic pain. Just make sure you consult your doctor before using these machines at home or in a salon—especially if you have other medical conditions like cancer or an autoimmune disease.
Who can benefit from red light therapy?
Anyone who is suffering from pain due to inflammatory conditions may be able to benefit from red light therapy. Conditions like arthritis, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis are often treated with low-level laser therapy. The treatment stimulates healing processes in tissue and reduces inflammation in joints and other affected areas. Because red light therapy can penetrate deep into tissues, it’s often used for deep wounds or broken bones that have failed to heal on their own.
Are there any risks with this treatment?
Though red light therapy is considered safe, there are certain side effects that can occur if used too often. Most of these issues are due to a build-up of heat from overuse, which results in burning of skin tissue and irritation. If you plan on using a red light bed at home for more than 10 minutes at a time, it’s important to make sure you have adequate ventilation or cooling around it. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to check with your doctor before using any sort of LED treatment over large areas; they could cause an allergic reaction or irritate your skin. In rare cases, people who use LED treatments without proper guidance can result in permanent damage to their eyes if used incorrectly.
Does red light have any side effects that I should know about?
Like most health care procedures, there are some possible side effects that come with red light therapy. The most common one is sunburn-like irritation and itching. This usually happens if you spend too much time under a certain level of light, like anything over 60 minutes; so make sure to consult your doctor or spa before getting treatment. There’s also some concern in medical literature that light therapy may interact negatively with certain medications, such as blood thinners and anti-seizure. If you’re on these medications and looking into red light therapy, talk to your doctor first to see if it’s safe for you.
Should I see a dermatologist for this type of procedure instead of my family doctor or general practitioner (GP)?
A GP may also be able to perform a red light therapy procedure. But keep in mind that your doctor will have less experience with these types of treatments, which can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Some experts feel that GPs should only perform procedures they’re familiar with or feel competent performing. If you do opt for a red light therapy treatment from your GP, it’s important to discuss your treatment options with him or her first so you know exactly what you’re getting into and how much it will cost.
What kind of training do people need to get certified as a red light therapist?
There are no official training requirements to become a red light therapist, although some states do require people who offer light therapy treatments in their offices to have at least a basic cosmetology license. Additionally, it’s recommended that those interested in becoming red light therapists attend at least two or three sessions of red light therapy for themselves before administering it to others. This allows individuals to experience firsthand how effective light therapy is for treating pain and other cosmetic issues. It also helps them learn how long and how often different devices need to be used for specific treatment purposes.
Does insurance cover red light treatments and which plans offer reimbursement for this form of treatment?
Whether insurance companies cover red light therapy for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes depends on the individual plan. Many plans cover red light treatment as a way to manage pain and accelerate healing following an injury, especially for those who are suffering from fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis. However, if you are thinking about using a red light therapy device to treat your stretch marks or wrinkles, you may be out of luck. Some insurance companies consider non-traditional forms of skin care (like laser hair removal) to be not medically necessary and therefore not covered by their plan. For example, United Healthcare states in its policy manual that it considers aesthetic surgery not medically necessary—meaning it won’t pay for things like liposuction, chemical peels, Botox injections or dermal fillers. You can get more information about this on 5thavenuebuzz. Just click to learn more..
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