The Power of Infrared Light Therapy
What Is Infrared Light Therapy?
Also known as photobiomodulation, Infrared Light Therapy harnesses the healing powers of infrared light. This type of light emits special wavelengths of light energy that dramatically increase circulation to injury sites and areas of chronic pain, resulting in fast relief of discomfort, improvement in sensation, and regeneration of damaged tissues.
How Does Infrared Light Therapy Work?
Infrared Light Therapy is simple and painless. Flexible pads containing multiple infrared and visible red diodes are placed directly on the skin over the area of pain or injury. Light energy from the diodes penetrates deeply into the body and is absorbed by proteins within cells releasing nitric oxide, the body’s natural vasodilator. After just 20 minutes of treatment, blood flow is increased to nerves and other tissues, and this boost in local circulation persists for several hours after the pads are removed.
The Power of Nitric Oxide
The key to Infrared Light Therapy's increase in blood flow is nitric oxide. This powerful molecule relaxes the arteries, helps regulate blood pressure, fights free radicals, and discourages platelets from clumping together in the blood vessels. By increasing nitric oxide production and improving circulation, Infrared Light Therapy promotes healing and relieves pain.
Chronic Pain Relief
The U.S. military has used infrared light therapy to speed recovery from soft-tissue injuries in elite soldiers in the Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Special Forces. Hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities use it to accelerate the healing of pressure ulcers (bed sores) and decrease the number of falls in elderly patients. This therapy is also used to ease neuropathy pain, restore sensation to patients with nerve impairment, speed up the healing of diabetic ulcers and other wounds and relieve many kinds of chronic pain.
Help with Diabetic Complications
Infrared light therapy is helpful for patients with diabetic complications. People with diabetes produce less nitric oxide than healthy individuals, and they often suffer from problems related to poor circulation, such as peripheral neuropathy and impaired wound healing. When NIR is used to treat a slow-healing ulcer, for example, the release of nitric oxide increases blood flow in the immediate area, bringing oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues. This also works to help stimulate healing.
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