Red Light Therapy for Inflammation: When Your Body Decides to Be Dramatic
Inflammation isn’t always the villain. In fact, your body actually needs inflammation – it’s part of the natural healing process. The trouble starts when inflammation sticks around longer than invited. Persistent inflammation can be associated with pain, stiffness and discomfort, which is why many people are exploring red light therapy as a complementary wellness treatment.
What Is Inflammation?
Acute Inflammation
This is the short-term response you may notice after an injury – think redness, swelling, warmth, pain and temporary stiffness. It’s basically your body’s emergency response team showing up to deal with a problem.
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can last much longer and may be associated with conditions such as arthritis and ongoing muscle or joint discomfort. This is when things can become a little more complicated.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation, uses red and near-infrared wavelengths of light to interact with your cells. The goal is to support cellular energy production and the body’s natural repair and recovery processes. Your mitochondria – often called the “powerhouses” of the cells – are involved in producing energy that cells need to function. So essentially, we’re giving your cells a little helping hand.
How Could Red Light Therapy Help Inflammation?
1. It May Support Cellular Repair
Your cells need energy to repair and maintain tissues. Red light therapy may support ATP production, helping provide energy for normal cellular processes.
2. It May Help Regulate Inflammatory Responses
Research suggests photobiomodulation may influence inflammatory processes within the body, potentially helping reduce discomfort and support recovery.
3. It May Support Circulation
Good circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and transport waste products away. Your circulatory system is already working overtime, so supporting it is never a bad idea.
4. It May Support Tissue Recovery
Red light therapy may support processes involved in tissue repair and regeneration, including collagen production.
5. It May Help With Pain
Inflammation and pain often travel together like an annoying two-for-one special. By potentially helping support the body’s inflammatory response, red light therapy may also help improve comfort and mobility.
What Can Red Light Therapy Be Used For?
- Arthritis
- Back and neck pain
- Shoulder and knee pain
- Sports injuries
- Muscle strains
- Tendon injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Post-workout soreness
- General stiffness
If you’re experiencing severe or persistent symptoms, it’s important to get professional medical advice. Red light therapy is a complementary treatment, not a replacement for proper medical diagnosis.
What Happens at Tank Studio?
You arrive. You get comfortable. You relax. The red light does its thing. That’s pretty much it. Sessions are around 20 minutes – non-invasive, drug-free, comfortable, relaxing, with no recovery time. You don’t need to run a marathon afterwards either.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can red light therapy help inflammation?
Some people notice changes after several sessions, while others may need ongoing treatment.
Can it help arthritis inflammation?
It may help support comfort and mobility associated with inflammation, but should be used alongside appropriate medical care.
Can I stop taking anti-inflammatory medication?
No. Never stop prescribed medication without speaking to your healthcare provider.
Does it hurt?
No. Most people find red light therapy comfortable and relaxing.