What Are The Benefits Of Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy’s Effects On Tissue Repair
The red and near-infrared spectrum are the best to penetrate your skin. They can travel as deep as 5mm into the epidermis. Once the skin is saturated with light, there is a boost in skin collagen, which is the main protein that gives the skin its elasticity. By increasing collagen production, this can also help to reduce pore size and smooth out fine lines & wrinkles. It has been shown to assist in reversing UV damage. When the cells have more ATP (which is produced via exposure to red light), inflammation is reduced which helps to heal swelling, acne, rosacea and eczema. Furthermore, with the increase in skin protein, repair mechanisms are triggered, helping to heal wounds, scars, burns and even cellulite. Read more about whether you should be doing red light therapy before or after your workouts.
Recommended Treatment:
Treatment Time Per Session: 10 Minutes
Sessions Per Week: 3-5x/week
Wavelength: Red Light Only
Target Area: Anywhere skin is showing symptoms
Distance From Device: 10cms
Red Light Therapy’s Effects On Hair Growth
Red & NIR light increase blood flow to the hair follicle, which promotes the growth phase and increases hair count.
Recommended Treatment:
Treatment Time Per Session: 10 Minutes
Sessions Per Week: 3-5x/week
Wavelength: Both
Target Area: Directly on head (tilt head towards light)
Distance From Device: 10cms
Red Light Therapy’s Effects On Joint Pain & Arthritis
Red & NIR light increases blood flow and reduces inflammation, which reduces pressure on joints. Chronic pain, arthritis & joint stiffness is greatly reduced in the process.
Recommend Treatment:
Treatment Time Per Session: 10 Minutes
Sessions Per Week: 6-7x/week (twice daily if painful)
Wavelength: Near Infrared
Target Area: Directly on symptomatic joint
Distance From Device: 10cms
The increase in circulation of oxygen-rich blood to constricted blood vessels reduces inflammation which works to remove excess pressure on nerves, as well as reducing pain sensitivity, which has been found to help those living with fibromyalgia.
Red Light Therapy’s Effects On Athletic Performance & Recovery
By increasing ATP and boosting blood flow, physical performance is increased. This can give athletes an edge over their competition. These processes have an added benefit of decreasing muscle soreness, aiding in quicker recovery. If sports recovery is what you’re looking for, check out our state-of-the-art red light therapy panels. Red & NIR light boosts blood flow, increasing oxygen levels and reducing nitric oxide in the blood. This helps reduce muscle soreness and speeds up recovery.The enhanced protein synthesis at the cellular level makes building muscle easier to create and maintain. The increase in ATP, oxygen-rich blood flow and protein synthesis all translate to less fatigue, enabling athletes to perform at their best. It also aids in increasing endurance, ensuring that training sessions lead to higher gains outside of competition time.
Recommended Treatment:
Treatment Time Per Session: 10 Minutes
Sessions Per Week: 3-5x/week
Wavelength: Both
Target Area: Directly on muscles (after workout)
Distance From Device: 10cms
Red Light Therapy’s Effects On Sleep and Circadian Rhythm
Red & NIR light is perfect as night time lighting, as unlike traditional artificial light sources, red light does not affect Melatonin levels (which are necessary for good quality sleep). Exposure to Red & NIR light helps balance the circadian rhythm and increase deep sleep. Looking for deeper sleep? See how sauna sessions at Fast Twitch might help.
Recommend Treatment:
Treatment Time Per Session: 10-15 Minutes
Sessions Per Week: 5-7x/ week (30minutes before bed)
Wavelength: Red Light
Target Area: Front of body
Distance From Device: 10cms
Red Light Therapy’s Effects On Brain Health & Cognitive Function
Red & NIR light increase oxygen and antioxidants, which can greatly enhance memory and recall, reaction time and help relieve symptoms of diseases, like Alzheimer's and Dementia.
Recommended Treatment:
Treatment Time Per Session: 10 Minutes, twice daily
Sessions Per Week: 5-7x/ week
Wavelength: Near Infrared
Target Area: Directly on head
Distance From Device: 10cms
Red Light Therapy’s Effects On Increased Testosterone
Red & NIR boost ATP production for Leydig cells, which increases natural testosterone production.
Recommend Treatment:
Treatment Time Per Session: 5-10 Minutes
Sessions Per Week: 5-7x/ week
Wavelength: Near Infrared
Target Area: Directly on testes
Distance From Device: 10cms
Red Light Therapy’s Effects On Thyroid Function
Red & NIR have anti-inflammatory effects on the Thyroid gland and help improve Thyroid function. This has proven effective for Hypothyroidism induced by chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis.
Recommend Treatment:
Treatment Time Per Session: 8-10 Minutes
Sessions Per Week: 5-7/week
Wavelength: Both
Target Area: Thyroid Glands (tilt head back slightly)
Distance From Device: 10cms
Other Health Benefits Of Red Light Therapy
Red & NIR light stimulate lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, which boost immune system function and decrease the risk for viral infection.
Red light exposure increases the enzyme Cytochrome C-oxidase and Nitric Oxide is lessened resulting in greater levels of ATP that power the body. The result is that more natural energy is produced by the cell and an increase in fresh blood and oxygen supply is triggered to the muscles and brain. With more cellular energy and oxygen available for the brain, sleep is enhanced and brain inflammation, which has been linked with depression, is reduced. Red & NIR light can make certain hemispheres of the brain hypoactive and help with irritability, perceived negativity (PANAS) and create a positive mood.
If you’re looking for increased overall wellness and athletic recovery check out our Adelaide-based red light therapy suite.
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