Red Light Therapy and Pain

Pain Management with Red Light Therapy and Cupping

Benefit

Red light therapy (RLT) has shown promising results in managing pain, particularly for conditions like arthritis, muscle soreness, and joint pain. The therapy works by penetrating the skin and influencing cellular processes, which can help reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and enhance tissue repair. This leads to decreased pain and improved mobility.

Cupping therapy is an ancient practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, and involves placing cups on the skin to create a suction. The suction promotes blood flow, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.

A study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology explored the effects of combining red light therapy with traditional cupping. The research found that this combination significantly improved pain relief and reduced inflammation compared to cupping alone.

Dosages and Specifications

• Wavelengths: Optimal wavelengths for pain relief are typically in the range of 630 nm to 850 nm. These wavelengths are effective in reaching deeper tissues and providing therapeutic benefits.

• Irradiance: Devices should deliver a high irradiance, ideally around 50-100 mW/cm², to ensure sufficient energy reaches the target area.

• Treatment Duration: Sessions should last between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the device’s power and the severity of the pain.

• Frequency: Treatments can be done daily or multiple times a week for best results, with a total of 2-3 treatments per week being common in clinical settings.

Research Evidence

• A 2017 study published in the journal Pain Research and Management found that RLT significantly reduced pain and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study used wavelengths of 650 nm and 850 nm, applied for 15 minutes per session over eight weeks.

• Another study in Lasers in Medical Science (2015) demonstrated that RLT could reduce chronic neck pain. Participants received 830 nm wavelength treatments, leading to a significant reduction in pain and improvement in neck function after eight sessions.

In summary, RLT is a viable option for pain management, offering a non-invasive, drug-free solution with specific protocols for optimal results. Ensure to follow the recommended dosages and frequencies to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes.

References:

1. Hegedus, B., et al. (2017). The Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Research and Management, 2017.

2. Chow, R. T., et al. (2015). Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo or Active-Treatment Controlled Trials. Lasers in Medical Science, 2015.

3. Lee, J.H., Kin, J.H., Kim, J.Y., & Kim, H.G. (2018). The effect of combined red light therapy and cupping on pain and inflammation: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 188, 1-8.