Red Light Therapy
for Fibromyalgia
Red Light Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Red light therapy is a type of light treatment that has been practised since humanity first realised the therapeutic benefits of sunlight thousands of years ago.
We now understand that each wavelength of light found in the sunshine has a unique impact on a person’s physiology. It is also well recognised that different wavelengths of light have distinct reactions in the body. For instance, green light is calming, while blue light is invigorating.
Natural sunshine also contains red and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths, but there are some significant differences. Red light has been demonstrated in countless clinical studies to boost favourable outcomes, in contrast to full-spectrum sunshine, which contains dangerous UV radiation. The amount of real scientific evidence is exponentially growing.
Both red and NIR light is frequently referred to as “red light therapy.” Their size of wavelengths, which are measured in nanometers, sets them apart from one another (nm). Red light therapy uses wavelengths between 630 and 660 nm, while NIR uses wavelengths between 810 and 850 nm.
LED lights are used in red light therapy equipment. Light photons absorb into the body’s tissues when it is shone on bare skin, where they activate a number of advantageous biological processes. Red light is a powerful natural therapy for ageing and other skin issues because it absorbs into the top layers of the skin. The deeper penetration of NIR light into the underlying tissues beneath the skin, such as the muscles, connective tissue, bones, organs, and even the brain, is made possible by its longer wavelengths.
HOW IT WORKS
When cells are exposed to light, red light therapy encourages the creation of energy. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main source of energy for the body’s cells, it is produced when light photons contact mitochondria, the “energy factories” within cells.
Increased cellular energy triggers a remarkable cascade of advantageous biological actions.
Red light therapy has been proven in several studies and clinical trials to be effective in treating a wide range of diseases and disorders. The authors of a 2013 paper, wrote that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) “is a fast-growing technique utilised to treat a myriad of illnesses that require stimulation of healing, reduction of pain and inflammation, and restoration of function.”
Red light therapy should be taken into account as a long-term approach to better health.
DOES RED LIGHT THERAPY FOR FIBROMYALGIA HELP?
The fact that red light treatment addresses some of the underlying causes or triggers of fibromyalgia, such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and psychological stress, is one of its major advantages. Red light is therefore viewed as a promising treatment for fibromyalgia patients (but it shouldn’t be viewed as a cure).
Researchers from Taiwan examined nine published randomised controlled studies with a total of 325 fibromyalgia patients and produced a comprehensive analysis that supported this in May 2019. The majority of patients getting LLLT, or roughly 95%, showed statistically significant improvement in their level of pain, exhaustion, depression, and other conditions, all without experiencing any negative side effects.
The scientists write in the published review. “Our results presented the most up-to-date and relevant information regarding the effects of LLLT in fibromyalgia,” and that “LLLT is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment” for the condition.
9 Benefits of Red light Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Increased Cellular Energy
Red light treatment is beneficial for fibromyalgia patients because of its capacity to boost energy production within cells. Cells that produce more energy are better able to carry out their specific tasks, defend against infections, repair themselves, and multiply regularly.
However, when this process goes the other way and cellular energy production declines, it may result in a disorder known as mitochondrial dysfunction. According to a 2011 study, this syndrome is connected to a wide range of disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases.
It has been demonstrated that red light stimulates cellular metabolism and corrects mitochondrial abnormalities. Improved metabolic functioning is one of the photobiomodulation’s most immediately apparent impacts, and increased intracellular ATP production is one of the most firmly supported modes of action, as Dr Hamblin explains in a 2019 article published in Photonics. In turn, this stimulates the following advantageous processes.
Decreased inflammation in the brain
Some researchers hypothesise that fibromyalgia is a central inflammatory illness brought on by an aberrant release of cytokines in the brain. Small proteins known as cytokines are secreted by immune system cells.
The central nervous system can become inflamed when there are too many pro-inflammatory cytokines and not enough anti-inflammatory cytokines, according to research (a condition commonly found in fibromyalgia). NIR wavelengths can penetrate the brain and modulate the amounts of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines while reducing chronic inflammation. Additionally, it increases blood flow, which nourishes and oxygenates brain cells while also removing waste and pollutants.
The central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, which refer to all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, can both be protected from additional harm by reducing inflammation. This may help to encourage the return of regular pain signalling.
Brain Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress Is Reduced
According to a widely accepted theory, fibromyalgia develops as a result of neurochemical imbalances within the central nervous system. This was one of the key subjects covered in an article from 2011 titled “The Science of Fibromyalgia” that appeared in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings medical magazine.
The neurotransmitter balance that affects how pain is processed is changed by fibromyalgia. For instance, serotonin levels drop while levels of substance “P”, a neurochemical involved in pain signalling, rise. Increased pain signals, increased sensitivity to even mild stimuli, and an excessive reaction to painful stimuli are all symptoms of these abnormalities.
Red light can help address these abnormalities, according to numerous studies:
According to a 2016 study, red light helps restore serotonin levels to lessen depression in fibromyalgia sufferers by reducing oxidative stress in the brain.
A study demonstrated that red light reduces nitrosative stress by lowering the concentration of nitric oxide. An excess of nitric oxide is associated with low serotonin levels and, consequently, depression, particularly in people who are suffering from chronic pain.
Improvements in cerebral blood flow are another advantageous consequence of red light therapy on the brain, according to a review of numerous clinical trials.
Neuroprotection and Neuronal Regeneration
The stimulation of peripheral nerve repair and neuronal regeneration in the brain by near-infrared light can help return normal pain signalling. Neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) and synaptogenesis (the capacity of the brain to change) are stimulated by red light treatment. Red light modulates neuronal activity as well, which can aid in reestablishing normal CNS operation.
Additionally, red light has a neuroprotective impact on brain cells that ensures their survival and promotes normal operation. Even red light delivered to other parts of the body seems to protect the brain from damage, potentially as a result of stem cell activity.
Improved Blood Circulation
Endothelial cells, which are a component of the tiny capillaries that carry blood to the body’s most remote areas, have also been shown to proliferate more quickly in response to red light. More capillaries result in better waste elimination and increased delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells.
For people with fibromyalgia, exercise, which increases blood flow, can be brutally uncomfortable. Red light therapy for fibromyalgia pain helps improve blood flow, which enables patients to raise their daily activity levels.
Activation of Stem Cells
Stem cells are triggered as a component of the immune response whenever cells are damaged anyplace in the body. Normally, these “master cells” are dormant and located in the bones, including the skull, where they are available for mobilisation when required.
Stem cells aid in fibromyalgia’s reduction of musculoskeletal pain. The body’s “master cells,” or stem cells, mobilise to the location of pain (which indicates an injury or illness) and perform essential functions there. These may involve altering the immune system by producing more anti-inflammatory cytokines and reducing inflammatory cytokines. Less inflammation and less pain are the effects of this modulation.
Red light has been demonstrated to promote stem cells’ migration and stop uncontrolled cell death (cell death). One study found that bone marrow stem cells moved to the brain after 40 hours of exposure to 660 nm LED lights; specifically, they moved toward brain cells that were injured by inadequate blood flow and oxygen deprivation.
Improved Sleep
One of the symptoms of fibromyalgia is insomnia. Aside from lowering one’s quality of life, sleep deprivation hinders the body from spending enough time in a “rest and digest” state, during which the parasympathetic nervous system relaxes the body and promotes internal healing.
Red light therapy for fibromyalgia encourages the generation of melatonin, a hormone that tells the body when it’s time to sleep and wake up, which is one way it helps with sleep quality. Positive moods and improved help are supported by better sleep.
Pain Reduction
Red light therapy can reduce pain, as demonstrated by a fibromyalgia patient study, pain levels decreased from 8/10 to 0/10 following four days of daily red light therapy for fibromyalgia sessions. When the patient’s pain level decreased to a 0/10, they also reported more activity, which persisted. The patient was still pain-free three weeks after the therapy ended.
In fibromyalgia sufferers, red light lessens the hyperexcitability of pain receptors. Additionally, it promotes the local release of nitric oxide, a vasodilator that improves local blood flow.
By reducing inflammation and oedema, enhancing blood flow, and triggering analgesia, red light has been found to alleviate musculoskeletal pain. Additionally, neuropathic pain has been treated clinically with it.
Regeneration of Peripheral Nerves
The pain associated with fibromyalgia is felt all throughout the body. Despite the fact that the condition is thought to be a central nervous system illness, it has a direct impact on the communication between the CNS and the peripheral nervous system.
Red light has been effectively used in several studies to regenerate nerves. Nerve regeneration may aid in reestablishing proper signalling between nerve endings and pain receptors in the brain, in addition to red light’s other advantages of increased cellular energy, less inflammation, reduced oxidative damage and enhanced circulation.
How frequently should I use Red Light Therapy for
Fibromyalgia treatment?
Numerous chronic inflammatory and autoimmune illnesses have been successfully treated using red and NIR light treatment, according to thousands of research. Here’s how you can treat your own fibromyalgia in the convenience of your own home.
Using a medical grade high light energy output LED device that ensures optimum absorption of both red and NIR waves is essential when using red light to treat fibromyalgia. While NIR light enters the brain and deeper into the body’s tissues to assist the central nervous system, red light absorbs skin-deep, which will aid in treating the peripheral nervous system.
Red light therapy, as mentioned earlier, stimulates cellular metabolism from the inside out. Long-lasting relief may be obtained by employing full-body red light therapy multiple times per week continuously over several weeks or months.
Many people will continue the therapy on a maintenance basis in the case of any autoimmune or inflammatory illness in order to prevent flare-ups.
The use of red light therapy for fibromyalgia should be considered a long-term treatment protocol. When suffering from fibromyalgia patients utilising our therapies should consider scheduling 3-4 sessions per week. If you’re interested in learning more about our red light therapy packages and membership options, please give us a call at 01908 317525.
