In an innovative step towards combating chronic pain, Bestqool, a leader in therapeutic devices
In an innovative step towards combating chronic pain, Bestqool, a leader in therapeutic devices, unveils a new range of red light therapy products designed to provide relief from back, waist, neck, and shoulder pain. This breakthrough approach harnesses the power of red and near-infrared light wavelengths, offering a drug-free alternative to traditional pain management techniques.
Back pain affects about 80% of adults at some point in their lives. This widespread problem may have a big influence on our everyday lives and health. Bestqool’s latest offering is inspired by centuries of phototherapy research, from the ancient Egyptians’ use of sunlight to the latest scientific findings on the benefits of red light therapy (RLT).
Light’s therapeutic potential has been studied for centuries, starting with the ancient Egyptians, who used sunlight to treat a variety of ailments and continuing into modern scientific research. In phototherapy, red light therapy is an emerging miraculous therapy. It works by penetrating the skin and accelerating cellular processes with particular red and near-infrared light wavelengths.
According to studies, this therapy can help relieve pain in the back, waist, neck, and shoulders by reducing inflammation, promoting tissue healing and not requiring the use of drugs.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red light therapy operates by delivering specific wavelengths of light (660 - 850 nm) deep into the skin, stimulating cellular processes that facilitate pain relief. The therapy enhances mitochondrial function, thereby increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is crucial for healing and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, it accelerates tissue repair and regeneration, making it an effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain.
- Increased Cellular Energy Production (ATP)
Increasing the production of cellular energy (ATP) is one of red light therapy’s primary mechanisms of action. The “powerhouse” of the cell, the mitochondria, are activated to bring about this effect. These mitochondria boost the synthesis of ATP, the main energy source for different biological processes. Higher levels of ATP promote better cellular function, which lessens pain and promotes tissue healing.
- Reduction of Inflammation
Red light therapy also works by reducing inflammation which is a major contributor to pain. Studies suggest that it can promote the activity of immune cells and other factors involved in the inflammatory response. By reducing this inflammatory response, red light therapy contributes to pain relief and accelerates tissue healing.
- Stimulation of tissue repair and regeneration
Various studies indicate that red light therapy also stimulates tissue repair and regeneration. It promotes collagen production, an important protein for building and supporting tissues. Also, it enhances the activity of growth factors involved in tissue repair. This stimulation of repair mechanisms leads to faster healing and pain reduction in affected areas.
Scientific Research Supporting RLT for Pain Relief
More than 4000 scientific studies on pubmed.gov concluded that red light therapy has a positive effect on acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. A notable review in the MOJ Orthopedics & Rheumatology journal highlighted its benefits for musculoskeletal discomfort, emphasizing its safety, cost-effectiveness, and role in enhancing the quality of life without the need for medication.
st-effective therapy for pain could elevate quality of life while reducing financial strains.
- Red Light Therapy for Back and Waist Pain
A study published in the European Journal of Scientific Research suggested that if infrared therapy is applied on the affected area (back or waist) with appropriate dose, exposure time and wavelength, it helps in relieving pain without any side effects.
In 2020, another study on light-emitting diode photobiomodulation therapy for non-specific low back pain in working nurses was published in the journal “Medicine”. Patients received 6 LED red light therapy sessions (with wavelengths of both 630 nm and 850 nm) in two weeks. This study examined that LED therapy could be an effective alternative treatment for reducing non-specific back pain.
- Red Light Therapy for Shoulder Pain
In a study published in 2022, ten adults with shoulder pain received LED red light therapy (wavelength 780 nm) for 3 minutes on the affected shoulder. After therapy, the symptoms of the neck with shoulder pain were improved. These symptoms improved further after 15 minutes of irradiation. It found that RLT is safe and effective for the treatment of shoulder pain.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of low-level laser therapy for shoulder tendinopathy published in the journal Physiotherapy Research International in 2014 shows that optimal RLT can offer pain relief and induce a more rapid improvement, whether it is used alone or in combination with physiotherapy treatments.
- Red Light Therapy for Neck Pain
A 2016 study published in the Journal “Functional Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Ergonomics found that red laser therapy is safe and effective for temporary pain relief and improving the range of motion for patients with chronic pain in the neck and shoulder caused by osteoarthritis, muscle spasms and cervical and thoracic spine strain. It also suggested that when RLT is used in conjunction with physical therapy and chiropractic care, it may help patients live normal, active and healthy lives without the need for analgesics.
A systematic review in the Journal of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine analyzed various randomized controlled trials and suggested that infrared laser therapy helps in the treatment of acute and chronic neck pain.
Another research in the Open Orthopedics Journal showed that red light therapy can moderately reduce chronic neck pain.
Red Light Therapy Parameters
For red light therapy to be effective, the irradiation parameters (wavelength, power, power density, pulse parameters, energy density, total energy and time) must fall within specific ranges. The optimum penetrating wavelengths fall between 660–850nm, and at 5 cm depth, they can reach a light density of 5 mW/cm2 when the surface density is 5 mW/cm2, and the beam power is 1 watt.
RLT has four clinical objectives:
- To promote healing, remodeling and reduce inflammation in the injured/affected area
- Lymph nodes to lessen inflammation and edema
- Nerves to induce numbness
- Trigger points to ease tenderness and relaxation of contracted muscles
Treatment times per point range between 30 to 60 seconds on average. For simple cases, one point may be treated; however, for complex dysfunctions like lumbar radiculopathy or chronic pain, ten to fifteen points may be treated.
Choosing the Best Red Light therapy
If you are suffering from any chronic fatigue and pain, red light therapy devices like the ones offered by Bestqool can be a game-changer. It offers you a range of high-quality red light devices and portable devices to manage your pain with the benefit of lowering your reliance on pharmaceutical drugs. Whether you aim to get rid of chronic pain or to improve overall health, you can adjust treatment goals as per your needs. All Bestqool red light therapy devices are FDA class II cleared, and usage cannot directly cause any harm to the human body. Remember, red light therapy devices are not a substitute for professional medical treatment to cure diseases. Still, they can help people who are medically powerless and relieve their physical and mental discomfort.
References
- Roche, G. C., Murphy, D. J., Berry, T. S., & Shanks, S. (2016). Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of chronic neck and shoulder pain. Functional Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Ergonomics, 6(2), 97.
- Cotler, H. B., Chow, R. T., Hamblin, M. R., & Carroll, J. (2015). The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain. MOJ orthopedics & rheumatology, 2(5), 00068. https://doi.org/10.15406/mojor.2015.02.00068
- Haslerud, S., Magnussen, L. H., Joensen, J., Lopes‐Martins, R. A. B., & Bjordal, J. M. (2015). The efficacy of Low‐Level laser therapy for shoulder tendinopathy: a systematic review and Meta‐Analysis of randomized controlled trials. Physiotherapy Research International, 20(2), 108-125.
- Lin, Y. P., Su, Y. H., Chin, S. F., Chou, Y. C., & Chia, W. T. (2020). Light-emitting diode photobiomodulation therapy for non-specific low back pain in working nurses: A single-center, double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Medicine, 99(32), e21611. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000021611
- Chow, R. T., & Barnsley, L. (2005). Systematic review of the literature of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of neck pain. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine: The Official Journal of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, 37(1), 46-52.