You’ve probably seen ads online touting the ‘healing power’ of Red Light Therapy (RLT) for all sorts of conditions. I’m always at least somewhat sketical of such ads. As a scientist, I’m looking for some solid evidence that these devices actually provide health benefits.
So I did some research. There are some, not many, studies of Red Light Therapy. However, this is not a new, 21st century treatment When I was a kid – in the 1950s – I over extended my right knee. It hurt like heck, swelled up, and I could not put much weight on the leg. My mom put an ice bag on it first, then wrapped the knee in an elastic bandage to keep it from re-injury. Later, I sat with an infrared lamp pointed at the knee. It helped. Today’s interest assumes that newer technology makes it more effective.
According research information from The Mayo Clinic(1) and the Cleveland Clinic(2), Red light Therapy is effective for some skin conditions IF the red light is the correct wave length and frequency. Most of the light waves generated must be in the infrared range, the red part of light spectrum humans cannot see. And the best source is a Cold Red Laser device. Other findings include that the light should be focused on a limited, targeted area; eye protection should be worn by the provider and recipient of RLT. Full body RLT is not recommended. Prolonged exposure to RLT can/may cause tissue damage at the cellular level. And finally, more and larger study of RLT is needed before it’s value can be determined.
If you are considering Red Light Therapy devices, be sure the device meets these standards, and check with your doctor before purchasing or using RLT devices. Devices with hundreds of red LEDs probably do nothing. And there is no evidence of benefits beyond skin conditions at this time. That may change as more studies are done and verified.
Basically, as with all online ads, it is a BUYER BEWARE SITUATION.
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