Future Directions and Research on Red Light Therapy for Injury and Wound Healing
Did you know that the benefits of Red light therapy for injury and wound healing were accidentally discovered by NASA scientists? While studying the effects of LED light on plant growth in space, they noticed that the light also had a positive effect on human cells. The US Navy then adopted the technology to help heal wounds and injuries in soldiers. Now, LED light therapy has become a popular natural healing solution for everyone, from pro athletes to senior citizens with arthritis. Let’s dive into how it works and how it can help you heal.
Red Light therapy today and how it helps with injury and wound healing?
Red light therapy for injury and wound healing is a safe and natural method to accelerate the recovery of burns, wounds, surgery cuts, and scars, as demonstrated in many peer-reviewed clinical investigations. Individuals who have undergone injuries and medical procedures have undergone less discomfort and swelling, with quicker healing outcomes, by utilizing red light therapy.
Light therapy has become an increasingly popular natural treatment and pain management option for a range of individuals, from professional athletes to elderly individuals with arthritis. The best part is, there are no adverse side effects or major health risks associated with using prescription pain medication or invasive procedures.
How Red Light Heals Skin Wounds and Reduces the appearance of Scars?
To put it briefly, red light therapy is a natural, non-intrusive and medication-free method. It involves the use of a device such as emits LEDS, to emit safe, concentrated wavelengths of therapeutic natural light to your skin and cells. This light reduces oxidative stress and prompts cellular energy production (adenosine triphosphate, or ATP), resulting in improved body function, faster healing, and reduced inflammation and pain.
The therapeutic benefits of red light primarily stem from its ability to reduce inflammation. Inflammation and swelling are common after injuries and surgeries, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and delayed healing. Multiple trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of red light therapy in reducing both acute and chronic inflammation. Additionally, studies on the therapy’s impact on wound healing have indicated that subjecting cells to natural light can result in the creation of new blood vessels, fibroblasts, and tissue, leading to faster, stronger healing outcomes and reduced patient discomfort.
Healing Wounds, Cuts, and Incisions with Red Light
The clinical evidence for red light therapy is overwhelming, as it has been proven effective in accelerating the healing process of cuts, wounds, and incisions. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to aid patients in recovering from surgery more quickly by reducing pain and inflammation.
In 2018, a review analysed various controlled trials studying the effects of red light on injury and wound healing. The study concluded that red light therapy significantly increased tensile strength and wound contraction, resulting in faster and more efficient healing throughout the body. As a result, the use of red light therapy can lead to a quicker and less painful recovery from surgery.
According to the mentioned review, red light therapy for injury and wound healing is useful in helping with the healing of both open and sutured incisions resulting from surgical procedures. These findings are encouraging for individuals and medical practitioners who aim to enhance the recuperation process of patients and reduce discomfort and swelling through secure and natural remedies.
Numerous research studies have shown that both humans and animals who have undergone surgery or suffered wounds have reported reduced pain and quicker recovery when treated with natural red light therapy.
Red Light Therapy for Injury and Wound Healing Post-Surgery Incisions
Millions of people every year suffer from considerable pain and physical weakness as they recover from invasive operations (surgical incisions), particularly those that target the sternum and chest area. Although prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs have been used, they have a dubious history with numerous dangers and adverse reactions.
Researchers conducted a study following sternum surgery on 90 patients in order to assess their individual recoveries and pain levels in the presence and absence of red light therapy for injury and wound healing. The study was randomized and double-blind. The findings of the study indicated the following characteristics of the post-sternum surgery patients;
- Reduced pain experienced in significant numbers among red light therapy patients versus those who did not use red light therapy.
- Very little coughing pain after one month of red light treatments for almost every patient.
- Less incision bleeding among red light therapy patients.
- Fewer ruptures of wounds when treated with red light.
- Less excess blood and complications with the red light therapy group.
The positive outcomes observed in human trials in these research areas are a continuation of many years of effective experimentation on other animals and testing methods. For instance, an experiment conducted on rodents indicated that red light therapy considerably decreased inflammation during the crucial initial phases of healing and resulted in stronger wound closure.
Recovering from Plastic Surgery with Red Light
Red light therapy is a successful and natural method for reducing pain and inflammation in various post-operative settings, such as plastic surgery. A lot of these operations cause a significant amount of inflammation, which can prolong the healing process and increase discomfort.
In 2015, a systematic review of 40 studies (28 animal and 12 human trials) was conducted by researchers to investigate the effectiveness of red light therapy in healing acute wounds and improving burn scars resulting from plastic surgery. The findings showed positive outcomes for the use of red light treatments.
Red Light Therapy Improves the Appearance of Scars
Skin injuries, such as burns, cuts, or surgical scars, often leave an enduring and undesired mark. Researchers have explored the impact of red light on mitigating the appearance of scars.
Healing Raised Scars with Red Light
A group of researchers conducted a peer-reviewed study on 15 children to examine hypertrophic scars. During the research, they treated half of the scars for three months and compared the results with the untreated parts. The findings showed that scars treated with red light therapy for injury and wound healing had a noticeable decrease in scarring and improved appearance. The researchers concluded that red light treatments are a secure and efficient way to deal with raised scars.
Less Visible Scarring with Red Light
In 2004 a study showed that Red light therapy was found to be beneficial in reducing burn scars. Patients who underwent red light treatment had an average of twice as much reduction in the size of visible scarring compared to those who did not use the therapy. There were no reported negative effects from the treatment, which is consistent with other trials of red light therapy.
Through a variety of investigations and experiments, it has been demonstrated that red light therapy is an organic way to enhance the process of burn healing and recuperation. The collective findings have revealed accelerated healing, reduced discomfort, swelling, and oxidative stress, as well as more favorable cosmetic outcomes. Moreover, this is achieved without the use of medication, chemicals, or any adverse reactions.
Red light therapy for burn healing has been repeatedly tested in laboratory settings on rodents and mammals, with encouraging results.
Red Light Therapy for Injury and Wound Healing Speeds the Burn Healing Process
The use of red light therapy is beneficial for the speedy and natural healing of burn wounds in humans and animals, with minimal risks or adverse effects. Scientific research conducted in 2016 showed that red light aided the recovery process by decreasing inflammation and promoting tissue growth.
In addition, a study conducted in 2018 demonstrated that red light facilitated the growth of fresh blood vessels and induced the proliferation of fibroblasts – cells that assist in the healing of tissues.
A study conducted recently systematically reviewed 22 studies over the past 17 years. The researchers concluded that red light is capable of speeding up the healing process. Here are two instances of the findings for second and third-degree burns;
Second-Degree Burns
In a study conducted on rodents with second-degree burns, researchers discovered that the healing phase, also known as the proliferative phase, plays a critical role in the final tissue repair outcome. They found that the introduction of red light therapy for injury and wound healing during this phase could significantly improve the treatment of burn wounds. Therefore, it is important to treat burns as soon as possible for better outcomes.
Third-Degree Burns
For a period of four years, a group of Brazilian researchers conducted a study on the impact of red light on animals suffering from severe third-degree burns. They discovered that red light was effective in decreasing inflammation while also increasing the production of natural collagen, resulting in a faster healing process for such burns.
Red Light Therapy Decreases Inflammation from Burns
Most laboratory experiments investigating the effects of red light therapy on burn healing have observed a considerable reduction in inflammation levels when compared to placebo and control groups. This decrease in inflammation results in a reduction in pain and discomfort during the recovery period from the burn. These findings support the positive outcomes of human research on the relationship between red light therapy and the reduction of inflammation.
Ground breaking Human Trial on Red Light Therapy and Third-Degree Diabetic Burns
In 2016, a study was conducted where researchers combined red light therapy with split-thickness skin grafting, which is the gold standard treatment for third-degree burns, this was the first time this had been done with humans.
The study included patients who had diabetes, which can slow down recovery and lead to blood flow problems. Patients with third-degree burns and diabetes typically have a lower success rate with skin grafting and are more likely to require amputations. However, the use of red light therapy fortunately showed significant benefits for these patients, resulting in complete healing with no amputations. The doctors administered red and near-infrared light treatments before and after the skin grafts, which led to complete healing in all patients within the last 8 weeks of the study.
Conclusion:
Red Light Speeds Wound & Scar Healing and Decreases Pain & Inflammation
Multiple studies have consistently demonstrated that red light therapy is a secure and organic method of accelerating the healing process of burns, wounds, surgery incisions, and scars. People who are recuperating from injuries and surgeries have also reported significantly lower levels of inflammation and pain, without the typical dangers and adverse reactions of prescription medications and intrusive treatments.
Now the Science!
Red light therapy and near-infrared therapy helps stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cells. This increase in cellular energy promotes the regeneration of cells and tissues, leading to faster wound healing and scar reduction. The light also helps to reduce inflammation by activating cells in the immune system that fight inflammation.
Additionally, red light therapy has been found to increase blood flow and circulation to the affected area, which helps to provide the necessary nutrients and oxygen needed for the healing process. It also increases natural collagen production, which is essential for healthy skin and tissue.
Finally, red light therapy helps to reduce pain by triggering the release of endorphins, natural pain killers produced by the body. This makes it an effective and safe alternative to prescription pain medications, which can have many negative side effects.
Overall, the science behind red light therapy and near-infrared therapy is well-established and supported by numerous peer-reviewed studies. Its ability to speed up the healing process, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healthy tissue regeneration makes it a valuable treatment option for individuals recovering from burns, wounds, surgery, and scars.
From Founder
Red Light Therapy for Injury and Wound Healing was accidentally discovered by NASA scientist and used by US Navy Seals. Surely if its good enough for them, its good enough for you.
Eugene Emmanuel
Founder