Red Light Therapy: Snake Oil or Panacea?

[Simon Suraci]

Anyone here have experience with red light therapy? With a wellness professional, or maybe with a provider?

I know some providers incorporating red light into their therapeutic m4m bodywork services and their clients are benefiting. I bought a red light therapy wand for myself and I found it helps with muscle soreness and inflammation. The rest of the claims I have not had experience with yet to see if they are true.

Some providers swear by it. I liken the sentiment to Gus from My Big Fat Greek Wedding saying “Put some windex on it”.

Among the many alleged benefits:

Pain Relief

- Eases chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia 

- Reduces muscle soreness and inflammation 

Hair Growth

- Promotes hair growth 

- Treats hair loss conditions

Wound Healing

- Enhances tissue regeneration and accelerates wound closure 

- Reduces scarring and hyperpigmentation 

Skin Health

- Improves skin tone and texture 

- Treats acne and rosacea 

- Accelerates wound healing 

- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines 

Also, *may*:

- Improve mood and reduce anxiety 

- Enhance athletic performance 

- Promote bone growth and healing 

 

[taecfan]

I'd say neither. There's a lot of research into this and I managed to find one paper by searching Google scholar real quick. But while it does help speed things along, it's not a miracle cure. So it doesnt hurt to include it, but don't expect immediate results.

[+ sniper]

There's an article in The Economist that says it does seem to work. I'm going to look into it for rosacea.

[BigDMike]

I have a dedicated InfraRed Sauna Spa near me.  It's like an old school tanning salon with doors and in each room if your pwn private sauna.  Undress, turn up the heat and relax.  I don't feel as exhaustive hot as I do when I use a regular sauna or steamroom and it does help me relax and sleep better.  I've heard it's good for your skin...but I probably need it on/near my face like one of those masks...and I've read it good for a testosterone boost if applied in close proximity to your balls.  I have experienced that yet but would be interested to try it out with a provider.

[Simon Suraci]

17 hours ago, BigDMike said:

on/near my face

My red light kit comes with glasses to protect my eyes. I hear it can harm you to put red light in/near or directly into your eyes. Maybe consider using protective eyewear when getting exposure near your face or when the light is directed near your eyes.

[BigDMike]

1 hour ago, Simon Suraci said:

My red light kit comes with glasses to protect my eyes. I hear it can harm you to put red light in/near or directly into your eyes. Maybe consider using protective eyewear when getting exposure near your face or when the light is directed near your eyes.

Yeah, in the sauna box it's pretty far from my face so I'm okay.  I've looked at those face masks and it appears they have little cut outs for your eyes to avoid what you mentioned.  Here's a pic from the sauna I mentioned near me