Introduction
Red light therapy also known as low-level laser therapy(LLLT),is a medical treatment that utilize low -intensity red light wavelengths to promote healing and reduce inflammation
The light therapy at home is done by using the devices which emits red or near infrared light to attain therapeutic effects without the necessity to be healthcare set up.Though the name name for this treatment idea sounds to have huge impact on the healing process.
The red light therapy devices for home uses currently vary forms including Led panels,handled devices and wearable wraps.Such devices emit light of precise wavelength,which scatter through the skin and influence the cell activity leading to healing and therapeutic effects.Users can apply treatment in a timely manner whenever convenient without having to go through checks like dose,treatment duration and the frequency of the treatment.
According to the 2013 publication in the journal seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery asserted red light capacity to cheer up,fix and restored as certified by the results.Also the research carried out in the article Photomedicine and Laser Surgery in 2017 proposes the use of the red light therapy on dermatologic disorders like acne and wound healing as provided by (Huang et al.2017).
(a).Can I do red light therapy at home?
Certainly,you can easily do red light therapy at home,by heat;which is backed up by scientific evidence.Red light therapy has been the topic of many scientific studies due to the fact it can bring medical benefits to the multiple conditions.
We can use red light therapy at home using red light emitting diode panels,hand held devices and wraps that go round the whole body.These two will transmit specific wavelengths of the light that can penetrate through the skin and triggers the normal cell activities.The handheld tools are intended to be used on personal basis plan while you can take the treatment in your home without feeling inconvenient interruption.
The main thing in such cases is to follow the manufacture handling instructions and manufacture guides carefully.Even though the red light therapy is considered not harmful in the general outcome,it is still necessary to take risks into account mainly in individuals with some medical conditions and the skin sensitivity.
One should try to consult their health care provider prior to relation red-light therapy at home,particularly in case of any health related issues or if they are taking medicines that would interfere with the treatment.Here the healthcare is in position to personalize the recommendations that are suited to the individual patient.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy at Home
There are benefits of red light therapy at home such as;
1.Convenience:At home red light therapy devices offer the convenience and accessibility.Users can administer treatments in the comfort of their own homes eliminating the need for frequent visits to clinics.
2.Non-Invasive:Red light therapy is non-invasive and generally considered safe when used properly making it an attractive option for individuals seeking alternative or complementary treatments.
3.Targeted Treatment:Various at home red light therapy devices are available including LED panels,handled devices allowing users to target specific areas of the body or skin concerns.
(b)How to Do Red Light Therapy at Home
Here are some general guidelines for performing red light therapy at home;
1.Follow Manufacture Instructions:Abide by the manufacture instructions when selecting and using any red light therapy device of your preference.Observe how long a particular treatment should last,how often it should be applied and proximity of the skin to it.
2.Choose the Right Device:Choose a red light therapy device based on what and how you would satisfy your needs and taste.
3.Prepare the Treatment Area:Ensure the treatment area is clean and dry before beginning the session.Remove any obstacles or clothing that may obstruct the light from reaching the skin.
4.Maintain Optical Distance:Position the device at the recommended distance from the treatment area to ensure adequate light penetration without causing discomfort.
5.Protect Your Eyes:Avoid direct exposure of the light emitted by the device.
Scientific Evidence Supporting At Home Red Light Therapy
There are numerous studies that have investigated the efficacy of red light therapy for various conditions including the following;
1.Skin Rejuvenation.
The use of red light therapy for skin rejuvenation has gained popularity in recent days.A study published in the journal Photomedicine and Laser Surgery(Barolet et al.,2009), demonstrate that red light therapy can improve skin texture,tone and elasticity.
2.Pain Relief.
Red light therapy has been studied for its analgesic effects in relieving pain associated with various conditions,including muscle-skeletal disorders and inflammation conditions.A systematic review published in the journal Pain Research concluded that red light therapy is effective in reducing pain intensity and improving physical function in patients muscle-skeletal disorders .
3.Wound Healing.
Research has shown that red light therapy can promote wound healing by stimulating cellular processes involved in tissue repair.Acoording to study by(Avci et al.,2013), published in the journal Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery found that low-level laser therapy(LLLT) can accelerate wound healing and reduce scar formation.
(c).What Kind of Red Light is Suitable for Personal Home?
When considering red light therapy for personal home use,it is essential to choose the right type of device that emits appropriate wavelengths.Generally the red and near-infrared wavelengths have been found to be most effective for red light therapy applications.Specifically the red light therapy devices emit light in the range of 600 to 700 (nm).It can penetrate the skin effectively and has been associated with benefits such as Improved skin health,wound healing and pain relief.Near-Infrared light emit a light in the range of 700 to 1000 nanometers(nm).
According to (Ferraresi et al.,2015) near-infrared light penetrate deeper into tissues compared to red light.It has been shown to enhance cellular function,promote tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
Types of Red Light Therapy Devices
1.LED panels:LED panels are versatile devices that emit red and near-infrared light over a large area.These panels can be mounted on walls or placed on surfaces,allowingfor targeted treatment of specific body parts.They are suitable for home use due to their ease operation.
2.Handled Devices:Handled red light therapy devices are compact and portable,making them convenient for personal use at home.
3.Wearable Wraps:They are designed to be worn on the body,providing continuous or pulse light therapy to the treatment area.
Considerations for Personal Home Operations
When selecting a red light therapy device for personal home use,consider the following factors:
1.Wavelength Range:Ensure that the red light therapy device emits wavelengths within the therapeutic range of 600 to 1000 nm to target tissues effectively.
2.Power and Intensity:Choose a device with appropriate power and intensity levels for your intended use.Higher power power output may e beneficial for deeper tissue penetration.
3.Safety Features:Look for a red light therapy device with built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off timers and overheating protection to prevent adverse effects and to ensure safe operation at home.
4.User-Friendly Design:Choose a device with a design that is easy to operate and adjust.
Conclusion
In conclusion,scientific research supports the use of red light therapy at home for various conditions,including wound healing,pain relief,inflammation reduction and skin rejuvenation.At home red light therapy device offer convenience,targeted treatment and non-invasive options for individual seeking alternative.
Before starting any red light therapy it is advisable to consult with a healthcare.By following manufacture instructions and adhering to a consistent treatment schedule.Individuals can safely and effectively incorporate red light therapy into their wellness routines.
Reference
Avci,P.,Gupta,A.,Sadasivam,M.,Vecchio,D.,Pam,Z.,Pam,N.,&Hamblin,M.R.(2013).low-level laser therapy(LLLT) in skin:stimulating,healing,restoring.Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery,32(1),41-52.
Hamblin,M.R.(2017).Shining light on the head.Photobiomodulation for brain disorders.BBA Clinical,6,113-124.
Barolet,D.,Roberge,C.j.,Auger,F.A.,Boucher,A.,&Germain,L.(2009).Rugulation of skin collagen metabolism in vitro using a pulsed 600nm LED LIGHT source:clinical correlation with single-blinded study.Journal of investigative Dermatology,129(12),2751-2759.
Ferraresi,C.,Avci,P.,Huang,Y.,&Hamblin,M.R.(2015).Low-level laser therapy(LLLT) on the muscle tissue:performance fatigue and repair benefited by the power of light.Photonics&Laser in Medicine,4(4),267-286.
Emwemeka,C.S.,Parker,J.C.,&Dowdy,D.S.(2004).The efficacy of low-power lasers in tissue repair and pain control:z meta-analysis study.Photomedicine and Laser Surgery,22(4),323-329.
