Energia Medical LLC - Blog #Light Therapy

Red Light and Infrared Light Therapy for Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Sun, 03 May 2026 09:56:50 -0400

Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Prevalence and Clinical Impact

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) affects up to 70 percent of patients treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy agents and is one of the most common long term complications of cancer treatment (1). CIPN commonly presents with numbness, tingling, burning pain, altered temperature sensation, muscle weakness, gait instability, and impaired fine motor coordination. In many cases, symptoms persist for months or years after chemotherapy has ended, significantly limiting mobility, daily activities, and overall quality of life.

As cancer survival rates continue to improve, CIPN has become an increasingly important survivorship issue, placing a long term burden on patients and healthcare systems.

Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Prevalence and Clinical Impact

As cancer survival rates continue to improve, CIPN has become an increasingly important survivorship issue, placing a long term burden on patients and healthcare systems.

Pathophysiology of Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

CIPN is difficult to treat because chemotherapy damages peripheral nerves through multiple overlapping biological mechanisms. Preclinical and clinical studies show that chemotherapeutic agents impair mitochondrial function, increase oxidative stress, disrupt axonal transport, compromise microvascular blood flow, and activate chronic inflammatory pathways within peripheral nerves (2,3). This multifactorial injury pattern results in sensory nerve dysfunction that is often resistant to conventional pharmacologic therapy.

Because no single mechanism is responsible for nerve injury, identifying a targeted drug therapy capable of preventing or reversing CIPN has proven challenging.

Challenges in Diagnosing and Measuring CIPN Severity

Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of CIPN remain problematic in clinical practice. Clinicians rely heavily on patient reported symptoms, which vary widely due to differences in pain perception, baseline neurologic status, and functional demands. Standardized assessment tools, including neuropathy grading scales, often fail to fully capture the impact of CIPN on balance, dexterity, sleep quality, and daily function (4). This lack of objective measurement complicates both clinical decision making and evaluation of treatment effectiveness.

Limitations of Pharmacologic Treatments for CIPN

Pharmacologic treatment options for CIPN remain limited. Because CIPN is categorized primarily as a quality of life condition rather than a life threatening disorder, pharmaceutical companies are cautious about developing therapies that could interfere with chemotherapy efficacy or alter tumor biology. These concerns, combined with evolving regulatory guidance, have slowed drug development and increased interest in non drug supportive therapies that do not interact systemically with cancer treatment.

What Is Photobiomodulation Therapy?

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM), also known as red light and near infrared light therapy, is a non invasive treatment that delivers low level, non thermal light to biological tissues. PBM typically uses red wavelengths between 630 and 670 nanometers and near infrared wavelengths between 780 and 850 nanometers. Unlike thermal laser therapies, PBM does not heat tissue but instead modulates cellular metabolism, particularly within mitochondria.

Cellular Mechanisms of Red and Infrared Light Therapy in Nerve Repair

At the cellular level, PBM stimulates cytochrome c oxidase, a key mitochondrial enzyme involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Activation of this enzyme increases adenosine triphosphate production, enhances cellular energy availability, and supports axonal repair and nerve regeneration. PBM also reduces oxidative stress, regulates inflammatory signaling, and improves microcirculation, all of which are central to peripheral nerve recovery (5).

These mechanisms directly address several of the underlying biological processes involved in CIPN, making PBM a biologically plausible therapeutic option.

Clinical Evidence Supporting Photobiomodulation for CIPN

Clinical evidence supporting PBM for CIPN continues to grow. A randomized, sham controlled clinical trial involving 70 patients with CIPN demonstrated significant reductions in neuropathic symptoms following PBM compared with placebo. Improvements in total neuropathy scores were observed within weeks and were sustained throughout the treatment period (6).

A separate randomized phase II clinical trial evaluated cancer survivors with established CIPN who received twelve PBM sessions over six weeks. Nearly half of participants achieved clinically meaningful improvements in pain, numbness, and functional limitation, with symptom relief persisting several weeks after treatment completion (7).

Additional evidence from a controlled clinical study focused on chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain found statistically significant reductions in pain intensity and improvements in sensory function following PBM. Investigators concluded that PBM may serve as an effective supportive therapy when conventional pain management strategies fail (8).

Systematic Reviews and Emerging Clinical Data

A systematic review analyzing multiple studies of PBM for peripheral neuropathy reported consistent improvements in nerve related symptoms with minimal adverse effects. The authors emphasized PBM’s ability to decrease inflammation and enhance neural metabolism as key contributors to clinical benefit (9).

More recent clinical data from a 2025 investigation suggest PBM may improve gait speed and sensory perception in patients with CIPN, although changes in strength and balance were less pronounced. These findings support the concept that PBM primarily targets sensory nerve dysfunction rather than motor impairment (10).

Safety, Treatment Parameters, and Clinical Considerations

Despite encouraging outcomes, PBM protocols for CIPN are not yet standardized. Treatment parameters such as wavelength, energy density, treatment frequency, and duration vary across studies. Larger randomized trials with longer follow up are needed to establish optimal protocols and identify patients most likely to benefit.

Importantly, PBM has demonstrated a favorable safety profile across clinical studies and is consistently reported as non invasive and well tolerated.

The Role of Red and Infrared Light Therapy in Future CIPN Management

Photobiomodulation therapy does not replace chemotherapy and does not cure CIPN. However, accumulating evidence suggests it may significantly reduce symptom burden and improve daily function in patients with persistent neuropathy following cancer treatment. As cancer survivorship continues to rise, effective non drug interventions will play an essential role in comprehensive oncology care.

Red light and infrared therapy represent a promising supportive care strategy with a strong biological rationale and growing clinical evidence base.

References

Seretny M, Currie GL, Sena ES, et al. Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain. 2014;155(12):2461–2470.
Starobova H, Vetter I. Pathophysiology of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. Front Mol Neurosci. 2017;10:174.
Staff NP, Grisold A, Grisold W, Windebank AJ. Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: a current review. Ann Neurol. 2017;81(6):772–781.
Cavaletti G, Marmiroli P. Chemotherapy induced peripheral neurotoxicity. Curr Opin Neurol. 2015;28(5):500–507.
Zecha JA, Raber-Durlacher JE, Nair RG, et al. Low level laser therapy as supportive care in cancer treatment. Support Care Cancer. 2020;28(5):2023–2032.
Arash A, et al. The effect of photobiomodulation on chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized sham controlled trial. Lasers Surg Med. 2016;48(9):838–844.
Prior J, et al. Evaluating photobiomodulation for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized phase II clinical trial. Support Care Cancer. 2022;30(6):5113–5120.
Al Rashoud AS, et al. Low level laser therapy in the treatment of chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain. J Innov Opt Health Sci. 2019;12(2):1950014.
Wang Y, et al. Photobiomodulation therapy in peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review. Lasers Med Sci. 2020;35(4):789–799.
McDonnell M, et al. Influence of photobiomodulation on sensory symptoms, gait speed, and pain in chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. Lasers Med Sci. 2025.

Learn more about our light therapy pads to treat the symptoms of CIPN. Email us or Call 860-707-4220

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Red Light/Infrared Therapy Combats Oxidative Stress - The Underlying Cause Of Disease And Aging

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:20:16 -0500

Have you ever wondered if all aging and disease could possibly be reduced to just one cause? For the last several decades, professionals in medicine and wellness believe that oxidative stress is actually the common denominator behind the progression of the aging process plus hundreds of human diseases.

Oxidative Stress and Aging

Medical science has definitely linked oxidative stress with aging. For the past 40 years or so, oxidative stress has been increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in aging and in various forms of pathophysiology generally associated with aging. [1] Even the 2006 edition of Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary links oxidative stress with aging, defining oxidative stress as: "Physiological stress on the body that is caused by the cumulative damage done by free radicals inadequately neutralized by antioxidants and that is held to be associated with aging." [2]

Oxidative Stress, Disease, and Inflammation

Oxidative stress has been found

Oxidative Stress and Diabetes

Oxidative stress is especially dangerous to diabetics, because, Chronic renal and vascular oxidative stress in association with an enhanced inflammatory burden are determinant processes in the development and progression of diabetic complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). [6]

Red Light/Infrared Therapy Fights Oxidative Stress

With all the cellular damage that oxidative stress can cause, serious effort should be made to reduce it. And Red Light/Infrared Therapy has been proven to do so! Red Light/Infrared Therapy (also known as or PBM) is "the use of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation." [7] Red Light/Infrared Therapy is able to successfully combat oxidative stress. PBM is able to up-regulate anti-oxidant defenses and reduce oxidative stress. [8] And “it is well-accepted that PBM when as a treatment for tissue injury or muscle damage is able to reduce markers of oxidative stress.” [9]

And in addition to reducing levels of oxidative stress, Red Light/Infrared Therapy also fights inflammation: One of the most reproducible effects of PBM is an overall reduction in inflammation, which is particularly important for disorders of the joints, traumatic injuries, lung disorders, and in the brain. [10] A 2015 study states that, Photobiomodulation (PBM) is emerging as an effective strategy for the management of multiple inflammatory conditions” [11]

In Conclusion - Try Red Light/Infrared Therapy

If you are looking to repair or enhance your health (and/or relieve pain and restore function) Red Light/Infrared Therapy can help you to effectively reduce oxidative stress, increase circulation, and biostimulate and accelerate your body’s own innate healing ability to help you regain and maintain optimum wellness. One Light Therapy system can bring you, your family, and/or your patients years of improved health!

Contact Rob Berman at Energia Medical at 860-707-4220 or via email at rob@energiamedical.com to learn more about Red Light/Infrared Therapy systems from Energia Medical.

References

[1] Hybertson BM, Gao B, Bose SK, McCord JM. Oxidative stress in health and disease: the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activation. Mol Aspects Med. 2011 Aug;32(4-6):234-46. doi: 10.1016/j.mam.2011.10.006. Epub 2011 Oct 15. PMID: 22020111, p. 1.

[2] Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary: New Enlarged Print Edition. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA, U.S.A., 2006. p. 643.

[3] Dandekar A, Mendez R, Zhang K. Cross talk between ER stress, oxidative stress, and inflammation in health and disease. Methods Mol Biol. 2015;1292:205-14. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2522-3_15. PMID: 25804758, Abstract.

[4] Hybertson BM, Gao B, Bose SK, McCord JM. Oxidative stress in health and disease: the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activation. Mol Aspects Med. 2011 Aug;32(4-6):234-46. doi: 10.1016/j.mam.2011.10.006. Epub 2011 Oct 15. PMID: 22020111, p. 21.

[5] Singh V, Ubaid S. Role of Silent Information Regulator 1 (SIRT1) in Regulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Inflammation. 2020 Oct;43(5):1589-1598. doi: 10.1007/s10753-020-01242-9. Erratum in: Inflammation. 2021 Oct;44(5):2142. PMID: 32410071, Abstract.

[6] Jha JC, Ho F, Dan C, Jandeleit-Dahm K. A causal link between oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiovascular and renal complications of diabetes. Clin Sci (Lond). 2018 Aug 30;132(16):1811-1836. doi: 10.1042/CS20171459. PMID: 30166499, Abstract.

[7] Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation.AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361. doi:10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337. Epub 2017 May 19. PMID: 28748217; PMCID: PMC5523874, p.1.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid., p. 5.

[10] Ibid., p. 1.

[11] Rupel K, Zupin L, Colliva A, Kamada A, Poropat A, Ottaviani G, Gobbo M, Fanfoni L, Gratton R, Santoro M, Di Lenarda R, Biasotto M, Zacchigna S. Photobiomodulation at Multiple Wavelengths Differentially Modulates Oxidative Stress In Vitro and In Vivo. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Nov 11;2018:6510159. doi: 10.1155/2018/6510159. PMID: 30534349; PMCID: PMC6252186, P. 1.

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Light Therapy for Minor Sprains and Injuries

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Light Therapy, also known as red light therapy, is known for relaxing and relieving muscle pain/spasms, joint aches, and stiffness related to arthritis while increasing local blood circulation. [1] This treatment stimulates and soothes aching muscles or joints of one’s body and improves its wellness. Light Therapy works by penetrating the skin and is absorbed by cells to trigger photobiomodulation (PBM) mechanisms, including the release of nitric oxide.

Besides, Light Therapy works reasonably well for minor sprains and injuries. It does not cause harm or increase heat/temperature in treated tissues, leading to a change in the tissue architecture. [2] When infrared light is combined with red light in one pad, then only the red light can be seen. It means that infrared light wavelength effuses its energy with more than 800 nm, which the human eye cannot see, reducing pain and increasing the blood flow motion. [3,4]

Light Therapy Affects Different Body Pains Positively

Muscle Sprain

Muscle sprain is one of the ailments that Light Therapy reduces pretty quickly. It’s caused by stretching/tearing muscle tissue connecting muscle to bone. The pain usually occurs in the lower back and at the back of the thighs.

Light Therapy heals or relieves this pain by penetrating light beneath the skin to reach muscle or aching joints. In effect, it helps cells absorb the light power and become more active. [4, 5]

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is another type of pain that disturbs people at a high rate. It is commonly referred to as irritating the forearm muscle tissue to the elbow. It is caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements. [3]

Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to treat tennis elbow as a minor injury or sprain. But, pad therapy has been recognized as one of the best mechanisms to treat tennis elbow. It is because this treatment method relieves the pain by directing the light to areas that are injured without damaging the tissues. Also, Light Therapy promotes nitric oxide (NO) release as a photodissociation of NO from CCO, which subsequently increases the rate of ATP production and promotes vasodilation. [2,4,5]

Low Back Pain

Additionally, Light Therapy treats and relieves low back pain with the same mechanism as a minor sprain or injury. Low back pain is a painful condition affecting the back and lower part of the spine. It is caused by injury sprain or strain. Some common causes of low back pain include improper lifting, poor posture, lack of regular exercise, arthritis, etc.

Light Therapy reaches the muscles, nerves, and other tissues. It stimulates the regeneration and repair of injured tissues, decreasing pain. It also increases blood flow to different body parts, making it possible for oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells, enabling them to function appropriately. [4, 5, 6]

Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms are among the types of discomfort treated by Light Therapy. Muscle spasms are involuntary contractions of muscles that are temporary, not harmful, but painful. This muscle cramp is commonly caused by overuse of strength, fatigue, low magnesium, or low potassium. They can occur in any body part, but they often affect the abdomen, thighs, hands/arms, and feet. Light Therapy’s role is with pain relief, increasing blood motion while stimulating cell regeneration. The device assists the mitochondria in muscle cells to accomplish their respiration cycle, resulting is less fatigue. [4, 5]

Knee Pain

Lastly, Light Therapy relieves discomfort in various body parts, such as the knee. Knee pain may result from sitting on the knees for a long time, walking, bending, lifting, and standing. Those at risk of experiencing knee pain more often are athletes who run or play games with high levels of force on the knee.

Also, knee pain can be an outcome of aging, affecting the elderly with a more significant percentage of joint discomfort. But Light Therapy provides the appropriate pain relief for conditions including strained/sprained ligaments, tendonitis, arthritis, or cartilage tears. It operates by targeting the cellular origins of knee joint pain. [5, 7]

Conclusion

The reason why Light Therapy should be used for the above types of pain is that it offers painless remedies to individuals. Competitive athletes and weekend warriors benefit too. People can get back to their daily activities or players back to the game and perform at their prior level.

These light therapeutic remedies are advantageous because treatments are safe and can be used to treat multiple body areas. It heals the pain of the upper or lower back, feet, hip, or shoulder, resulting from sitting for long. It’s equally essential to note that muscle, tennis elbow, knee pain, and other joint problems can impact both young and older adults.

If you would like to learn more about Light Therapy and its benefits, call Rob at 860-707-4220 or email Rob.

References:

How Red Light Can Help Athlete Body Recover and Versatile Pain Relief. January 18, 2018.

https://ledtechnologies.com

Hsin J and Western J, Treating Sport-Related Injury and Pain with Light Therapy. Pract Pain Manag. 2006;6(7)

https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com

Mayo Clinic, Different Pain Treatment. 1998 - 2022

https://www.mayoclinic.org

Hopkins J, Knee Pain, and Problems.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Velger L, Benefits of having your therapy systems. 2021;2(25)

https://healthlightllc.com

Laser Ther. 2016 March 31;25(1): 35-42

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC48468

Asthma C, Author manuscript; available in PMC 2020 July 13. Laser Light Therapy in Inflammatory, Musculoskeletal, and Autoimmune Diseases. 19(8): 37. doi:10.1007/s11882-019-0869-z

Image Credit: <ahref="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/young-sportswoman-experiencing-pain-her-leg-while-having-sports-training-nature_25855574.htm#query=sprain&position=1&from_view=search&track=sph">Image by Drazen Zigic</a> on Freepik

Selecting The Proper Pad Shapes And Sizes For Your Patients’ Needs

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Selecting the proper shapes and sizes of Red Light Therapy pads for your patients’ needs is not at all difficult, but it is a very important step in ensuring that your treatment sessions will effectively provide your patients with the fastest possible pain relief and the greatest support.

As a rule, to achieve the most effective treatment, the pads in your system should cover the entire body area that requires pain relief and an increase in circulation. Although the precise measurements of pads varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, the table below lists the best pads for treating common patient issues:

Pad Sizes:	For Relieving Pain in:
Large Rectangular Pad	Upper/Lower Back; Hip; Shoulder; Upper/Lower Arm; Knee; Thigh
Medium Rectangular Pad	One or Both Hands; Elbow; Upper/Lower Back; Shoulder; Upper/Lower Arm; Thigh
Long & Narrow Pad	Limbs; Feet; Joints (Can be wrapped around Elbows; Knees; Wrists; and Ankles with Velcro to treat all sides at once)
Small Rectangular Pad	Neck; TMJ Area; Hands; Localized Area
Foot “Boot”*	Sole of the Foot; Top of the Foot; Ankle

* Some manufacturers offer single and dual boot packages.

Pad Perspectives for Practitioners

For Chiropractors and Physical Therapists:

Both chiropractors and physical therapists encounter a vast range of patient issues each workday. So having the largest selection possible of therapy pads of varying sizes and shapes is highly recommended. But if you have to start out with only two pads, then purchase the largest pad possible for upper and lower back issues, and also a long rectangular pad that can be wrapped around joints and extremities. But one, or better yet, two, boots for your patients with foot pain are also highly recommended.

For Acupuncturists:

Purchasing medium or large-sized pads for your system will bring your patients the most benefit. Pads can be strategically placed at acupoints where greater circulation and energy flow are needed before, during, or after needling. Also, having larger therapy pads in your system will allow you to offer Red Light Therapy as a stand-alone option if a patient has fear of needles.

For Massage Therapists:

Besides reducing pain in soft tissues and muscles, Red Light Therapy can penetrate deeply into joints to provide a deeper level of pain relief from arthritis, stiffness, or injury than massage alone can achieve. So make sure to purchase a long rectangular pad for your system that can be wrapped around a hip, shoulder, knee, elbow, or ankle if needed while you are doing your handwork on other areas of the body.

For Podiatrists:

Red Light Therapy boots for treating foot pain and other foot problems are a “must-have” for every podiatrist’s office. Alternatives can be a small pad for top or bottom of foot, or long pad to cover entire foot or lower leg.

The Bottom Line

Of course, the more pads of different shapes and sizes that you have for your therapy system, the more functional it will be for treating any issue that your patients may exhibit. Taking the time now to select the best pads for your patients’ needs will ensure that your Red Light Therapy system successfully benefits your practice for many years to come. If you would like to learn more about the different kinds of pads Energia Medical offers, fill out our contact us form and/or call us at 860-707-4220.

Is Red Light Therapy (RLT) Effective for Animals?

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Red Light Therapy, often known as Low-Level Light Therapy, photobiomodulation, or LED therapy, has been studied and investigated for many years and is gaining popularity among the medical community for its wide range of health benefits. Its practical applications are not confined to humans only; veterinarians have been using red light therapy for years to treat a variety of problems in dogs, cats, horses, and other animals.

Does RLT Work?

Despite the fact that there were alternative light sources accessible during the first 40 years of PBM (photobiomodulation) research, lasers remained by far the most often used treatment modality. Collimated, coherent, highly monochromatic beams with potential for high power densities were considered effective. However, non-coherent light sources like broad-band lights and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have proliferated in recent years. Today, the use of LEDs, commonly called Red Light, in photobiomodulation and other healthcare applications is well-established.

How is Light Therapy Beneficial?

The mechanism of Light Therapy involves mitochondrial photostimulation: increased cellular energy. This results in a wide range of health benefits, including improved blood circulation, Nitric Oxide production, and overall cellular activity, resulting in accelerated healing and tissue regeneration. Studies have demonstrated that LED can improve cellular function by up to 200%.

What Conditions can be Treated with RLT?

Most animals have been shown to respond well to photobiomodulation in the same way as humans. Studies suggest that Red Light Therapy can be used not only to treat a variety of health conditions but also to maintain the general health and performance of animals. The effects of Red Light Therapy are well-documented. It has been shown to accelerate wound healing, help with musculoskeletal disorders, and assist in relief from pain and inflammation. Following is a collection of studies that provide evidence of the benefits of RLT in animals.

Wound Healing

Low-level light treatment with LEDs (LED-LLLT) is becoming popular in the field of wound healing because it can speed up wound recovery while also controlling sequelae. A study investigated the effects of RLT on five wounds, including a wound with an ulcer, excoriation wounds, and edema of the lips. All patients experienced complete wound healing, infection control, and discomfort management. Although this study was done on humans, we can deduce similar outcomes in animals.

Chronic Back Pain

Red Light Therapy can be used to treat chronic back pain in several animals, including horses, dogs, cows, goats, and sheep. For competitive horses, back sprains and injuries are relatively common. Traditional medicine may find it exceedingly difficult to precisely identify the source of the pain in certain injuries, making treatment difficult. Studies suggest that Red Light Therapy can help with chronic low back pain due to its analgesic effects

Arthritis

Arthritis is a prevalent health issue in older animals. However, some breeds, like hounds and bulldogs, are more prone to joint issues than others, even at earlier ages. Red light therapy is becoming a more widely used treatment for these kinds of problems as a result of the mounting clinical data. One study observed the effects of LED therapy in the treatment of joint pain caused by osteoarthritis in white New Zealand rabbits. The results revealed decreased inflammation levels and preservation of the articular surface after 5 weeks of treatment.

Post-Operative Recovery and Increased Activity

A study observed the effects of RLT on dogs that had herniated discs repaired surgically. The results showed that the treatment group healed 4 times faster than the control group. One study conducted two experiments to investigate if red light could be beneficial in promoting growth and activity in broiler chickens. The results concluded that bright red light not only increased activity in chickens but also reduced locomotive disorders.

For Stronger Immunity

Red Light can help strengthen the body’s immune system due to increased cellular activity. Regular treatment can protect animals from bacteria and viruses by strengthening the body’s defense system. One study revealed that regular LED therapy increased platelet counts in mice with immune thrombocytopenia. Studies also suggest that PBM has the potential to change thymic involution, enhance immunological function in the elderly, and has the potential to increase lifespan.

Since evidence suggests that Light Therapy is increasingly becoming a revolutionizing, holistic treatment, it can be used to treat animals, and various studies have suggested positive results. Moreover, RLT is not only effective, but it is also a safe, non-invasive, side-effect-free treatment modality that doesn’t require one to use any medicines.

Looking for a quick and effective treatment method for your pets, cattle, or poultry? Check out Energia Medical’s collection of lightweight and portable Red Light Therapy pads. These are easily maneuverable and come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit all areas of the body. Call Rob at 860-707-4220 or email Rob.

Citations

Calderhead, R. G. (2007). The photobiological basics behind light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy. Laser Therapy, 16(2), 97-108.

Heiskanen V, Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation: lasers vs. light emitting diodes? Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2018 Aug 8;17(8):1003-1017. doi: 10.1039/c8pp90049c. Erratum in: Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2018 Oct 31;18(1):259-259. PMID: 30044464; PMCID: PMC6091542.

Kim WS, Calderhead RG. Is light-emitting diode phototherapy (LED-LLLT) really effective? Laser Ther. 2011;20(3):205-15. doi: 10.5978/islsm.20.205. PMID: 24155530; PMCID: PMC3799034.

Tafur J, Mills PJ. Low-intensity light therapy: exploring the role of redox mechanisms. Photomed Laser Surg. 2008 Aug;26(4):323-8. doi: 10.1089/pho.2007.2184. PMID: 18665762; PMCID: PMC2996814.

NT, Turner SG, Margolis DA, Cevenini V, Stinson H, Ignatius R, Martin T, Cwiklinski J, Philippi AF, Graf WR, Hodgson B, Gould L, Kane M, Chen G, Caviness J. Effect of NASA light-emitting diode irradiation on wound healing. J Clin Laser Med Surg. 2001 Dec;19(6):305-14. doi: 10.1089/104454701753342758. PMID: 11776448.

Zhang WW, Wang XY, Chu YX, Wang YQ. Light-emitting diode phototherapy: pain relief and underlying mechanisms. Lasers Med Sci. 2022 Jul;37(5):2343-2352. doi: 10.1007/s10103-022-03540-0. Epub 2022 Apr 11. PMID: 35404002.

Opel DR, Hagstrom E, Pace AK, Sisto K, Hirano-Ali SA, Desai S, Swan J. Light-emitting Diodes: A Brief Review and Clinical Experience. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015 Jun;8(6):36-44. PMID: 26155326; PMCID: PMC4479368.

Min PK, Goo BL. 830 nm light-emitting diode low level light therapy (LED-LLLT) enhances wound healing: a preliminary study. Laser Ther. 2013;22(1):43-9. doi: 10.5978/islsm.13-or-06. PMID: 24155549; PMCID: PMC3799047.

Gale GD, Rothbart PJ, Li Y. Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Pain Res Manag. 2006 Autumn;11(3):193-6. doi: 10.1155/2006/876920. PMID: 16960636; PMCID: PMC2539004.

Oshima Y, Coutts RD, Badlani NM, Healey RM, Kubo T, Amiel D. Effect of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy on the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in a rabbit model. Biomed Pharmacother. 2011 Jun;65(3):224-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2011.02.011. Epub 2011 May 20. PMID: 21658899.

Draper WE, Schubert TA, Clemmons RM, Miles SA. Low-level laser therapy reduces time to ambulation in dogs after hemilaminectomy: a preliminary study. J Small Anim Pract. 2012 Aug;53(8):465-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2012.01242.x. Epub 2012 Jul 11. PMID: 22783835.

Prayitno DS, Phillips CJ, Stokes DK. The effects of color and intensity of light on behavior and leg disorders in broiler chickens. Poult Sci. 1997 Dec;76(12):1674-81. doi: 10.1093/ps/76.12.1674. PMID: 9438281.

Yang, J., Zhang, Q., Li, P. et al. Low-level light treatment ameliorates immune thrombocytopenia. Sci Rep 6, 38238 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep38238

Odinokov D, Hamblin MR. Aging of lymphoid organs: Can photobiomodulation reverse age-associated thymic involution via stimulation of extrapineal melatonin synthesis and bone marrow stem cells? J Biophotonics. 2018 Aug;11(8):e201700282. doi: 10.1002/jbio.201700282. Epub 2018 Feb 12. PMID: 29227581; PMCID: PMC5995606.

Image Credit: Freepik

Red Light Therapy 101

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a treatment modality that uses near or near-infrared light to accelerate the healing process by stimulating biochemical activity in the cell. It is a highly effective, safe, and less costly way of delivering treatment. Phototherapy is widely used by healthcare practitioners to treat a variety of problems, including musculoskeletal pain, wound healing, and injury recovery.

Red Light Therapy (RLT) is the latest ‘buzzword’ in the world of medicine. Its other names include LED Light Therapy, Photobiomodulation (PBM), Low-level Light Therapy (LLLT), biostimulation, and photonic stimulation. There is so much to unpack about how it works, what the research says, and why it’s so interesting.

The Origin Of Red Light Therapy

Although the treatment of various diseases using Light Therapy is relatively new, the technology behind it has been around for decades. In the 1980s and 1990s, NASA experimented with Red Light Therapy to successfully achieve enhanced plant growth. Photobiomodulation has reached a kind of breakthrough in medicine due to the development of safe, affordable, and easy-to-use LED devices.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Clinicians administer treatment using devices or pads that emit red light of low-level wavelengths. The light is delivered through two superior mediums: Lasers and LEDs, and is absorbed by chromophores, the most important being cytochrome c oxidase. The process initiates biochemical responses from the cell, particularly mitochondria, increasing ATP (adenose triphosphate) production, which leads to a temporary increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Enhanced ATP results in cellular rejuvenation, improving the healing process and tissue repair, followed by reduced pain and inflammation.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

As photobiomodulation stimulates biochemical activity and increases the production of ATP and nitric oxide (NO), it helps the cells repair themselves. Here are some of the benefits of Red Light Therapy.

Wound Healing

Wavelengths of red light can stimulate important cells, such as fibroblasts, keratinocytes, mast cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, that play a key role in tissue regeneration. Both laser and LED light are shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that promote the healing of wounds.

Pain Reduction

Low-Level Red Light can penetrate the skin and reach deep into the tissues by increasing the proliferation of macrophage cells in the zone of the injury, reducing pain and improving locomotor activity. Research has shown that photobiomodulation can be effective against musculoskeletal pain such as back pain, pain from arthritis, neck pain and orthodontic pain.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

One of the most useful effects of Red Light Therapy is its anti-inflammatory benefits. It can reduce oxidative stress in the cells, decreasing inflammatory markers and resulting in reduced pain and swelling. This property of phototherapy is beneficial in the treatment of a variety of health conditions, including muscle pain and injury, arthritis, and traumatic brain injury.

Muscle Recovery

Red Light Therapy can be used to prevent and repair muscle damage as it enhances ATP, decreases oxidative stress, and has anti-inflammatory properties. The treatment can be used by athletes to decrease recovery time after going through muscle injury and to prevent muscle damage. It can also be effective in treating sore and tight muscles.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe?

Painkillers and opioids have side effects and can cause dependence, due to which many people are now opting for alternative methods of treatment. Photobiomodulation is a painless, non-invasive method of treatment that doesn’t require you to ingest anything and has no known side effects. The light wavelength is minimal and cannot carry out cellular ionization, so it is safe to use. It is cleared by the FDA to treat musculoskeletal pain, increase circulation and a number of other indications.

What Healthcare Providers Use RLT?

Red Light Therapy systems have found their way into various clinical settings due to their practical applications, safety, and affordability.

Podiatrists:For various side effects of arthritis and neuropathy.

Physical Therapists and Chiropractors: To assist in Musculoskeletal conditions by stimulating cellular regeneration.

Athletes and Athletic Trainers:To heal muscle spasms and injury, speed up recovery, and enhance performance.

Research has shown many practical applications of RLT in treating various health conditions and pain. There are over 7500 entries on Phototherapy, Red Light therapy, and Photobiomodulation on one of the largest online resources for medical literature, PubMed. The number of research in this area is growing, and phototherapy is already being incorporated as a major treatment modality in healthcare.

Want to get the benefits of Red Light Therapy? Check out Our FDA-cleared handheld Laser Light Devices and LED pads. You can customize the settings the way you like to achieve the desired results. Professionals in wellness centers, clinics, and chiropractors, can reap the benefits of these as one device or pad can be used to treat several conditions and several areas of the body. For more information, call Rob at 860-707-4220 or contact us, and we would be happy to help.

Citations

LED Lights Used in Plant Growth Experiments for Deep Space Missions. NASA.

de Freitas LF, Hamblin MR. Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy. IEEE J Sel Top Quantum Electron. 2016 May-Jun;22(3):7000417. doi: 10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201. PMID: 28070154; PMCID: PMC5215870.

Tafur J, Mills PJ. Low-intensity light therapy: exploring the role of redox mechanisms. Photomed Laser Surg. 2008 Aug;26(4):323-8. doi: 10.1089/pho.2007.2184. PMID: 18665762; PMCID: PMC2996814.

Calderhead R.G. (2007). The photobiological basics behind light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy. Laser Ther. 16, 97–108

Chaves ME, Araújo AR, Piancastelli AC, Pinotti M. Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED. An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Jul-Aug;89(4):616-23. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142519. PMID: 25054749; PMCID: PMC4148276.

Hu D, Zhu S, Potas JR. Red LED photobiomodulation reduces pain hypersensitivity and improves sensorimotor function following mild T10 hemicontusion spinal cord injury. J Neuroinflammation. 2016 Aug 26;13(1):200. doi: 10.1186/s12974-016-0679-3. PMID: 27561854; PMCID: PMC5000419.

Gur A, Cosut A, Sarac AJ, Cevik R, Nas K, Uyar A. Efficacy of different therapy regimes of low-power laser in painful osteoarthritis of the knee: A double-blind and randomized-controlled trial. Lasers Surg Med.

Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017;4(3):337-361. doi: 10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337. Epub 2017 May 19. PMID: 28748217; PMCID: PMC5523874.

Martins DF, Turnes BL, Cidral-Filho FJ, Bobinski F, Rosas RF, Danielski LG, Petronilho F, Santos AR. Light-emitting diode therapy reduces persistent inflammatory pain: Role of interleukin 10 and antioxidant enzymes. Neuroscience. 2016 Jun 2;324:485-95. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.035. Epub 2016 Mar 18. PMID: 27001179.

Ferraresi C, Huang YY, Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation in human muscle tissue: an advantage in sports performance? J Biophotonics. 2016 Dec;9(11-12):1273-1299. doi: 10.1002/jbio.201600176. Epub 2016 Nov 22. PMID: 27874264; PMCID: PMC5167494.

Douris P, Southard V, Ferrigi R, Grauer J, Katz D, Nascimento C, Podbielski P. Effect of phototherapy on delayed onset muscle soreness. Photomed Laser Surg. 2006 Jun;24(3):377-82. doi: 10.1089/pho.2006.24.377. PMID: 16875447.

Why Use Red Light And Blue Light In The Same Pad?

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Normally, red, blue, or both color lights are used for skincare treatment. As different colors have varied specifications and benefits, we have written this article to help you understand what skin concern each color treats to help you make a wise decision.

Due to continuous advances in research that demonstrate the efficacy of Light Therapy, it is increasingly being adopted. It is an FDA-cleared cosmetic procedure where different wavelengths of light are used to treat several skin disorders. Light Therapy pads present a compact, cheap, and quick alternative to surgical or pharmaceutical intervention.

What is Light Therapy?

Light Therapy, also called photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy (LLLT), is a treatment method where different wavelengths of light, including, red, blue, and infrared, are used to stimulate cells. It has been proven to enhance ATP production, stimulate angiogenesis, and increase blood flow.

Light Therapy and Skincare Treatment

Light therapy is a highly flexible, affordable, and adaptable treatment that can be used to address various skin disorders.

It has found its way into dermatology as research shows its efficacy in treating psoriasis, rosacea, and wrinkle reduction. The biological efficacy of Light Therapy doesn’t only depend on the procedure but also on specific light parameters. The right wavelength of light is needed to achieve optimal results. As shown in Figure 1, different wavelengths target different tissues, and finding the right balance is important for effective treatment. The right wavelength of light is needed to achieve optimal results. As shown in Figure 1, different wavelengths target different tissues, and finding the right balance is important for effective treatment. The right wavelength of light is needed to achieve optimal results. As shown in Figure 1, different wavelengths target different tissues, and finding the right balance is important for effective treatment.

Red Light

Red light can reach the dermis and can activate fibroblasts, cells that contribute to collagen synthesis. It also stimulates the production of elastin, assisting in rapid cellular regeneration. Red light penetrates deep in the tissue and improves the overall skin texture by reducing inflammation, blemishes, wrinkles, and age spots.

Blue Light

Blue light, when compared to red light, doesn’t penetrate deep into the tissue and can be useful for addressing skin concerns in the epidermis. Research has revealed blue light to be effective for treating acne. Blue light also has antimicrobial properties, which can help eliminate a wide variety of pathogens. Therefore, it is effective in the treatment of skin disorders that involve microbial agents. Blue light’s antimicrobial properties also point out its potential in modifying the skin microbiome.

Combination of Red and Blue Light for Skin Conditions

Since red light can reach the dermis and blue light can reach the epidermis, a treatment modality where both are used is found to be effective in addressing skincare concerns.

Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

This is a chronic skin disorder where acne is present on the face and sometimes on the back and chest. In this condition, pilosebaceous units are either inflamed or blocked, resulting in acne as inflammatory and/or non-inflammatory lesions. The current treatments for this condition aren’t much effective and involve drugs that pose adverse side effects and dependence. Several studies have suggested that a combination of red and blue light can be effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Red light is shown to have an inhibitory effect on sebum production, while blue light can reduce sebocyte proliferation. Moreover, blue light’s antimicrobial properties further assist in treating the condition as it can alter the skin’s microbiome. A 38% reduction in inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions was observed when a combination of red and blue light was used.

Wrinkle Reduction And Other Skin Concerns

Light Therapy has found its practical application in not just treating acne, but also in other cosmetic procedures such as skin rejuvenation and anti-aging. Red light at the wavelength of 660nm has been found effective in addressing aged skin by reducing wrinkles. Red light can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increase collagen density, and improve complexion, by energizing cells, leading to accelerated healing and a more youthful, healthier skin. Blue light has shown to improve the overall texture, skin elasticity, and complexion. It also promotes surface healing and together with red light can result in a radiant skin and powerful antiaging effects. Research shows that a combination of different wavelengths, especially red and blue light, can demonstrate higher efficacy in addressing these concerns.

The Right Light Therapy Pad for Acne Treatment and Wrinkle Reduction!

Research shows that using red and blue light together can be more helpful in combating acne, wrinkles, and other issues, as compared to when used separately. They offer a perfect combination as red light carries out cellular regeneration and accelerates healing, while blue light addresses the issues on the surface of the skin by destroying microbes. Optimal results can be gained from using a light pad that has both red and blue light wavelengths. It is important to use FDA-cleared pads too to ensure your safety.

Light Therapy is truly revolutionizing healthcare as it is safe, easy, and affordable. It doesn’t require surgery or medication and has no known side effects. Research suggests that both red and blue light are best suited to treat skincare concerns, such as acne. If you are looking for a system where you get the best of both worlds in one product, without buying two separate ones, we recommend our collection.

Feel free to contact us or call Rob at 860-707-4220 and we would be happy to address your queries or provide more information.

Citations

Calderhead RG. The photobiological basics behind light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy. Laser Therapy. 2007;16:97–108.

Whelan HT, Smits RL Jr, Buchman EV, Whelan NT, Turner SG, Margolis DA, Cevenini V, Stinson H, Ignatius R, Martin T, Cwiklinski J, Philippi AF, Graf WR, Hodgson B, Gould L, Kane M, Chen G, Caviness J. Effect of NASA light-emitting diode irradiation on wound healing. J Clin Laser Med Surg. 2001 Dec;19(6):305-14. doi: 10.1089/104454701753342758. PMID: 11776448.

Kleinpenning MM, Otero ME, van Erp PE, Gerritsen MJ, van de Kerkhof PC. Efficacy of blue light vs. red light in the treatment of psoriasis: a double-blind, randomized comparative study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2012 Feb;26(2):219-25. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04039.x. Epub 2011 Mar 24. PMID: 21435024.

Wilson BC, Patterson MS (2008 May 7) The physics, biophysics and technology of photodynamic therapy. Phys Med Biol 53:R61–R109.

Wunsch A, Matuschka K. A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Feb;32(2):93-100. doi: 10.1089/pho.2013.3616. Epub 2013 Nov 28. PMID: 24286286; PMCID: PMC3926176.

Ash C, Harrison A, Drew S, Whittall R. A randomized controlled study for the treatment of acne vulgaris using high-intensity 414 nm solid state diode arrays. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2015;17(4):170–176.

Dai T. The antimicrobial effect of blue light: what are behind? Virulence. 2017;8(6):649–652.

Williams HC, Dellavalle RP, Garner S. Acne vulgaris. Lancet. 2012 Jan 28;379(9813):361-72. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60321-8. Epub 2011 Aug 29. Erratum in: Lancet. 2012 Jan 28;379(9813):314. PMID: 21880356.

Bhardwaj SS, Rohrer TE, Arndt K. Lasers and light therapy for acne vulgaris. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2005 Jun;24(2):107-12. doi: 10.1016/j.sder.2005.04.001. PMID: 16092799.

Charakida A, Seaton ED, Charakida M, Mouser P, Avgerinos A, Chu AC. Phototherapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris: what is its role? Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5(4):211-6. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200405040-00001. PMID: 15301568.

Barolet D, Boucher A. Radiant near infrared light emitting Diode exposure as skin preparation to enhance photodynamic therapy inflammatory type acne treatment outcome. Lasers Surg Med. 2010 Feb;42(2):171-8. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20886. PMID: 20166163.

Barolet D, Roberge CJ, Auger FA, Boucher A, Germain L. Regulation of skin collagen metabolism in vitro using a pulsed 660 nm LED light source: clinical correlation with a single-blinded study. J Invest Dermatol. 2009 Dec;129(12):2751-9. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.186. Epub 2009 Jul 9. PMID: 19587693.

Touma D, Yaar M, Whitehead S, Konnikov N, Gilchrest BA. A trial of short incubation, broad-area photodynamic therapy for facial actinic keratoses and diffuse photodamage. Arch Dermatol. 2004 Jan;140(1):33-40. doi: 10.1001/archderm.140.1.33. PMID: 14732657.

Jagdeo J, Austin E, Mamalis A, Wong C, Ho D, Siegel DM. Light-emitting diodes in dermatology: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Lasers Surg Med. 2018 Jan 22;50(6):613–28. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22791. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 29356026; PMCID: PMC6099480.

Sadowska M, Narbutt J, Lesiak A. Blue Light in Dermatology. Life (Basel). 2021 Jul 8;11(7):670. doi: 10.3390/life11070670. PMID: 34357042; PMCID: PMC8307003.

Image Credit:https://sites.google.com/a/coe.edu/principles-of-structural-chemistry/relationship-between-light-and-matter/electromagnetic-spectrum

Don’t Limit Or Lose Mobility! Here Are The Best Pads For Leg And Knee Pain

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Suffering from pain in the knees and/or legs can lead to serious consequences. In addition to making it hard to get a good night’s sleep, pain can also negatively impact knee and leg function and therefore, mobility — making even simple everyday tasks more difficult to accomplish. And pain and difficulty with walking may also impact one’s ability to drive, which in turn, may reduce personal freedom and one’s quality of life.

Drugs Only Mask Pain

If you suffer from pain in the leg(s) and/or knee(s) (or have patients who do) why be locked into a constant routine of temporary relief from over-the-counter pain medications, or face the risks of potentially addictive prescription drugs? Taking these medications, especially opioids, only masks the pain while never addressing its root cause, and can come with a distressing amount of side effects. So what is a much better approach?

Try Red Light/Infrared Therapy

Red Light/Infrared Therapy is a safe, dependable, non-invasive, and painless healing modality that can not only provide fast and effective pain relief without the side effects and risks of pharmaceuticals, but also healing support to help alleviate the cause of the pain —potentially leading to permanent relief.

Whether the pain is caused by injury, infection, or inflammation (as in the case of osteoarthritis in the knee), studies have found that Red Light and Infrared Therapy can help relieve pain, reduce swelling and stiffness, and stimulate and accelerate healing in a wide range of knee and leg issues. Red Light and Infrared Light Therapy can be depended upon to increase circulation and reduce pain and inflammation in the local area where the light therapy pads are placed. Red Light/Infrared Therapy is extremely easy and simple to administer, and has “an almost complete lack of reported adverse effects...”

Best Pads for Knee and/or Leg Therapy

With all the many shapes and sizes of Light Therapy pads now available, you may wonder what pads are best for treating the knee and/or leg. As a general rule, Light Therapy pads should cover the entire area where pain relief and healing support are needed. Energia Medical offers three pads that are perfect for treating the knee and/or leg: the Large 264 Body Pad; the Long 180 Pad; and the 96 Knee/ Shoulder/Elbow Pad. Here is what each pad offers:

Light Therapy Pad Features	Energia Medical’s Large 264 Body Pad	Energia Medical’s Long 180 Pad	Energia Medical’s 96 Knee, Shoulder and Elbow Pad
Number of Diodes	264	180	96
Red Diodes	120	80	48
Infrared Diodes	144	100	48
Standard Wavelengths of Red (660nm) and Infrared (850nm)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pad Output Per 20 Minutes	10,483 joules	6,480 joules	3,740 joules
Measurements	8” x 15”	5” x 16”	12.6” X 11.7”
Designed For:	Perfect for placing over or under, or wrapping around the knee, and can also be wrapped around the calf, thigh, or ankle. (Can also treat hands, chest, entire back, shoulder, hip, and upper and lower arm.)	Great for wrapping around a knee, a leg, or a thigh. Can be used vertically from the knee and down the leg, or from the knee up to the thigh. When used horizontally, can treat both legs or both thighs at front or back simultaneously. (Can also be wrapped around elbows; feet; arms; wrists; and ankles to treat all sides at once.)	Specifically designed to wrap around the knee, shoulder or elbow. Built in straps. .
Warranty	Two year	Two year	Two years

In Conclusion

Knee and leg pain do not have to affect your mobility and limit your quality of life. For effective pain relief, look no further than Red Light/Infrared Therapy. Whether you yourself are tired of suffering from knee or leg pain, or if you want to provide quick and dependable pain relief to your patients, Energia Medical provides the best quality, most durable, and most powerful clinical-strength LED-powered Red Light Therapy systems available in today’s marketplace. Their wide range of Red Light and Infrared Light Therapy systems will successfully meet the needs of any individual or family, or any size health practice. Contact Energia Medical, LLC at 860-707-4220 or by email.

Citations

Hamblin, Michael R. “Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation.” AIMS biophysics vol. 4,3 (2017): 337-361. doi:10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337, p. 14.

The Role of LED Light Therapy In Optimizing Nitric Oxide Levels

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Commonly called the ‘miracle molecule’, Nitric Oxide (NO) is a major signaling compound made by the body. As its production plays a key role in major cellular processes, regulating NO levels in the body could be the key to addressing various pathologies.

The discoveries surrounding the importance of NO resulted in a Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine for three US scientists—which led the medical community to recognize the compound for its various medical benefits. This article discusses the significance of NO in the human body and how can photobiomodulation through LEDs help increase NO levels.

What is Nitric Oxide?

Nitric Oxide (NO) is an important compound in the human body that performs various physiological processes: It acts as a neurotransmitter, helps with cellular respiration, and adjusts cellular defenses (cell survival or death). Depleted or reduced NO levels can lead to various complications, such as hypertension.

Where is it Produced?

Most of the cells in the body produce NO, but it is largely produced by the endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels, and red blood cells, particularly from the mitochondria, as a result of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis. NO is a short-lived compound, which means that almost immediately after its production, it oxidizes to a stable form.

Since NO is produced in the blood vessel lining, the endothelium, it helps to expand the vessels and regulates blood circulation. It is continuously produced in the endothelium and regulates blood pressure and normal blood homeostasis.

Why do We Need Nitric Oxide?

Our body needs NO to perform a variety of functions in the immune system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. Here are some physiological actions of NO.

Effects on the Cardiovascular Health

Produced by the endothelial cells, NO can help mediate vasodilation of the blood vessels, preventing the blood cells from sticking to the endothelium, inhibiting the buildup of plaque, and increasing blood flow. Thus, optimal levels of NO improve heart health, regulate blood pressure and carotid artery blood flow, and prevent the stiffness of the arteries.

nduces Vasodilation

Since NO stimulates relaxation, it mediates the vasodilatory action by increasing blood flow and maintenance of blood pressure. Vasodilation also results in reduced inflammation and pain, so NO has anti-inflammatory and anti-pain effects too.

Regulates the Immune System

Since NO helps in cell signaling, it can prepare the body to react to foreign invaders. NO induces an effective response to infection, as it is produced by the macrophages to obliterate harmful bacteria. It acts as a vasodilator, cytotoxic mediator, and myocardial depressant.

Why do we Need to Monitor NO Levels?

The production of Nitric Oxide starts to drop by 20% every 10 years starting in your 30s. There are various factors (except age) that influence the decline of NO production, such as poor nutrition, oxidative stress, diabetes, and smoking. Anyone who is trying to maintain heart health and normal blood pressure has low energy, diabetes, or vascular dysfunction needs to monitor their NO levels. You might start looking for ways to optimize NO production if you are over 30.

How to Increase Nitric Oxide Levels

Reduced NO levels are often understood as related to vascular diseases. You can increase NO levels by consuming specific food groups or supplements. However, the most effective and risk-free method is LED Light Therapy.

LED Light Therapy for Nitric Oxide Production

Photobiomodulation or light therapy is a process where exposure to LED lights results in initiating several cellular processes that lead to enhanced ATP production, cellular regeneration, and tissue growth. Here is the mechanism of light therapy:

Light from a source initiates the production of NO from the endothelium and red blood cells
Nitric oxide causes localized vasodilation
Vasodilation promotes blood flow
NO also stimulates enhanced ATP production

The effects can last well after the therapy session is completed due to the continuous blood flow to the area, resulting in an uninterrupted incursion of red blood cells and the production of NO. You can use FDA cleared LED light pads that are proven to improve blood circulation and relieve pain.

Light Therapy can be used to increase blood circulation, relax muscles, and manage pain and stiffness due to arthritis.

You or your patients can benefit from increased NO production in several ways. Check out Energia Medical’s collection of LED pads. These come in a variety of sizes and can be used on any part of the body. These are FDA cleared and have no known side effects.

Contact Rob at 860-707-4220 to discuss light therapy or email Rob.

Citations

Smith, O. Nobel Prize for NO research. Nat Med 4, 1215 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/31821215 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/3182

Moncada S, Higgs EA. The discovery of nitric oxide and its role in vascular biology. Br J Pharmacol. 2006 Jan;147 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S193-201. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0706458. PMID: 16402104; PMCID: PMC1760731.

Luiking, Y. C., Engelen, M. P., & Deutz, N. E. (2010). Regulation of nitric oxide production in health and disease. Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care, 13(1), 97–104. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0b013e328332f99d

Bauer V, Sotníková R. Nitric oxide--the endothelium-derived relaxing factor and its role in endothelial functions. Gen Physiol Biophys. 2010 Dec;29(4):319-40. PMID: 21156995.

Tschudi MR, Lüscher TF. Stickstoffmonoxid: Das endogene Nitrat im Kreislauf . Herz. 1996 Jun;21 Suppl 1:50-60. German. PMID: 8767925.

Akanji, M. A., Adeyanju, A. A., Rotimi, D., & Adeyemi, O. S. (2020, June 24). Nitric oxide balance in health and diseases: Implications for new treatment strategies. The Open Biochemistry Journal. https://openbiochemistryjournal.com/VOLUME/14/PAGE/25/FULLTEXT/

Keszler, A., Lindemer, B., Weihrauch, D., Jones, D., Hogg, N., & Lohr, N. L. (2017). Red/near infrared light stimulates release of an endothelium dependent vasodilator and rescues vascular dysfunction in a diabetes model. Free radical biology & medicine, 113, 157–164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.09.012

Karu TI, Pyatibrat LV, Afanasyeva NI. Cellular effects of low power laser therapy can be mediated by nitric oxide. Lasers Surg Med. 2005 Apr;36(4):307-14. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20148. PMID: 15739174.

Combine Red Light/Infrared Therapy With Foods That Boost Nitric Oxide For Optimum Support

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0500

If you want to get the most benefit from your Red Light/Infrared Therapy sessions, here’s a little secret: consume foods that promote the generation of nitric oxide. For when you consume nitric oxide-promoting foods, combined with the nitric oxide released naturally within your red blood cells by your Red Light/Infrared Therapy sessions, you are therapeutically modulating nitric oxide bioactivity — and maximizing the benefits produced by your therapy sessions for the best possible therapeutic outcomes for yourself!

What is Nitric Oxide (NO)?

Nitric oxide has been called the “miracle molecule” and described as “the body’s natural vasodilator” for its beneficial effects on circulation and blood pressure. The nitric oxide (NO) molecule is gaseous, intracellular and intercellular, produced endogenously within your body through the oxidation of L-arginine in the endothelial cells which line the blood vessels in the inner layer of the arteries. “NO is a short-lived diatomic signaling molecule that exerts multiple effects on kidney, cardiovascular and metabolic functions, including modulation of renal autoregulation, tubular fluid and electrolyte transport, vascular tone, blood pressure, platelet aggregation, immune cell activation, insulin-glucose homeostasis and mitochondrial function.” Scientists have discovered that NO also affects the liver, the eyes, and the gastrointestinal and nervous systems.

The Important Role of NO

In 2012, a scientific study stated that, “Nitric oxide (NO) has led a revolution in physiology and pharmacology research during the last two decades.” Although first identified as an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in connection with the vascular system, “Over the following years, however, the focus on NO research rapidly expanded from the vascular system to its role in immunity and inflammation, the nervous system, pregnancy, aging, and cell death.” “…NO has emerged as a fundamental signaling device regulating virtually every critical cellular function, as well as a potent mediator of cellular damage in a wide range of conditions.”

Dangers of Compromised NO Production

Because NO plays such a vital role in the body, “Insufficient production of NO (for example, during older age and in various disease conditions) can adversely impact health and physical performance.” “Reduced NO bioactivity due to compromised NO generation or increased metabolism has been associated with aging and kidney, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, which are often coupled with increased generation of ROS leading to oxidative stress.” And oxidative stress can be very damaging, as many healthcare professionals believe that it is the common denominator behind hundreds of diseases, plus the aging process itself. Since NO is so crucial to good health, the ability of Red Light Therapy to locally release NO is extremely valuable!

Foods that Increase Nitric Oxide

NO can be boosted within the body by consuming nitrate-rich foods. Green leafy vegetables such as arugula (the highest known source of nitrates), spinach, Swiss chard, parsley, and celery elevate NO levels. Other NO-enhancing foods are walnuts (high in L-arginine which converts into NO), watermelons (high in the amino acid L-citrulline, which converts into L-arginine and then into NO), pomegranates, cranberries, hot chili peppers, onions, garlic, raw cacao powder, dark chocolate, and beets — beet greens, beet chips, and beetroot juice. And citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits contain high amounts of Vitamin C, which raises levels of NO synthase (NOS) enzymes that convert L-arginine into NO, making citrus helpful to NO production.

Red Light/Infrared Therapy Releases NO

Scientific research proves that Red Light Therapy releases NO. How? Photons of light emitted by the Red Light and Infrared Light Therapy pads are readily absorbed through the skin, penetrating deeply into tissues. Upon absorption, light is converted into signals that induce a wide range of beneficial biochemical processes in cells that stimulate and aid the body’s innate healing processes. During a Red Light/Infrared Therapy session, NO is a beneficial chemical released from blood vessels lining the endothelium. NO causes vasodilation, which significantly improves blood flow and circulation in the local area where therapy pads are placed. And, increased circulation helps to decrease inflammation and reduce pain.

In Conclusion – Try Red Light/Infrared Therapy

NO plays a vital role in a many key functions throughout the body, especially in promoting vasodilation and increased blood flow. Using Red Light and Infrared Light Therapy is a simple, easy, and dependable way to release NO so that blood, oxygen, and nutrients can flow optimally for pain relief and healing support. If you are looking to repair or enhance your health (and/or relieve pain and restore function) Red Light/Infrared Therapy can help.

And if you are a chiropractor, physical therapist, acupuncturist, or podiatrist, consider adding Red Light/Infrared Therapy to your treatment menu. One Red Light/Infrared Therapy system can bring your patients years of improved health!

Contact Rob Berman at Energia Medical at 860-707-4220 or via email Rob to learn more about Red Light/Infrared Therapy systems from Energia Medical.

Citations

Carlström M. Nitric oxide signalling in kidney regulation and cardiometabolic health. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2021 Sep;17(9):575-590. doi: 10.1038/s41581-021-00429-z. Epub 2021 Jun 1. PMID: 34075241; PMCID: PMC8169406, p. 575.

Bescós R, Sureda A, Tur JA, Pons A. The effect of nitric-oxide-related supplements on human performance. Sports Med. 2012 Feb 1;42(2):99-117. doi: 10.2165/11596860-000000000-00000. PMID: 22260513, Abstract.

Sobrevia L, Ooi L, Ryan S, Steinert JR. Nitric Oxide: A Regulator of Cellular Function in Health and Disease. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:9782346. doi: 10.1155/2016/9782346. Epub 2015 Dec 21. PMID: 26798429; PMCID: PMC4699049, p. 1.

Pacher P, Beckman JS, Liaudet L. Nitric oxide and peroxynitrite in health and disease. Physiol Rev. 2007 Jan;87(1):315-424. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00029.2006. PMID: 17237348; PMCID: PMC2248324, Abstract.

Jones AM, Thompson C, Wylie LJ, Vanhatalo A. Dietary Nitrate and Physical Performance. Annu Rev Nutr. 2018 Aug 21;38:303-328. doi: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-082117-051622. PMID: 30130468, Abstract.