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: <ahref="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/female-veterinarian-applying-bandage-wounded-dog-s-paw_3168425.htm#query=injured%20dog&position=49&from_view=search&track=sph">Freepik</a>

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.

I

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.

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.

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. 587.

With all the walking, running, hiking, exercising, dancing, stair climbing, and jumping that you may do throughout your life, is it any wonder that at some point you may experience foot pain?  According to a 2014 survey conducted for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), “…almost 8 in 10 Americans have experienced a foot problem, and half say it has impacted their quality of life.”  In fact, “Half of all adults say that foot pain has restricted their activities—like walking, exercising, working, or playing with grandchildren—in some way.  For those with chronic foot pain, that number jumps to 83 percent.”              

Red Light Therapy Can Help

Foot pain should be addressed as soon as possible, as pain in one or both feet can potentially lead to impairment of foot function, which in turn may increase the risk of falling.  But foot pain does not have to restrict daily life. 

If you or a loved one suffers from any type of foot pain, or if your patients do, rather than treating foot pain with over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroid injections for chronic foot pain, why not try Red Light Therapy? 

Red Light Therapy is non-invasive, painless, effective, dependable, and very easy to administer. And unlike many pain medications and surgery, there are no potential risks. Red Light Therapy has been proven to have “…an almost complete lack of reported adverse effects...”  

Pain Relief PLUS Healing Support

Red Light Therapy can not only help relieve all types of foot pain quickly and effectively, but due to the beneficial chemical processes released within the cells during treatment, Red Light Therapy may also accelerate healing. 

Scientific studies prove that “Radiation of tissue with light causes an increase in mitochondrial products such as ATP, NADH, protein, and RNA…”  And its release of nitric oxide increases circulation, so that blood high in oxygen and nutrients can flow more freely into the local area, reducing pain and supporting the body’s natural healing. 

It may seem amazing but it is true that “…low doses of light have demonstrated the ability to heal skin, nerves, tendons, cartilage and bones.”  And over time, as nerves heal, numbness decreases and feeling in the foot returns. Studies show that pain in any part of the foot, from the toes to the Achilles tendon and up to the ankle, will respond well to Red Light Therapy.

Best Pads for the Feet

If you are looking to alleviate foot pain, why not give Red Light Therapy a try?  Many manufacturers of Red Light Therapy systems, such as Energia Medical, make pads especially designed for treating the foot. 

Here are four neoprene therapy pads made by Energia Medical that are excellent for treating foot issues.  All four are medical grade:

• Energia Medical’s Foot and Ankle 122 Diode Pad:
  

This uniquely-shaped 3-section pad is flexible and versatile, allowing it to be used in two ways: extended or folded over.

1.   When extended, the pad can cover the bottom of the foot from the toes to the back of the heel, continuing up over the calf area. 

2.   When folded over, this pad can cover the toes and foot like a boot, including the top of the foot, sole, heel, and both ankles. 

The 122 Foot and Ankle Pad features 122 LED’s - 61 Infrared and 61 Red diodes. Its standard wavelengths are red (660nm) and infrared (850nm). The top section measures 8” wide x 5” long, the middle section is 12” long x 4” wide, and the bottom section is 7” long x 6” wide. This pad makes an excellent home unit, for its length and unique top and bottom also allow the pad to be wrapped around the hand with the forearm resting on the pad, down the spine or the thigh and leg, or over a shoulder. Hands can be placed on the top and bottom sections.
  

Energia Medical’s Foot and Calf 131 Diode Pad:

1. This uniquely-shaped 3-section pad is flexible and versatile, allowing it to be used in two ways:  extended or folded over:

2.     When folded in half the pad will treat the top and bottom of the foot.

The 131 Foot and Calf features 131 LED’s – 83 Infrared and 48 Red diodes.  Top Section is 7” X 10.75”. Mid to Bottom Section is 4.5” X 13.7”

• Energia Medical’s Long Painbuster 180 Diode Pad:
  

At 16”x 5”, the double length of this highly flexible long and narrow pad allows it to be used in several ways:

1.   Place the pad over the top of the foot and wrap it under the sole.

2.   Place the pad under the sole of the foot and let the rest of the pad travel up the heel and into the calf area.

3.   Place the pad horizontally, putting both feet on top to allow the toes or the heels to be treated simultaneously.

This pad contains a total of 180 LEDs: 120 infrared (850nm) and 60 red (660nm) diodes. It can also be used to treat other areas: its length makes it easy to wrap around the elbow or knee, the jaw, and the forehead, or flat down the back or across the shoulders, calf, stomach, or hip.

• Energia Medical’s Small 90 Diode Pad:
  

The size and rectangular shape of this pad make it ideal for foot treatment. Just place the foot on top of the pad, or put the pad over the toes or strap across the ankle with Velcro. At 9.8” x 4.5”, this pad should easily cover the toes, sole, heel, or ankle area.  This pad contains 90 total LEDs: 45 infrared and 45 red, with an output of 3,240 joules per 20 minute treatment. Its standard wavelengths are red (660nm) and infrared (850nm). The 90 pad can also be used on practically every other area of the body: the wrist, hand, neck, arm, elbow, shoulder, stomach, back, calf, thigh, or jaw, making this one pad the perfect therapy system for the entire family.

Summing Up – Kick Foot Pain Out!

Foot pain does not have to limit the quality of life for you or for your patients.  Red Light Therapy can make a big difference in being able to maintain a comfortable, mobile, and active lifestyle. 

Contact Rob Berman at Energia Medical at 860-707-4220 or via email to learn more about how Red Light Therapy can help you or your patients.

Citations

APMA. Public Opinion Research on Foot Health and Care: Findings from a Survey of 1000 US Adults. 2014 March, p. 3.

Day, B. New Survey Reveals Majority of Americans Suffer from Foot Pain: Ailments widespread, yet few people address issues. American Podiatric Medical Association. PRNewswire-USNewswire. 2014 May 19, p. 1.

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.

Chung, Hoon, et al. The Nuts and Bolts of Low-level Laser (Light) Therapy. Ann Biomed Eng. 2012 February; 40(2): 516–533. doi:10.1007/s10439-011-0454-7, p. 5 of NIH Public Access version.

Cotler, Howard B. et al.  The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain. MOJ Orthop Rheumatol. 2015  ;  2(5): . doi:10.15406/mojor.2015.02.00068, p. 4.

Acupuncturists, did you know that adding Red Light and Infrared Therapy to your treatment menu can bring a whole new dimension to your practice, opening the door to greater benefits for your patients that result in better patient outcomes?  That’s because the ancient traditional healing art of acupuncture and the modern day healing modality of Red Light/Infrared Therapy pair perfectly. And used together, they become a dynamic, winning treatment team that can be relied upon to deliver consistently outstanding results and bring a new flow of energy into your practice!  Here are the reasons why.

Needles and Light Waves Produce Similar Results

While acupuncture utilizes fine needles to penetrate the body in order to trigger specific meridians to relieve both acute and chronic pain and stimulate healing, Red Light and Infrared Light Therapy achieves the same beneficial results by employing light waves that are absorbed by the body.  This is because applying light “to tissues and organisms can elicit both stimulatory and inhibitory responses, depending upon the light parameters used.”  

And, like the benefits produced by acupuncture, science has discovered that Red Light/Infrared Therapy “…results in beneficial therapeutic outcomes including but not limited to the alleviation of pain or inflammation, immunomodulation, and promotion of wound healing and tissue regeneration.”  Red Light and Near Infrared Therapy uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in specific wavelengths in the visible and infrared spectrum that penetrate the skin and are absorbed by tissues, nerves, tendons, ligaments, organs, and even bones, to achieve fast acting pain relief and healing support.

More Similarities

Red Light/Infrared Therapy, like acupuncture, not only relieves pain and discomfort, but increases blood flow and circulation, boosts tissue oxygenation, relaxes muscles and the nervous system, and stimulates and accelerates the body’s own innate healing processes through the release of nitric oxide (NO), ATP, NADH, RNA, and other highly beneficial chemicals.

And like acupuncture, Red Light and Near Infrared Light Therapy can be used on every part of the body, helping the body regain and maintain health and wellness. Red Light/Infrared Therapy also matches acupuncture in being an all-natural, highly dependable, and cost-effective alternative to the potential risks, negative side effects, and sky-rocketing costs of pharmaceutical drugs and surgery.

Red Light/Infrared Therapy Adds Value

Red Light Therapy can add value to your treatment sessions for the simple reason that one Red Light Therapy pad can enhance circulation and relieve pain and stiffness over a large area of the body.  Also, Infrared Light Therapy may possibly enhance and augment the benefits of your needling work. Red Light/Infrared Therapy has been described by patients as being gentle, soothing, and comforting, and can help your patients to reach a deeper level of relaxation during their acupuncture treatments.

Non-Invasive, Safe, and Risk-Free

Since Red Light and Infrared Therapy is non-invasive, it generates additional value by being a treatment option for patients who are afraid of needles. Also, since the skin is never penetrated, there is no risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection. And, most importantly, Red Light/Infrared Therapy is completely safe and risk-free, as clinical studies have found that Red Light and Infrared Light Therapy “has a wide range of benefits on various patient populations, different medical indications and conditions without any serious risk of adverse effects.”

How to Administer

No matter your style of acupuncture, Red Light/Infrared Therapy is extremely easy to incorporate into your treatment sessions in several ways:

• Pre-Needling:  Light Therapy pads may be used on areas requiring greater chi and circulation for at least ten minutes before needling. The pads will increase blood flow and relieve pain quickly.  The warmth of the therapy pads will cause the patient’s body to relax, and then insertion and manipulation of the needles may actually be easier.
• During Needling:  Most acupuncturists utilize Light Therapy pads at the same time as needling, usually as soon as treatment begins. Wherever the pads are placed, chi and blood circulation will increase in that local area. Light Therapy pads soothe tissues and ease the buildup of muscle tension, deepening the patient’s relaxation and enhancing stress reduction. Light Therapy pads can then be moved around the body, working on different problem areas as the session progresses.  Most Light Therapy pads are flexible enough to be versatile, allowing the same pad to be used on different areas to treat a range of conditions.
• Post-Needling:  Give your patient a complete twenty-minute Light Therapy session immediately after needling. Light Therapy pads can be placed where the needling was administered, or on other acupoints throughout the body where support is needed. Red Light/Infrared Therapy will enhance relaxation, and trigger cellular processes that accelerate the body’s own innate healing ability.
• Stand-Alone Treatment:  Red Light/Infrared Therapy can be administered by itself as a standalone treatment option, which may appeal to patients who have a fear of needles. During this time, the patient may be left unattended, allowing you to treat other patients.   

Red Light/Infrared Therapy Can Boost Your Revenue:

Adding Red Light/Infrared Therapy to your treatment menu can boost the revenue of your acupuncture practice in four distinct ways:

• As an add-on to needling for an extra fee.
• As a stand-alone treatment option for patients afraid of needles, or for those who discover that they enjoy and benefit from Red Light/Infrared Therapy.
• Through the sales of Red Light/Infrared Therapy systems to patients for their home use.
• By broadening your treatment menu and making your practice more unique, helping it to stand far above the ever-growing competition — potentially increasing your client base.  

The Bottom Line

Used together, acupuncture and Red Light/Infrared Therapy make a great treatment team!  By adding Light Therapy to your treatment menu, you can energize your practice, boost your revenue, and bring greater benefits to your patients that result in better patient outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. Red Light and Infrared Light Therapy is easy to integrate and easy to administer. Plus, Red Light/Infrared Therapy systems offer a fast ROI and are surprisingly affordable, with a wide range of systems available to meet the needs of any acupuncture practice. 

For more information, contact Rob Berman at 860-707-4220 or via email.

Anders JJ, Lanzafame RJ, Arany PR. Low-level light/laser therapy versus photobiomodulation therapy. Photomed Laser Surg. 2015 Apr;33(4):183-4. doi: 10.1089/pho.2015.9848. PMID: 25844681; PMCID: PMC4390214, p. 183.

Ibid., p. 184.

Tsai SR, Hamblin MR. Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2017 May;170:197-207. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.04.014. Epub 2017 Apr 13. PMID: 28441605; PMCID: PMC5505738, p. 3.

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