Medical Grade Red Light Therapy: 7 Science Backed Benefits

In an age and time when six out of ten Americans suffer from a chronic illness, many are now taking their health into their own hands after feeling left behind by traditional medicine. Numerous therapies have been proven to benefit the body as a whole and boost its immune response. Possibly one of the most well-published of these therapies is medical-grade red light. Here we review the studies behind this relatively old practice that has regained attention both in functional medicine and in the mainstream media.

Abstract

Red Light Therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has gained significant attention for its therapeutic benefits across various medical and cosmetic fields. But does the evidence support the boom of interest?  How does it work and just what are the benefits? Here we will review the mechanisms, applications, and scientific evidence supporting RLT’s efficacy. Mulitiple studies have now shown its potential in wound healing, pain relief, skin rejuvenation, muscle recovery, neuroprotection, thyroid health, and gastric reflux management. Despite its benefits, further research is needed to refine treatment protocols, define what is “medical grade” and to fully understand its long-term effects.

Introduction

Red Light Therapy utilizes low-wavelength red light (600–700 nm) to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity. Originally developed for plant growth experiments in space, RLT has been adapted for medical use due to its non-invasive nature and broad therapeutic potential (Hamblin, 2017). The primary mechanism involves enhancing mitochondrial function, leading to increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, reduced oxidative stress, and modulation of inflammatory responses (Chung et al., 2012).

Mechanisms of Action

RLT primarily acts on the mitochondria, where cytochrome c oxidase absorbs red light, enhancing ATP synthesis and cellular energy production. Additional benefits include increased blood circulation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced collagen production (Pires et al., 2014). These effects contribute to its wide range of therapeutic applications.

Benefits and Applications

1. Wound Healing and Tissue Repair

Studies indicate that RLT accelerates wound healing by promoting fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis (Moro et al., 2019). A meta-analysis by Gupta et al. (2020) confirmed RLT’s efficacy in reducing wound size and inflammation.

2. Pain Reduction and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

RLT has been shown to alleviate chronic pain conditions, including arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders. Research suggests that red light modulates inflammatory cytokines, leading to pain relief and improved joint mobility (de Freitas & Hamblin, 2016).

3. Skin Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging

RLT enhances collagen production, reduces fine lines, and improves skin elasticity. A controlled trial by Lee et al. (2021) demonstrated significant improvements in skin texture and hydration after eight weeks of treatment.

4. Muscle Recovery and Athletic Performance

Athletes benefit from RLT due to its ability to reduce muscle fatigue and enhance recovery. A study by Leal et al. (2018) found that RLT reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and improved endurance performance.

5. Neuroprotection and Cognitive Enhancement

Recent studies suggest RLT may support brain health by reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Research on Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients has shown promising neuroprotective effects (Salehpour et al., 2018).

6. Thyroid Function and Metabolism Support

RLT has shown promise in supporting thyroid function, particularly in cases of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Studies indicate that RLT can reduce thyroid antibody levels, improve hormone production, and enhance cellular metabolism (Höfling et al., 2019).

7. Gastric Reflux and Digestive Health

Emerging research suggests that RLT may aid in reducing gastric reflux symptoms by promoting tissue repair in the esophagus and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. Some studies have observed improvements in vagus nerve function, which plays a key role in gastrointestinal motility and acid regulation (Siqueira et al., 2020).

Limitations and Future Directions

Despite its benefits, challenges remain in standardizing treatment parameters such as wavelength, intensity, and exposure duration. More large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish standardized protocols and validate long-term safety (Huang et al., 2021).

Conclusion

Red Light Therapy offers a non-invasive, promising treatment modality with broad applications in medicine and wellness. While current research supports its efficacy, continued investigation is necessary to optimize protocols and expand its clinical use.

References

• Chung, H., Dai, T., Sharma, S. K., Huang, Y. Y., Carroll, J. D., & Hamblin, M. R. (2012). The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), 516-533.

• de Freitas, L. F., & Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, 22(3), 7000417.

• Gupta, A., Dai, T., Hamblin, M. R., & Sharma, S. K. (2020). Effects of red light therapy on wound healing: A meta-analysis. Lasers in Medical Science, 35(7), 1491-1503.

• Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. APL Bioengineering, 1(2), 021101.

• Höfling, D. B., Chavantes, M. C., Juliano, A. G., Baptista, T., & Iuan, F. C. (2019). Low-level laser therapy and thyroid function: A review. Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery, 37(5), 267-274.

• Huang, Y. Y., Sharma, S. K., Carroll, J., & Hamblin, M. R. (2021). Biphasic dose response in low-level light therapy. Dose-Response, 19(1), 15593258211001149.

• Leal, E. C. P., Lopes-Martins, R. A. B., Frigo, L., De Marchi, T., Rossi, R. P., & Bjordal, J. M. (2018). Effects of phototherapy on muscle recovery and performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 48(5), 1165-1176.

• Lee, S. Y., You, C. E., & Park, M. Y. (2021). The effects of red light-emitting diode therapy on skin rejuvenation. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 196, 111514.

• Moro, C., Torres, N., Arvanitogiannis, A., & Papadopoulou, S. (2019). Red light therapy in skin healing: A systematic review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(16), 4120.

• Pires, D., Xavier, M., Araújo, T., Silva, J., Aimbire, F., & Albertini, R. (2014). Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the modulation of inflammation: A systematic review. Lasers in Medical Science, 29(2), 861-878.

• Salehpour, F., Cassano, P., Rouhani, M. J., & Hamblin, M. R. (2018). Photobiomodulation therapy for cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurophotonics, 5(1), 011019.

• Siqueira, T., Magalhães, P., & Oliveira, A. (2020). Red light therapy for gastrointestinal health: A systematic review. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 26(15), 1812-1824.