Light Therapy Colors of Light: Red and NIR
How Red and Near-Infrared (NIR) Light Therapy Works
==> For more information about the colors of the Visum Light, please refer to our Use of Colors page.
Much has been said about the healing power of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT). At Visum Light we use multiple colors and combine them in ways no other light therapy device does.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), has gained attention for its impressive healing abilities. Using specific wavelengths and frequencies, different colors of light, including red, infrared, blue, and more, can:
- Reduce pain
- Boost circulation
- Stimulate cellular repair
- Speed up natural healing
- Decrease swelling and inflammation
- Rejuvenate cells
Today, we’ll focus on how red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy works. We’ll discuss other colors of PBMT in the coming weeks.
Visible Red Light
Red light, specifically at a wavelength of 660 nm, penetrates about 8-10 mm (around 3/8 inch) into the tissue. This shallow penetration makes it ideal for treating issues close to the skin’s surface, such as:
- Burns (de Oliveira et al., 2018)
- Chronic Wounds (Jere et al., 2021)
- Scar Prevention (Kurtti et al., 2021)
- Trigger points (Simunovic, 1996)
Red light therapy, also known as Photonic Therapy, is a safe, natural, and non-invasive way to promote healing and manage pain. It works by increasing circulation and revitalizing cells, speeding up the healing process. We like to call it the “Great Energizer.”
Near-Infrared Light
Near-Infrared light, with a wavelength of 810 nm, isn’t visible to the naked eye. It penetrates deeper into the tissue, reaching about 30-40 mm (1.2 to 1.4 inches). This depth makes it particularly effective for treating deeper structures like bones, joints, deep muscles, and bursa. Research shows NIR light is versatile and can help with:
- Joint Pain/Inflammation (Langella et al., 2018)
- Arthritis(Kuboyama et al., 2014)
- Tendonitis(Foley et al., 2016)
- Muscle pain(Foley et al., 2016)
- Restless Leg Syndrome(Mitchell et al., 2011)
- Scars(Barolet & Boucher, 2010)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Maiello et al., 2019)
- Anxiety and depression (Schiffer et al., 2009)
- Dementia(Nizamutdinov et al., 2021)
NIR light therapy is one of the safest treatments available. It helps reduce sensitivity in neural pathways and triggers the release of endorphins, providing a natural form of pain relief. Unlike ultrasound and electrical stimulation, infrared technology is gentle enough for frequent use without causing additional damage.
How They Work
Both red and NIR light penetrate tissues to different depths and target different issues, but their therapeutic effects are similar. Injured cells can be rejuvenated by light, and both visible red and invisible infrared light have unique, highly absorbent therapeutic effects on living tissues.
In summary, red and NIR light therapies are powerful, non-invasive tools that can enhance healing and pain relief for a variety of conditions. Whether dealing with surface-level issues or deeper-seated problems, these therapies offer a natural and effective solution.
References
Barolet, D., & Boucher, A. (2010). Prophylactic low-level light therapy for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids: a case series. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine,42(6),597–601.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2399-z
Foley, J., Vasily, D. B., Bradle, J., Rudio, C., & Calderhead, R. G. (2016). 830 nm light-emitting diode (led) phototherapy significantly reduced return-to-play in injured university athletes: a pilot study. Laser Therapy,25(1), 35–42.https://doi.org/10.5978/islsm.16-OR-03
Jere, S. W., Houreld, N. N., & Abrahamse, H. (2021). Effect of photobiomodulation on cellular migration and survival in diabetic and hypoxic diabetic wounded fibroblast cells.Lasersin Medical Science,36(2), 365–374.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-020-03041-y
Kuboyama, N., Ohta, M., Sato, Y., & Abiko, Y. (2014). Anti-inflammatory activities of light emitting diode irradiation on collagen-induced arthritis in mice (a secondary publication).Laser Therapy,23(3), 191–199.https://doi.org/10.5978/islsm.14-OR-15
Kurtti, A., Nguyen, J. K., Weedon, J., Mamalis, A., Lai, Y., Masub, N., Geisler, A., Siegel, D.M., & Jagdeo, J. R. (2021). Light emitting diode-red light for reduction of post-surgicalscarring: Results from a dose-ranging, split-face, randomized controlled trial. Journal ofBiophotonics,14(7), e202100073.https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.202100073
