5 health benefits of photobiomodulation therapy
- Photobiomodulation therapy is a safe way to support the function of not only skin cells.
- Using infrared light in pulse mode can stimulate cells deeper below the surface of the skin.
- In addition to supporting healing during recovery, some studies observe an increased production of collagen and elastin in the skin.
Red and infrared light therapy is a safe and effective method that can be useful for professional athletes as well as people who do not engage in sports training at all. Nowadays, several hundred scientific publications can be found that confirm the effectiveness of this therapy. In addition, it turns out that photobiomodulation therapy is not only effective, but at the same time completely safe and practically without side effects.
Photobiomodulation therapy stimulates cells to increase ATP production
Photobiomodulation therapy uses luminous panels that emit red and infrared light. The therapy process itself consists in exposing the skin or joint area, which is then irradiated by a light panel.
Compared to blue or white light, red and infrared light have the property of penetrating deeper into the skin. Infrared radiation is the most permeable, so the luminous panels contain a source of infrared light in the wavelength range of around 800-1000 nm.
Red and infrared light is absorbed in the mitochondria by the protein complexes that make up the electron transport chain. It is believed that in this way the production of ATP is stimulated, which is the basic source of cellular energy for human cells. Thanks to this, cells and tissues can work more efficiently.
5 health benefits of photobiomodulation therapy
1, Support for new collagen formation and smoothing of wrinkles
One of the best-researched effects of red and infrared light therapy is to support skin cell function. This happens thanks to the stimulation of the own production of collagen and elastin, which are the proteins responsible for the flexibility and elasticity of the skin.
Studies show that regular photobiomodulation therapy has a positive effect on reducing wrinkles and anti-aging.
2, Supporting joint function and increasing mobility
Using photobiomodulation therapy, it is also possible to support the function of joints, which is suitable, for example, after an injury or in case of detected arthrosis caused by wear of the joint cartilages.
When caring for joints (knee, hip), it is advisable to use the pulse method of red and infrared light therapy, because thanks to the pulse mode, a higher intensity of radiation can be used, which ensures deeper permeability of body tissues.
3, Stimulating mitochondria and supporting physical performance
Photobiomodulation therapy is also popular among active and competitive athletes, as some studies show that it can support physical performance by stimulating mitochondria. In such a case, it is advisable to include red and infrared light therapy several hours before sports performance.
On the contrary, to support regeneration processes after physical activity, it is advisable to include photobiomodulation therapy only after the end of physical activity.
4, Increasing hair growth in case of hair loss problems
Some studies observe the promotion of hair growth when the skin is exposed to red and infrared light. For example, in a study from July 2022, it was observed that people suffering from genetically determined hair loss experienced an increase in hair density and growth after only 5 weeks.
5, Acceleration of healing and support during recovery
Red and infrared light therapy is a popular and effective post-injury adjunct to recovery. It is widely used, for example, in inflammation of the Achilles tendon (tendinopathy).
The support of regenerative processes is due to the increased production of collagen II. type and also by stimulating the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells, which help with tissue healing.
What to take from it?
Red and infrared light therapy is an effective and completely safe technique that is popularly used by professional athletes and non-athletes alike. Among the main benefits is the stimulation of own collagen production, which has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and can help smooth out wrinkles.
Athletes will appreciate the support of regenerative processes during recovery or the support of physical performance after stimulation of mitochondria before physical activity.
Sources:
SCARPIM, Ana Cláudia, Alessandra BAPTISTA, Daniel Souza Ferreira MAGALHÃES, Silvia Cristina NUNEZ, Ricardo Scarparo NAVARRO a Amanda Farage FRADE-BARROS. Photobiomodulation Effectiveness in Treating Androgenetic Alopecia. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery 2022, 40(6), 387-394
DOMPE, Claudia, Lisa MONCRIEFF, Jacek MATYS, et al. Photobiomodulation—Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2020, 9(6)
AKAMATSU, F. E. Photobiomodulation therapy increases collagen II after tendon experimental injury. Histol Histopathol. 2021, 36(6), 663-674.
AILIOAIE, Laura Marinela a Gerhard LITSCHER. Photobiomodulation and Sports: Results of a Narrative Review. Life 2021, 11(12)
BARIKBIN, Behrooz, Zeinab KHODAMRDI, Leila KHOLOOSI, Mohammad Reza AKHGRI, Majid HAJ ABBASI, Mojgan HAJABBASI, Zahra RAZZAGHI a Samaneh AKBARPOUR. Comparison of the effects of 665 nm low level diode Laser Hat versus and a combination of 665 nm and 808nm low level diode Laser Scanner of hair growth in androgenic alopecia. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy 2017
STELIAN, Jean, Israel GIL, Beni HABOT, Michal ROSENTHAL, Iulian ABRAMOVICI, Nathalia KUTOK a Auni KHAHIL. Improvement of Pain and Disability in Elderly Patients with Degenerative Osteoarthritis of the Knee Treated with Narrow-Band Light Therapy. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 1992, 40(1), 23-26
Author of the article: Martin Schmiedl