How Does Infrared Light Therapy Benefit Health?

March 18, 2024

Infrared light therapy is a type of therapeutic technique aimed at treating a variety of skin issues and health problems. This therapy uses red wavelengths at a very low intensity to provide patients with a variety of benefits. This type of therapy was first used towards the end of the twentieth century as a means of growing plants in space. Since then, its uses for medical applications have multiplied. The reason infrared light therapy has proven to be so effective is because it's believed to create a type of biochemical effect that helps strengthen the mitochondria in the cell. This strengthening means cells are able to function better and rejuvenate themselves, which leads to effective damage repair. Unlike other forms of light therapy, infrared light therapy doesn't cause any harm to the skin, which makes it completely safe to use.

Reduces The Appearance Of Scars And Wrinkles

A top benefit of infrared light therapy is it reduces the appearance of scars and wrinkles, which can help individuals improve their skin's appearance. Given the fact this kind of light therapy doesn't cause any damage to the skin, there's no chance the scars or wrinkles will be worsened. Before individuals obtain infrared light therapy to reduce the overall appearance of their scars and wrinkles, they should keep in mind results from the treatment depend on how severe their scars or wrinkles are. For instance, deep-set scarring and wrinkling likely won't dissipate entirely unless patients receive a large number of treatments. However, minimal scarring and small wrinkles may be able to diminish enough to appear practically invisible. The effects of the treatment also depend on how large the wrinkle or scar is. Larger blemishes will likely only fade somewhat, which should still substantially improve an individual's appearance. If the patient's primary goal with this treatment is to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on their face, arms, or other areas of the body, it's possible infrared light therapy will make them appear a few years younger than they actually are.

Increases Speed Of Wound Healing

Since infrared light therapy is able to promote rejuvenation in cells, the area of the body this light therapy focuses on should see improvement in regards to wound healing. Although infrared light therapy has not been used for many years, it's already known this therapy increases the speed of wound healing and tissue repair, which should allow patients to recover in a shorter period than they initially expected. Infrared light therapy has been used for the treatment of a wide array of different wounds, ranging from cuts and scrapes to burns. A quickened wound healing process also helps reduce the possibility the wound becomes infected. It's also possible some slow-healing wounds can be properly treated with infrared light therapy, including diabetic foot ulcers. If patients have suffered from a minor injury that doesn't require additional surgery or more invasive treatment methods, they might want to consider infrared light therapy to help speed up the recovery process.

Reduces Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of chronic disorder that causes inflammation to different joints around the body, which primarily include those in the hands and feet. This is a long-term disease that almost always worsens as it goes along, which is why managing the symptoms is the primary treatment method for rheumatoid arthritis. Along with the inflammation of joints, many patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis will also experience high amounts of pain, which will likely become severe as the disorder progresses. While infrared light therapy is unable to provide a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, it is a simple and effective treatment option that reduces rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. More specifically, the application of infrared light therapy should provide some short-term relief of morning stiffness and pain, which are two of the more common symptoms of this condition. While the effects only last a short period, additional treatments of infrared light therapy can be obtained to extend the effects.

Improves Hair Growth

If individuals experience hair loss for any reason, infrared light therapy improves hair growth and should be able to stem the thinning and eventual loss of hair. This treatment is particularly effective for patients who suffer from androgenic alopecia, a type of genetic disorder that eventually leads to permanent hair loss and balding. The first effects of androgenic alopecia will display themselves as a thinning of the hair, which can be difficult to notice. If individuals are suffering from male pattern baldness, these issues usually occur around the front and top of the head. The thinning with female pattern baldness typically begins with a widening around the center portion of hair, which won't affect the front hairline. Infrared light therapy helps promote better hair growth, which can make thinning hair appear denser.

May Reduce Some Side Effects Of Cancer Treatment

Infrared light therapy is strong enough that it may even reduce some side effects of cancer treatment. In regards to the many side effects that occur when obtaining chemotherapy or other cancer treatments, infrared light therapy will be most effective when combined with other treatment solutions aimed at managing side effects. Since infrared light therapy is a relatively new treatment method, the results of it are still somewhat unknown. However, infrared light therapy has helped with the reduction of oral mucositis, a severe side effect of cancer treatment that typically occurs within the oral cavity. The development of mucositis will likely lead to painful sores in the mouth as well as a general swelling around the gums and rest of the mouth. This condition can make it difficult to talk or swallow. If patients are suffering from oral mucositis or other side effects from cancer treatment, infrared light therapy may be able to ease the severity of these symptoms.

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