Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition that affects around 0.46% of the global population, making completing daily activities a lot more difficult when suffering from the condition. There are some conventional treatments available for people to take advantage of, however, more people are looking for alternative solutions for pain relief.
One option that is gaining much more attention is red light therapy for arthritis. But does red light therapy work for arthritis? In this blog, we look into what red light therapy is, its many benefits, and how it works for arthritis.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, which is also known as low-level laser therapy, involves exposing the body’s skin cells to low levels of red light. The light is directed towards the skin as it looks to treat deeper layers of tissue and stimulate the process of cell healing.
Unlike your typical UV light, red light doesn’t cause any damage to the skin or cells. Red light therapy is highly versatile and can treat a wide range of conditions, including skin health, wound healing, and muscle recovery. However, one area where it is gaining interest is its potential ability to treat conditions like arthritis.
The Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Arthritis
The potential benefits go beyond just providing pain relief and reducing inflammation. Here are some of its key benefits for treating arthritis:
Non-Invasive
One key benefit of using red light therapy is that it provides a natural approach to healthcare and doesn’t require additional medication. If you are worried about any potential side effects this is no longer the case when receiving red light therapy, naturally treating your arthritis.
This is also highly beneficial if your body does not tolerate anti-inflammatory or pain reliever medications.
Minimal Side Effects
Unlike prescribed medications, red light therapy is a natural form of treatment and is generally safe with very minimal side effects. Even though it is common for some individuals to experience redness or mild irritation, these side effects eventually ease off after a short period.
Convenient and Accessible
Red light therapy is typically accessed via your local clinic but the availability of red light home devices has rapidly increased in recent times. Home devices provide a much more convenient way for you to treat your arthritis symptoms and are effective for regular daily use.
Potential for Long-Term Improvement
Consistently using red light therapy for arthritis can lead to many long-term improvements in your health. Unlike medications such as painkillers that provide short-term relief, red light therapy addresses the underlying causes of arthritis such as inflammation and tissue repair.
Attending regular red light therapy sessions is key when looking for a long-term solution. It can help you improve joint mobility and rescue stiffness in the affected areas of your body.
Potential Red Light Therapy Dangers
Red light therapy is showing a lot of promise for treating a range of conditions, especially arthritis. However, as with all treatments, there are some factors that you should consider before seeking treatment.
Effectiveness Varies
When receiving red light therapy, not everyone responds in the same way. Some people may notice different results to others as some may experience more significant improvements. The effectiveness of the treatment can often be impacted by different factors including the severity of arthritis, the type of arthritis, and frequency of treatment.
Ongoing Research
While there have been many positive results for red light therapy especially when treating arthritis, research is still ongoing. The use of red light therapy is still currently on a lower scale, meaning that its full effectiveness is still yet to be proved. As the results that have been provided are promising, the treatment still requires more research on its effectiveness.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
Before receiving any form of treatment it is always important to consult with your healthcare provider. This can help your therapist identify any other ongoing health conditions as well as arthritis. While red light therapy is generally safe, receiving key advice on how to use a red light home device can help ensure you fully benefit from the treatment.
How Often Should You Use Red Light Therapy for Arthritis?
If you are looking to use red light therapy, it’s important to use it correctly to maximise all benefits. A red light therapy session typically lasts between 15-20 minutes with the light only being positioned a few inches away from the skin. The amount of therapy sessions needed will often vary for different people, but most people will start with 3 to 5 sessions a week.
However, as you gradually start to see improvements, the frequency of your sessions will start to decrease as overexposure to red light therapy can have a negative impact, causing damage to your skin.
Red Light Therapy at Concordia Clinic
Red light therapy offers many benefits when treating arthritis. The treatment provides a natural approach when managing symptoms like pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness.
As with all treatments, results can vary – so approaching the treatment with realistic expectations is key.
At Concordia Clinic, we are passionate about providing our patients with positive results with our wide range of treatments. If you are looking for a natural approach to your arthritis, we provide reliable and effective red light therapy sessions that can be tailored to your needs.
If you have any queries about red light therapy, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team who is more than happy to help guide you through our processes and help put your mind at ease.
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