Blog
Incandescent vs LED Lights in Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy has been investigated in thousands of research studies over the last 50 years. Until the early 2000’s, most studies used lasers as the light source, but more recently, LED lights have become popular due to their affordability, safety, and ease of at-home use. LED lights are now widely used in Red Light Therapy devices, including the devices we make at Fringe. Other light sources, such as incandescent lights, are also sometimes promoted for use in Red Light Therapy, but it’s important to recognize that incandescent lights are not equivalent to LED’s when it comes to reaping the well-recognized benefits of this powerful healing modality. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of LED and incandescent lights, how the two light types can (and cannot) be used in Red Light Therapy, and what to look for in a Red Light Therapy device. Comparison of LED and Incandescent Lights LED lights have many important characteristics that are superior to incandescent lights, including: Characteristics LED Incandescent Energy Efficiency 80-90% more efficient than incandescent, as most energy is converted to light Very inefficient – 90 to 95% of energy is lost as heat, and only 5 to 10% is converted to light Lifespan 25,000 to 50,000 hours (10 to 25x longer than incandescent) 1,000 to 2,000 hours (needs frequent replacement Heat Output Minimal heat emission, stays cool to the touch High heat emission, can become too hot to touch Long-Term Cost Lower long-term cost due to energy savings and longer lifespan Higher long-term cost due to frequent replacements and high energy use Durability Shock-resistant, does not break easily Fragile, glass can break easily Environmental Impact Eco-friendly, no toxic materials, low energy consumption Higher energy use, shorter lifespan, increases waste There are also some areas where LED’s can be inferior to incandescent lights, including: Characteristics LED Incandescent Flicker Potential Some LEDs flicker which can cause eye strain No flicker; provides continuous, steady light EMF Emission May emit higher EMF’s due to electronic drivers Minimal EMF emission, since it does not use electronic drivers Blue Light Exposure Can be quite high Low, more natural warm light However, NONE of these characteristics are necessarily an issue with Red Light Therapy devices. Why we don’t NECESSARILY need to be concerned about these limitations (Flicker, EMF, Blue Light Exposure) with Red Light Therapy devices: Many Red Light Therapy devices do not flicker – a reputable company will demonstrate this using third party testing (we do!) EMF emission – it’s absolutely true that a LOT of Red Light Therapy devices emit way too many EMF’s, but they don’t have to. At Fringe, we’ve designed our panels so that the electronic driver is 3 feet away from the panel, so there is almost no EMF emission from the panel itself. Our wraps are battery powered; batteries create energy through chemical reactions, which generate negligeable EMF’s. Blue Light Exposure – Red Light Therapy devices contain red and near infrared LED’s, which don’t emit blue light (of course, blue light LED’s are also an option…!) What about Blue Light Therapy using LED’s? Isn’t blue light from LED lights harmful? This is true but isn’t the whole story. Blue light from devices like ipads, phones, etc. is found in a very narrow spectrum of wavelengths. This is “foreign” to our body, as it is different than the blue light that comes from the sun. In contrast, blue light used in Blue Light Therapy emits a wider spectrum of wavelengths that closely mimics the distribution of blue light in sunlight. This light spectrum has been found to be antimicrobial, which is why it is used for applications like acne. No matter what, though, it’s still important to avoid getting blue light in the eyes. Is light from an incandescent light the same as from an LED? Incandescent lights produce light in a “full spectrum”, including red and near (and also far) infrared light. This is what makes the light from incandescents “warm” in terms of color, and also generates a lot of heat, making them hot to the touch. It’s also why these lights are used for things like heating terrariums. In order to make an incandescent light exclusively red, a red film or coating is placed on the glass that filters out other colors allowing only the red (and sometimes infrared) wavelengths to pass through. The filament inside still produces other colors, but they’re mostly blocked by the coating. LED lights used in Red Light Therapy will produce light in the red (if using red diodes) or near infrared (if using near infrared diodes) spectrums. Many devices include both types of diode, and the type of light is produced by using a semiconductor material that naturally produces red or near infrared light. Red Light Therapy doesn’t use white LED lights like you would find in a house lamp. Red and near infrared light are the same in terms of wavelength no matter what the source. The difference is that incandescent lights produce full spectrum light and then block the other light from being emitted, while LED lights (red or near infrared) emit ONLY the light in that color spectrum. If the red and near infrared light is the same, can incandescent lights be used instead of LED’s in Red Light Therapy? Incandescent lights CAN be used to activate the eye to brain pathway that is responsible for some of the benefits of Red Light Therapy. In this pathway, photoreceptors in the retina are activated and influence the function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain. This helps regulate the circadian cycle and also has an influence on mood and stress hormones. These lights are great for lighting up a room. Incandescent lights CANNOT be used as easily as LED’s to activate the light to tissue pathway that is responsible for the majority of benefits of Red Light Therapy. In this pathway, light enters through the skin (or other tissue) and activates photoreceptors in cells, such as cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria. To achieve this benefit, the skin/tissue has to be close (6 inches or less) away from the light source. Because incandescent lights get hot and are fragile, they aren’t a substitute for durable LED’s that don’t generate much heat. Incandescent bulbs also generate scattered light, which doesn’t allow for good skin/tissue penetration. There is limited research showing that under some circumstances, incandescent lights may activate this pathway, but their functional limitations do not make them a substitute for LED’s. Most of the benefits of Red Light Therapy (reduced inflammation, faster tissue healing, reduced oxidative stress) comes from the light to tissue pathway. Incandescent lights do not work to activate this pathway effectively. It’s also important to note that almost none of the benefits of Red Light Therapy that have been observed in thousands of research studies over the last 50 years used incandescent light, with most studies using laser or LED light. How do I know if my Red Light Therapy device is safe to use? Here are some things to look for: Use of red and near infrared light in evidence-based spectrums. Fringe Red Light Therapy devices use red light at 660nm and near infrared light at 850nm, which have been demonstrated in many research studies to be beneficial. No flicker Low to no EMF’s. Low irradiance (this is also called power or intensity. And yup, you want this low. A lot of companies are selling products that are quite high intensity, and this can potentially be harmful). Irradiance in the range of 20-40mW/cm2 mimics the sun, and has been shown in multiple research studies to be both safe and effective. A good company will prove these by sharing analyses done by third party testing. Why choose Fringe Red Light Therapy devices? We use evidence-backed wavelengths of red and near infrared light. Our devices are no flicker and generate low to no EMF’s. We use a safe and effective sun-like intensity of light, at between 20 and 40mW/cm2. All of our products are tested by an independent third party lab, and we share this analysis with our consumers. Our products are created by a team of medical professionals who carefully review and use published scientific evidence to inform how we manufacture. Take home message: Incandescent lights are a great option for lighting up a room, creating a warm and ambient red light that may have benefits related to activation of the eye to brain pathway which helps to regulate the circadian rhythm and mood. Incandescent lights cannot be used as a substitute for LED lights to activate the tissue to cell pathway that is responsible for benefits including reduced inflammation, decreased oxidative stress, and improved tissue healing. Of the thousands of research studies on Red Light Therapy, only a small number used incandescent lights, so their clinical efficacy has not been clearly demonstrated. High-quality Red Light Therapy devices will use both red and near infrared LED lights and will be no flicker, generate low to no EMFS, and deliver light at a sun-like intensity that is both safe and effective for everyone, including kids and pets.
Learn more
Case Report: Red Light Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis
Patient History: 21-year-old collegiate football player with chronic Achilles tendon pain for 3-4 years, playing in his third college football program and has been treated for this condition at each of his previous institutions. He doesn’t recall any specific mechanism of injury, but states that he has pain while sprinting and jumping. Pain is at its worst upon waking in the morning and approximately 60-90 minutes into football practice. Treatment History: Pain medications, NSAIDs, Prednisone Taper, Rest, IASTM, Cupping, Eccentric Loading, Stretching, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection, chiropractic care, shoe changes. Pain rises to 6/10 during football activities and cannot finish practice. None of the treatments that he has received at previous schools has improved pain. Current Treatment: Red Light Therapy was placed over his Achilles for 20 minutes daily at the end of his therapy session. Therapy sessions include daily soft tissue work (IASTM, joint mobilizations, stretching, etc), trunk stabilization exercises and strength training, including blood flow restriction training (BFR) 2-3 times per week. Over a period of 3-4 weeks, pain improved to peak levels of 2-3/10, which allowed him to resume full football training. After the initial treatment time, he stopped using BFR and gradually ceased regular therapy session, except for daily red-light therapy, which he preferred for pain control and overall healing. Five months after starting this treatment plan, he is pain free and playing football at a high level at a NCAA FBS school. Discussion: Patient was very skeptical of the treatment plan, having tried multiple other treatments without success. The combination of daily Red Light Therapy with Blood Flow Restriction training several days per week was a key differentiator from other treatments he had received. Red Light Therapy has been shown to reduce pain and normalize the inflammatory process, playing an important role in both increasing activity levels and optimizing tissue healing. BFR training has also been shown to improve tendon health over time, allowing it to be progressively loaded. Patient is grateful for the approach, as he is pain free for the first time in his college career. Summary of improvements over a 5-month treatment: 1. Decreased pain to 6/10 to 0/10 with all college football training activities.2. Improved ankle mobility.3. Can now play high level football without any modifications.4. Improved happiness and mental health with a new ability to play after having been unable to compete in several years. Conclusion: Red Light Therapy can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan for chronic Achilles Tendon Pain along with strength and mobility training in a NCAA FBS football player
Learn more
Case Report: Red Light Therapy for Post Operative Elbow Patient
Patient History: 17-year-old multisport high school athlete. Patient initially sustained a partial avulsion of the distal aspect of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) while playing summer travel baseball. He is a catcher and felt pain and mechanical symptoms after attempting to throw the ball to second base. Initial pain was rated at 7/10 and he had palpable pain over his distal UCL and spasm in his common flexors of his forearm. Patient also complained of neurological symptoms in his ulnar nerve distribution. Treatment History: Patient was initially treated conservatively with rest and not allowed to throw for approximately 4 months. He progressed back into lifting weights and football activities within approximately 4-8 weeks, using pain as his guide. During the spring season, he re-injured his elbow while throwing a baseball in from the outfield to home plate. Shortly thereafter, he had a UCL repair with an internal brace and ulnar nerve transposition. Current Treatment: Red Light Therapy was initiated approximately 24 hours after surgery to control pain, reduce swelling and optimize tissue healing. Minimal pain medications were used initially and completely eliminated 48 hours after surgery. Daily Red Light Therapy continued for approximately 4 weeks as range of motion, strength training and formal rehab began. Discussion: Patient recovered very well from a rather complex surgical procedure. His pain was minimal throughout the recovery process, his incision healed very quickly, and he initiated contact drills with his high school football team 3 months post-surgery. He continues to feel good and will initiate a return to throwing progression at approximately 5 months post operatively. He uses red light therapy as needed for soreness and irritation during the football season. Summary of improvements over 3-month treatment: 1. Minimized post operative pain.2. Optimized post operative incision healing.3. Moderated the inflammatory process to reduce swelling.4. Return to full football activities pain free at 3 months5. Improved mental approach to sports now that he can play without pain. Conclusion: Red Light Therapy can support tissue healing and pain control as part of a comprehensive post operative rehabilitation process in a young, healthy athletic population
Learn more
RLT in Your Clinic: How to Use It
With red light therapy being a new modality to most clinicians, many are wondering how to integrate this powerful tool into their clinical practice. These concerns are valid because many clinicians are naturally skeptical of new tools, as fads have come and gone over the years, and our society’s information overload leaves us unsure as to what we should and shouldn’t believe. Make no mistake, though, red light therapy is here to stay. With thousands of peer reviewed articles backing its use for all kinds of injuries and conditions, the research is too strong to ignore. Here are some recommendations on how to simplify the process of integrating photobiomodulation into a clinical setting. Treatment Flow The greatest treatment techniques and tools don’t matter if they don’t fit well into a clinic’s flow because they won’t ever get used. If clinicians don’t know how and when to use a tool or if that tool interferes with the clinician’s favorite techniques, it will sit idle on the shelf. One of the great things about red light therapy is that it does not interfere with other modalities. In most cases, red light therapy will actually enhance patient outcomes when combined with other tools. Feel free to use red light therapy along with other tools like IASTM, cupping, dry needling, massage, joint mobilizations and more. Multiple techniques can be used at the same time (typically using a red light panel) or consecutively within a session. Because photobiomodulation is non-thermal and very safe, there is virtually no downside to adding it to your therapy plans. An easy place to start with red light therapy is replacing hot packs and ice packs with red light wraps. Red light wraps offer low intensity light that is designed to be placed directly on the skin to deliver red and near infrared light to the treatment area. Traditionally many clinicians have used hot packs early in a treatment session in an effort to warm up local tissue to prepare it for activity. Many patients also experience a reduction in pain and soreness with heat, which is an added bonus. Red light therapy can be a better alternative to hot packs because not only will it feel warm (due to the near infrared wavelengths of light), but it will energize the local cells and prepare the body for activity, while reducing pain. Many of the same things can be said of ice. Rather than use ice and stim at the end of a treatment session to moderate soreness, red light therapy can be used to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing, rather than slow it down, like ice has been shown to do. Simply replacing heat and ice with red light wraps offers a lot of upside for most clinics while keeping the treatment flows consistent. Passive and Active Uses A nice advantage of using red light wraps is that they can be used while performing active movements. The wraps are designed to fit snuggly over the body part that is being treated and held on with a Velcro strap. This means that patients can perform light exercises or activities of daily living while receiving a treatment. Of course they can also use red light therapy passively while on a table or receiving other modalities at the same time, but all of that comes down to the decision of the individual clinician in conjunction with the patient to help them reach their desired outcomes. Attended vs Unattended Uses Photobiomodulation is not new. Most of us have been exposed to it in the form of cold lasers. One advantage of cold lasers is that they deliver an intense form of light, so the treatment time can be very short (if you are only treating a small area). The downside to intense forms of light is that patients can be burned if the laser is used for too long on an area. Thus, it is recommended that lasers only be used by properly trained healthcare providers in a clinical setting. Red light wraps and panels deliver lower intensity light (as compared to lasers) over a longer period of time to achieve the proper dosage. Lower intensity light is ultra safe which makes photobiomodulation accessible to just about anyone. For the clinician, this means that red light therapy can be used as an unattended modality. A patient can be receiving the treatment on their own while a clinician tends to the needs of another patient. Red light therapy is also very safe when used at home. Usage Guidelines There are a few guidelines that consider when you start using red light therapy. Contraindications: There are relatively few contraindications for photobiomodulation. These include a pregnant belly, active cancer site, and patients with photosensitivity (either naturally or medication induced). The treatments may feel warm, but should not feel hot. If it does feel hot, consider shortening the treatment or turning down the intensity. Darker skin tones and tattoos will absorb light easier than fair skin, so you may need to adjust the overall dosage slightly based on these factors as well. Dosage: A standard treatment typically has a duration of 20 minutes. This timing can vary based on how acute the injury is and how the body responds to the modality. The more acute the injury, the lower the dosage should be (donsider full intensity x 10 min or 50% intensity x 20 min). Chronic conditions often need more light in order to reach a therapeutic level, so consider 20-30 minutes of treatment at full intensity to see results. Red light therapy should not be used more than once per day and can be used 3-5 times per week. Red Light Wrap Care Fringe red light wraps are made of high-quality neoprene with imbedded LED lights. It is an electronic device, so care should be taken when storing and cleaning them so they work well for the long run. Wraps should always be stored flat whenever possible. They should not be folded as this can pinch the wires and damage the LED diodes. Red lightwraps should not be submerged in water or other cleaning liquids, but they can be wiped down with disinfecting wipes in between patients. Fringe also has clear plastic covers that fit easily over their wraps. These covers are very durable and can be easily cleaned and disinfected. Fringe red light wraps come with a high-quality lithium-ion battery built in that is charged with a USB-C cord. A full charge lasts approximately 4-5 uses, making it accessible in virtually all clinics. Conclusion Red light therapy is highly effective, ultra safe, versatile, simple and can be used on a wide variety of conditions. This makes it extremely useful within a clinical setting and all therapists should consider integrating photobiomodulation into their daily workflow
Learn more
RLT in Your Clinic: Finances
Clinicians rarely get into their profession to make large amounts of money. Most do what they do because they love to help people. Unfortunately, patients don’t get helped if clinics can’t make enough money to keep the doors open, so we have to consider the financial aspect of any treatment tool. Overall, red light therapy offers a great opportunity for improved patient care, which “big picture” clinicians will recognize as the key to increased referrals and long-term financial stability. Here are some considerations as we look deeper into the financial implications of red light therapy. Billing Codes While many clinics have moved to a cash-based model, the majority of therapy clinics in the US are still insurance-based providers. Proper coding and billing is vital for these clinics to survive. Here are a few suggested codes that can be utilized for red light therapy. Keep in mind that laws vary state by state and by profession, so do your own research when considering billing for red light therapy or any new tool or modality. 97026 — Attended Infrared light therapy. This code is intended for older style heat lamp type infrared therapy; thus reimbursement can be a challenge at times with this code. 97032 - Attended electronic photonic stimulation per 15-minute increment. 97039 - Unlisted modality with constant attendance: Attended laser therapy. The unlisted nature of the code can result in rejection. 97112 - Neuromuscular reeducation with laser therapy per 15-minute increment. Cash As mentioned above, cash-based clinics are more popular than ever. It doesn’t work for everyone, but for a section of our population, cash practices offer a lot of advantages to both patients and clinicians. Cash-based practices typically make it easier to add new services and charges. Red light therapy can be offered as part of a package or hourly rate. When patients enter a cash-based practice, they typically expect to be able to pick and choose what they want for their care. Many insurance-based clinics offer cash pay options for poorly reimbursed services such as dry needling or kinesiology tape and red light therapy can fit into that model, if the clinic wants to pursue it as an add on cash sale. Retail Retailing product is a great way to improve patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and generate revenue. As a patient’s medical provider, the clinician usually becomes a trusted source for information. When a patient finds that they like a specific treatment or tool, many times they want to purchase one for themselves. This is a great opportunity to offer a trusted product to them on the spot, rather than asking them to search online or at a store for a similar product. Also, many patients only make it into the clinic a few times per week, making home treatments options a great opportunity to get work done in between therapy sessions. Encouraging them to use red light therapy at home will result in better outcomes. Retailing red light therapy wraps in the clinic is a win for everyone involved. Part of Service The easiest way to integrate red light therapy into a clinical practice is to streamline it into the normal flow of the clinic. This is easily done by replacing hot packs and ice packs with red light therapy. Photobiomodulation will have similar pain-relieving effects as either tool, but with better tissue healing properties. Keep in mind that neither heat orice are reimbursed by insurance companies, so even if you don’t have success with insurance providers paying on red light therapy, the clinic is no worse off financially and the patient outcomes will certainly improve. Including red light therapy within the overall service of the clinic is the easiest and most efficient way to use red light therapy. Whether or not that results in increased direct revenue to the clinic is debatable, but what is certain is that there will be an improvement in pain, healing, inflammation and performance. Quality care always results in increased referrals by physicians, family members and friends. Conclusion Every clinic has their own strategies for monetizing their services to ensure the long-term success of the practice. Red light therapy can be used and billed in a variety of ways to not only improve patient outcomes but ensure the financial stability of the clinic.
Learn more
RLT in Your Clinic: Types of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy comes in a variety of forms. All of them offer advantages for specific patients and situations. Knowing which red light tool to use in a specific situation can make a big difference in patient satisfaction and outcomes. Red Light Panel For many of us, red light panels were our first exposure to LED red light therapy. They are very accessible, versatile and of course, look great on social media. Red light panels are designed with a greater intensity of light as compared to red light wraps. Because of this, panels should not be used directly on the skin because it will increase the risk of skin irritation. They are designed to be placed 4-6 inches away from the treatment area. Panels allow you to treat a large area of the body, which is ideal for recovery and athletic performance enhancement applications. Because there is no direct skin contact, panels are also ideal for clinical settings where skin contact presents a lot of challenges. Panels also offer the ability to perform complimentary modalities, such as dry needling, IASTM, cupping or massage simultaneously. Red Light Wraps Wraps are intended to be placed directly on this skin, thus they deliver light therapy at a lower intensity for a slightly longer period of time in order to get to the prescribed overall dosage. Wraps are extremely portable, simple to use, safe and very affordable. All Fringe red light wraps are intentionally designed with a 2:1 ratio of near infrared light to red light. This allows the light to penetrate deep into ligaments, tendons, bones, and soft tissue. There are a variety of sizes and styles to pick from: Regular Wrap: This is the Swiss Army knife of red light therapy. It can be used virtually anywhere on the body for all kinds of conditions and injuries. The regular wrap is extremely affordable for clinics and patients alike. XL Wrap: A longer version of the red light wrap. The XL wrap works well on the spine, shoulders, hips and anywhere that you might want some extra coverage. Multi Joint Wrap: The multi joint wrap fits well on ankles, knees and elbows. It has integrated Velcro straps to help it fit snuggly over the joint, even while moving. The multi joint wrap also offers built in vibration, which is great for pain relief. Head Wrap: The head wrap is designed to promote brain health. It is ideal for treating headaches, concussions, MS, Parkinson’s, Autism, Anxiety, Depression and more. The head wrap utilizes 3 wavelengths of light (650nm, 850nm, and 1050nm) to ensure that the light is absorbed through the skull and into the brain. Face Mask: The face mask is designed with both red and blue wavelengths of light. The red wavelengths are ideal for encouraging collagen production and skin health. The blue wavelengths of light are anti-microbial, which will help with things like acne. The mask is designed in such a way that it won’t irritate the eyes while delivering healing light to the surrounding areas. Neck Wrap: The neck wrap is made to improve the health of the neck region. It will target both superficial and deeper tissues, such as the Thyroid. By improving the function of the Thyroid, patients will experience a wide array of health benefits. Pelvic Wand: The pelvic wand is one of the most innovative products that Fringe has to offer in their red light therapy lineup. The want is designed primarily for women’s pelvic health, helping to solve a variety of conditions that lead to pelvic pain and chronic infections. The wand emits both red and blue light and also offers vibration to further decrease pain. Pricing: All medical providers automatically qualify for wholesale pricing, making Fringe red light therapy products not only the highest quality on the market, but also some of the most affordable. To receive the discount (20-40% off depending on quantity purchased), clinicians need to register online at Fringeheals.com or contact customer service. Conclusion: There is a wide variety of options available for the clinician that is lookingto integrate red light therapy into their clinical practice. Choosing the rightoption will depend on the condition and body part being treated, theclinician’s specific treatment approach, and other variables such as cost. Regardless of what is going on with the patient, there is a good red light solution available today from Fringe.
Learn more
Light Therapy & Menopause
Menopause Menopause is the natural transition that occurs when a woman stops menstruating, which usually happens between the ages of 40 and 58. The term “transition” refers to a change from one state to another, which is a very apt descriptor for what happens during menopause. Hormonally speaking, menopause marks a shift to an entirely new hormonal milieu, which not surprisingly, can be quite challenging. Hormonal Changes During Menopause The hormonal changes that accompany menopause are dramatic. From perimenopause (the stage leading up to menopause) to post-menopause (the stage following menopause), levels of estrogen and progesterone drop to a fraction of their previous levels. This sharp decline is not linear, instead showing fluctuations that can create a whirlwind of physical and psychological symptoms. Levels of testosterone also decrease during this transition. The effects of menopause The effects of menopause on the brain and body are similarly dramatic. Although these vary widely between individuals, there are many common symptoms, including hot flashes, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, weight gain, dry skin, hair thinning, digestive changes, sexual dysfunction, urinary symptoms (including incontinence) and mood disturbances. Some menopausal symptoms are local, occurring mainly in the pelvic region, while others (such as hot flashes) are felt throughout the body. Similarly, some symptoms are transient while others cause persistent and long-term physical changes. The experience of menopausal symptoms is extremely common. Overall, it is estimated that 75-80% of women suffer from symptoms related to menopause, of which 20-30% are considered severe. Approximately 75% of women worldwide experience hot flashes, while 40-60% suffer from sleep issues. As many as 83% of women report experiencing vaginal dryness, often with associated pain during intercourse. Research has found that 9 in 10 women weren’t educated about menopause, and since talking about these symptoms has long been viewed as “taboo”, women often suffer menopause symptoms in silence, leaving them unable to access tools that might help to alleviate them. Improving access to supportive tools during menopause is a critical public health issue. This includes natural and alternative therapies, as well as novel tools such as light therapy. Light - including red, near infrared, and blue light – may help to alleviate several of the challenging symptoms of menopause, including sleep and mood issues, vaginal dryness and atrophy, hair loss, overactive bladder, sexual dysfunction, cognitive and digestive changes, and skin problems. Read on to learn how light therapy can be used to support women’s health during this important transitional period. Light therapy Before we can explore how light therapy can be used to support women’s health during menopause, we first need to answer the question: what is light therapy? The answer is really quite simple. Light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) is the application of light with specific wavelengths to the body for the purposes of influencing biology. In theory, light therapy can use any wavelength of light, but the most commonly used are red, near infrared, and blue. The use of red and near infrared light is commonly referred to as “red light therapy”. All three wavelengths of light may be useful in supporting women during menopause, although red and near infrared light have the greatest utility. Research has shown that light therapy has many effects on a cellular level. Briefly, with red and/or near infrared light, the most notable observed effects include an increased production of cellular energy, reduced inflammation, decreased oxidative stress, decreased pain, increased blood flow, enhanced collagen and supportive tissue production, and improved microbiome health (gut and vagina). Blue light is mainly used to destroy pathogenic microorganisms like yeast and bacteria. Light Therapy & Menopause Given that there is such a wide range of menopausal symptoms (note that for simplicity, symptoms related to peri-, meno- and post-menopause are being considered here as “menopausal” symptoms), it is likely that the various physiological effects of light therapy will be more or less relevant for certain ones. For example, some of the changes seen during menopause – such as vaginal atrophy, dryness, and urinary incontinence - are due in part to a decrease in blood flow and loss of connective tissue in the pelvis. While specific research into using light therapy to treat these symptoms is still sparce, researchers have proposed that based on existing scientific evidence, red light therapy may alleviate these symptoms by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, supporting bladder function, and enhancing blood flow. Many symptoms of menopause are also experienced in other states, and we can look to those conditions for clues regarding how to use light therapy to alleviate the same symptoms during menopause. This includes anxiety and depression, hair loss, sleep disturbances, acne, digestive issues, and infections. While research specific to these symptoms in menopausal women is lacking, there is clear evidence that light therapy (with red, near infrared, and/or blue light) can be helpful in other conditions, and we can extrapolate from there to the menopausal state. Based on the known physiological effects of light therapy, and the evidence of benefits in a range of clinical conditions, we propose that the use of red, near infrared, and/or blue light may help to alleviate several of the most common symptoms experienced by women during this life transition, including: Mood: Mood changes are a common experience during menopause, with many women reporting increases in anxiety and depression. Light therapy (with red and near infrared light) has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in both humans and animals, likely due to improvements in mitochondrial function, increased brain blood flow, and decreased neuroinflammation. A 2009 clinical trial found a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety in as little as a single session. The effects of light therapy on mental health are so compelling that a recent systematic review concluded that it is “strongly recommended” as a treatment for moderate depressive disorder and is “recommended” for the treatment of anxiety disorder. Studies of red light therapy and depression often apply light therapy directly to the skull, while some use an intranasal approach. Cognition: Cognitive changes, such as memory loss, are also commonly experienced by women during menopause. Researchers have shown in a series of controlled clinical studies that near infrared light therapy improves cognition in young and middle-aged healthy adults when applied to the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Cognitive improvements were accompanied by changes in brain function, including increased brain blood flow. In 2019, a meta-analysis of all the research looking at the effects of light therapy (including near infrared light, or near infrared and red light in combination) found that the overall effect on cognition was positive, leading the authors to conclude that light therapy is a “cognitive-enhancing intervention in healthy individuals”. Hair Loss: Menopausal women frequently report hair loss and thinning. The ability of light therapy to induce hair growth was observed in studies conducted more than 50 years ago. Early clinical trials used primarily red light, and the effectiveness of these studies led to the development of several red light therapy devices for hair loss. Subsequent studies have shown that near infrared light also stimulates hair growth, with red and near infrared light improving hair growth in androgenetic alopecia, which is the most common type of hair loss that affects both men and women. Light impacts hair growth through effects on mitochondria, which lead to increases in the length of time the hair follicle spends in the growth phase. Overactive Bladder: Overactive bladder, involving a frequent urge to urinate, is a urinary symptom experienced during menopause. Overactive bladder often results in urinary incontinence. Although research related to light therapy and overactive bladder is limited, one study found that application of red light to the abdomen three times per day for 12 weeks resulted in a reduction of urinary incontinence as compared to a control group, suggesting a potential benefit in this condition. Skin Changes: During menopause, many women report skin changes, including acne, dryness, altered pigmentation and wrinkles. Light therapy has been widely used in spas and dermatology clinics for its effects on skin health, in addition to at-home use. Red and near infrared light is helpful in the treatment of wrinkles, psoriasis, acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea, while blue light is helpful in the treatment of acne. Studies show results such as smoother skin; wrinkle reduction and improved skin elasticity; and normalization of skin pigmentation. The effect of red light therapy on wrinkles can be quite dramatic, with one study showing a 30% decrease in eye wrinkle volume. Gut: Gut dysbiosis, involving changes in the gut microbiome, are common around the time of menopause. Estrogen is known to affect the gut microbiome and similarly, some of the microbes in the gut microbiome (called the estrobalome) are able to influence levels of estrogen in the body. Keeping the microbiome healthy during menopause is essential, and light therapy (with red and near infrared light) may provide some support. Animal research has shown that when red or near infrared light was applied to the abdomen of mice, the composition of the microbiome shifted to include more of a bacterial strain that is associated with better health. In humans, red and near infrared light applied to the abdomen of Parkinson’s disease patients modulated the composition of the gut microbiome, with a shift towards more “healthy” bacteria, and in a case report of a patient with breast cancer, application of near infrared light to the abdomen was associated with increased diversity of gut microbes, which is considered to be a healthy change Vaginal Dysbiosis: Similar to the gut, the vagina has a microbiome, and menopause can cause dysbiosis in this region as well. Hormone-induced dysbiosis can increase the vaginal pH and change the composition of the microbes, which is associated with bladder dysfunction and bladder pain syndrome. Light therapy, particularly with red and near infrared light, is proposed as being a positive modulator of the vaginal microbiome. There are several proposed mechanisms, including modulation of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important for the lactobacillus species that dominate in the vagina that are known to decrease during menopause. Sleep: As already mentioned, sleep disturbances are experienced by 40-60% of menopausal women. Light is a primary regulator of the body’s circadian rhythm, so it is not surprising that light therapy has effects on sleep. Application of red and near infrared light during wakefulness improves sleep quality in people with cognitive decline, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, fibromyalgia and stroke. When red light therapy is applied during sleep, there is an increased clearance of waste products from the brain and improved flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which are required for optimal brain health. Blue light triggers wakefulness, suppressing melatonin, so direct exposure of the eyes to blue light should be limited to daytime hours. Vaginal Infections: Vaginal infections with yeast and bacteria are more common during menopause due to the changes in estrogen, vaginal pH, and vaginal dryness that occur. In addition to their positive effects on the microbes in the gut and vagina, red and near infrared light have also been shown to have effects on pathogenic (harmful) microorganisms in the female pelvis. Red light has been shown to be helpful in treating vaginal candida, as has blue light. Specifically, blue light at 415nm (the same wavelength as in the Fringe Pelvic Wand) had the most potent anti-candida effects. Blue light has also been shown to be helpful in the treatment of vulvovaginitis. Vaginal Atrophy: Vaginal Atrophy, Dryness & Sexual Dysfunction: The loss of estrogen during menopause causes many changes to the integrity of tissues in the vagina. This results in tissue atrophy and dryness, which can cause great discomfort, especially during sex. The main structural connective tissues are collagen and elastin, which provide strength and flexibility to the vagina. These changes occur for a variety of reasons, including a decrease in blood flow which results from the loss of estrogen. Application of red and near infrared light is known to increase blood flow by increasing levels of nitric oxide. It has also been shown to increase the synthesis of collagen and other supportive connective tissue including elastin. Suggesting that red and near infrared light may help with tissue support and rejuvenation during menopause. Light Therapy Products for Menopause While early research on light therapy used primarily lasers, more recent research has found that LED’s can also be used, which also have the advantage of applying light to a larger area of the body as well as an improved safety profile. The use of LED in red/near infrared/blue light therapy devices has also greatly reduced the cost of treatment, making it something that can be done in the comfort of one’s own home. A wide range of products are available, each of which is uniquely suited to address specific needs. The four most useful light therapy products to address the symptoms of menopause are: Red light therapy panel Panels usually deliver red and near infrared light, ideally with the option to use separately or in combination. Panels can be used to treat most body parts, including the face, chest and back. They’re great for supporting sleep and mood, when light should be entering through the eyes. They can also support digestion when directed towards the skin of the abdomen, as well as the skin on the face. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Panel delivers both wavelengths of light at the same “sweet spot” intensity as the sun. shop our panel Red light therapy wraps Red Light Therapy Wraps deliver light directly to the skin and can be applied to specific body parts, such as the head and abdomen. They should also deliver both red and near infrared light. Wraps have the advantage of being cordless and very convenient to use. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Head Wrap delivers light to the head (including red and two wavelengths of near infrared light) and is ideally suited to support mood, cognition, and hair loss. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Wrap has a rectangular shape and can be applied to the abdomen to support bladder function and digestion. shop our wraps Light therapy face mask Like wraps, face masks deliver light directly to the skin but are specifically contoured to the face. Due to the antimicrobial effects of blue light, it should be included in face masks for the treatment of acne along with red and near infrared light. The Fringe Red Light Therapy Face Mask delivers all three wavelengths of light to support skin health, including acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, and more. shop the mask Light therapy pelvic wand Light therapy pelvic wands are inserted directly into the vagina, delivering light directly to the vaginal tissues that are affected by menopausal hormonal changes. The Fringe Light Therapy Wand delivers red, near infrared, and/or blue light to support blood flow and tissue rejuvenation, which may help alleviate vaginal dryness, atrophy, and sexual dysfunction. shop the wand To recap Menopause is a time of dramatic hormonal changes, which create uncomfortable symptoms for many women. Light therapy is a safe and effective tool that may be used to alleviate a wide range of menopausal symptoms in the comfort of one’s own home. Red and near infrared light provide support for symptoms including sleep and mood issues, cognitive changes, hair loss, gut and vaginal dysbiosis, skin problems, and vaginal tissue changes, while blue light may provide antimicrobial activity for menopausal acne and vaginal infections. Many different light therapy products are available - including panels, wraps, face masks, and pelvic wands – that provide light therapy support for different symptoms. Choose products that use LED lights to deliver red, infrared red, and blue light (where appropriate) at approximately the same intensity of the sun for best results. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
Learn more
Red Light Therapy vs Ice
Red Light Therapy vs Ice. If you were to take a sample of doctors and athletic trainers and ask them what therapy they recommend that people use for post-exercise muscle recovery, you are guaranteed to find that a majority will tell you to apply ice. Cryotherapy or icing has long been considered the gold standard for dealing with pretty much any kind of inflammatory process, including the muscle inflammation that occurs following strenuous exercise. Cryotherapy is a therapeutic technique that involves exposing the body or specific areas to extremely cold temperatures, typically using ice packs, cold water immersion, or specialized cryochambers. But research has now clearly shown that when you put icing head-to-head with Red Light Therapy – which uses red and/or near infrared light to influence biology - and look at which one works better to support exercise recovery, Red Light Therapy consistently comes out on top. In 2019, a scientific article was published that reviewed three clinical trials and two animal studies comparing cryotherapy to Red Light Therapy. Each human clinical trial administered both red and near infrared light, while the two animal studies used near infrared light only, and light or cryotherapy were applied following exercise. The outcome for each study was post-exercise muscle recovery. All five studies found that Red Light Therapy was superior to cryotherapy at improving outcomes related to exercise recovery. This included decreased delayed onset muscle soreness and reduced muscle inflammation. The research also showed that in contrast to Red Light Therapy, cryotherapy did nothing to prevent muscle damage from occurring following strenuous exercise, since markers of muscle damage like creatine kinase were only reduced with Red Light Therapy. The superiority of Red Light Therapy over cryotherapy makes perfect sense when you consider the mechanisms of how the two modalities work. In a nutshell, red light therapy stimulates mitochondria to produce energy and modulate oxidative stress, decreasing cellular markers of inflammation. Red Light Therapy also induces cellular changes like increasing the production of growth factors. This is how it can have effects such as decreasing inflammation and healing damaged muscle fibers, and how it can positively influence many aspects of exercise recovery. In contrast, cryotherapy constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow, which leads to less edema formation (swelling). This might reduce inflammation and decrease pain, but it really does nothing on a cellular level to support healing. In fact, it’s been argued by some experts to do the opposite. Several criticisms of cryotherapy have been raised, including that it only provides temporary relief and does not promote long-term healing. The studies described in this analysis used light that was quite low in intensity. Light intensity refers to the amount of light being delivered by a device. It is also sometimes called irradiance, and it’s usually measured in units called mW/cm2. Red Light Therapy devices on the market vary widely in terms of their intensity. While it’s common to see marketing claims that high intensity products (at upwards of 100mw/cm2) are needed to reap the benefits of Red Light Therapy, this research (and a lot of other studies too), show that this is false. When it comes to using Red Light Therapy for post-exercise muscle recovery, research has clearly shown that more is not better. Instead of high intensity products, it’s best to use a device that delivers both red and near infrared light at a low to moderate intensity. Fringe Red Light Therapy products are great options for post-exercise support, delivering the optimal intensity of light at between 20 and 40mw/cm2. This is like the intensity of the sun. Fringe Red Light Therapy wraps even have the advantage of being portable and cordless, offering the flexibility of immediate use, including on the sideline! So, the next time you have a hard workout, reach for a Red Light Therapy device instead of ice to support muscle healing. And the advantages of Red Light Therapy over cryotherapy extend to healing for other conditions as well. Basically, you can use Red Light Therapy for anything that you would consider using ice for. By using Red Light Therapy instead, you’ll not only decrease pain and inflammation, but you’ll also activate cellular healing mechanisms that will help you to feel better faster. For more information about Fringe light products, go to: https://fringeheals.com/shop-all-products/
Learn more
Light Therapy and Vibration for Female Pelvic Health
One of our missions at Fringe is to create high quality, evidence-based light therapy products, and to make them readily accessible to consumers. Our goal is to help people heal from the conditions that commonly ail them – like arthritis, post-exercise muscle soreness, and eczema (just to name a few) - in the comfort of their own homes. Recently, we turned our attention to some of the more common conditions affecting women and those born female at birth specifically: disorders of the female pelvis. Disorders related to female pelvic health (including pelvic floor pain and dysfunction, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and vaginal infections) are incredibly common, affecting up to 50% of the population at some point in their lives. shop fringe pelvic wand Enter, the fringe pelvic wand In response, we made the Fringe Pelvic Wand - which combines light therapy with vibration, two well-established healing modalities - which may support recovery from these challenging issues. What is red light? Light therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) is the application of light with specific wavelengths to the body for the purposes of influencing biology. The most common form of light therapy uses red light, which is visible as the color red, and/or near infrared light, which is not visible but can be felt as heat. Blue light is also used in many light therapy products, mainly for its antimicrobial effects. Red, near infrared, and blue light are naturally produced by the sun, which gives off solar radiation. The term radiation describes energy that is transmitted in the form of waves or particles. The spectrum of light in our environment consists of both light we can see (visible light) and light that our eyes can't perceive (invisible light). This is called the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible light spectrum is quite narrow, consisting of wavelengths that range from 400 to 700nm and span from violet to red in color. Blue and red light are part of this visible light spectrum, while near infrared light is not. Different colors of light have different depths of skin penetration, with red and near infrared light penetrating the deepest. While early research on light therapy used primarily lasers, more recent research has found that LED's can also be used, which also have the advantage of applying light to a larger area of the body as well as an improved safety profile. The use of LED in red/near infrared/blue light therapy devices has also greatly reduced the cost of treatment, making it something that can be done in the comfort of one's own home. Both laser and LED lights have been used in research and practice to support pelvic health. Light therapy delivers light at a measurable level of intensity, which can be generally classified as low, moderate, and high. The intensity of sunlight is between 20 and 40mW/cm2, which is described as the "sweet spot" between higher intensities, which can have harmful effects, and lower intensities, which will have no effect at all. This range is optimal for healing while minimizing adverse effects, and is the range used in the Fringe Pelvic Wand. How might light therapy support female pelvic health? Light therapy may have physiological effects related to female pelvic health, including: Pelvic Tissue Loss of connective tissue, such as collagen and elastin, in the female pelvis is commonly experienced by women as they age and can also occur because of childbirth and infections. Through its effects on mitochondria, light therapy (especially red and near infrared light) may increase cellular energy production and increase connective tissue production. Light therapy may also modulate the production of reactive oxygen species, causing a shift towards tissue rejuvenation rather than breakdown, and may support muscle strengthening. Reduced Inflammation & Pain Chronic pain is commonly associated with disorders of the pelvic floor, which may also be associated with pelvic inflammation. Light therapy (especially with red and near infrared light) may have powerful effects on inflammation. Studies have found that light therapy may affect levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and prostaglandins. Increased Blood Flow A decrease in blood flow to tissues in the female pelvis, especially the vagina, occur with age. This loss of blood flow negatively affects tissues by reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients and contributes to age associated changes such as vaginal atrophy. Light therapy (especially red and near infrared light) may increase blood flow in two ways. First, it may increase levels of nitric oxide through its effects on the mitochondria, which causes vasodilation. The dilation of blood vessels allows more blood to flow through. Second, it may increase angiogenesis, which is the synthesis of new blood vessels. A greater density of blood vessels may increase the delivery of blood to tissues. Effects on Microorganisms Infections with pathogenic microorganisms in the female pelvis are quite common, and include bacteria (such as chlamydia), fungi (such as candida), and viruses (such as HPV). The vagina also naturally hosts the vaginal microbiome, which has a balance of microorganisms. When imbalanced, susceptibility to infections and bacterial vaginosis is increased. Light may have effects on microorganisms, both pathogenic and non-pathogenic. Blue light may have powerful effects on pathogenic microbes that can infect the vagina, such as candida, while red light may have positive effects on the microbes that comprise the microbiome, including the vaginal microbiome. Some clinical conditions related to female pelvic health that may improve with light therapy include: Vaginal candidiasis Human papillomavirus and associated vaginitis and cervicitis Vulvovaginitis Chronic pelvic pain Urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction Overactive bladder Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome Menopause Episiotomy recovery What is vibration therapy? Vibration therapy may have physiological effects related to female pelvic health, including: Pelvic Tissue Vibration therapy may have many effects on cells associated with the structural integrity of the female pelvic. Collagen in particular may respond to vibration therapy, especially at low magnitudes, and both collagen and muscle formation respond well to low magnitude vibration at between 8 and 10Hz. Increased Blood Flow Vibration therapy may increase blood flow, after as little as 10 minutes of therapy. Increasing blood flow helps to perfuse tissues with oxygen and nutrients and improve function and speed healing. Muscle Tone Regulation While proper functioning of the pelvic floor muscles is integral to bowel, bladder, and sexual health, in many women these muscles are weak. Others experience chronic hypertonicity in muscles of the pelvic floor, which is also suboptimal. Vibration therapy may regulate muscle tone in two ways. First, it may decrease spasticity in muscles that are overactive. Second, it may improve the potential to voluntarily contract muscles, such as those of the pelvic floor, which are poorly controlled in between 30 and 50% of women, and in this way activate and strengthen the muscle. Muscle tone regulation is accomplished by activating muscles via a spinal reflex and increasing blood flow. Decreased Pain Vibration therapy may reduce many different pain types, including neuropathic pain, low back pain, and muscle pain. This may happen via several mechanisms, such as regulating muscle tone and increasing blood flow. Some clinical conditions related to female pelvic health that may improve with vibration therapy include Urinary incontinence Pelvic floor dysfunction Vulvodynia (a pelvic pain condition) Pelvic pain penetration disorder Sexual dysfunction The Fringe Pelvic Wand The Fringe Pelvic Wand delivers three wavelengths of light via three modes: + Mode 1 - Red/Near Infrared (630 nm & 830 nm) MODE ONE - red/near infrared light (630nm & 830nm): delivers both red (630 nm) and near infrared (830 nm) light to the pelvic tissues. This mode may help with pelvic pain and inflammation, and improving blood flow and tissue health. Use Mode 1 if you are not sensitive to light or heat. This is the default setting. + Mode 2 - Blue Light (415 nm) MODE TWO - Blue Light (415 nm): delivers blue light (415 nm) to the pelvic tissues. This mode may support the destruction of microbes including fungus and bacteria and supports healing from yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Mode 2 can be combined with Mode 1 or Mode 3 - use mode 1 if not light or heat sensitive, and mode 3 if you are light or heat sensitive. Combining Mode 2 with Mode 1 or 3 provides antimicrobial effects with generalized tissue support and balancing of the vaginal microbiome. + Mode 3 - Red Light (630 nm) MODE THREE - Red Light (630 nm): delivers only red (630 nm) light to the pelvic tissues. This mode may help with pelvic pain and inflammation and improving blood flow and tissue health. Use Mode 3 if you are sensitive to light or heat. The Fringe Pelvic Wand also delivers optional vibration, via four modes: + Mode 1 - 10hz (default mode) MODE ONE: provides very low frequency vibration which may help to support muscle relaxation and pain reduction. + Mode 2 - 50hz MODE TWO: provides low/moderate frequency vibration which may help to support muscle relaxation, reduce pain, and increase awareness of pelvic muscle function. Mode 2 can be combined with gentle pelvic floor exercises. + Mode 3 - 90hz MODE THREE: Provides moderate/high frequency vibration that increases awareness of pelvic muscle function and may help to support pelvic muscle contraction. Mode 3 can be combined with moderately active pelvic floor exercises. + Mode 4 - 120hz MODE FOUR: provides high frequency vibration that may help to support strengthening of pelvic muscles. Mode 4 can be combined with active pelvic floor exercises. Light & Vibration Therapy Safety The safety of light and vibration therapy has been demonstrated in thousands of research studies. However, there are some precautions to be aware of before you begin your therapeutic journey.Photosensitivity is the main contraindication to light therapy. If you are sensitive to light or are using medications that increase light sensitivity (see https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7672668/ for a recent list), you may need to reduce treatment time, interval, and/or frequency, as well as reduce light intensity. Light & Vibration Therapy Safety Here are some other precautions to consider. Please don't: Exceed the recommended treatment times and frequency. Use on open fresh wounds. Use in combination with lotions, balms or other topical products that contain heat producing ingredients. Use with a non-water based lubricant. If you're pregnant, we recommend checking with your health care provider to see if they think it's appropriate for you to use the Fringe Pelvic Health Wand. They can assess your unique health needs and determine if light and vibration therapy is right for you. However, we do know that it's a great tool to use postpartum when it may help to support healing and recovery of pelvic tissues. Co-Author Elizabeth Frey, FCAMPT, MCISC (MANIP), MSc. PT, MSc, BPHE, BSc, MCPA - Fringe Pelvic Health Advisor Liz holds a BSc and BPHE from Queen's University; a MSc in Exercise Physiology from the University of Toronto, a MSc (PT) from McMaster University, and a MCISC (Manip) from University of Western Ontario. Liz is a clinic owner and practicing physiotherapist with a specialty in pelvic health physiotherapy. She is a clinical lab facilitator at the University of Toronto, and a clinical supervisor for physiotherapy students. As an orthopaedic and pelvic health physiotherapist, Liz integrates her over 10 years of clinical expertise to provide a unique whole-body approach to wellness. Liz's practice focuses on helping women navigate pregnancy, menopause, and everything in between. The contents in this blog; such as text, content, graphics are intended for educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider.
Learn more