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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.
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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
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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
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The Essential Role of Electrolytes in Hydration
Tips for Maintaining Fluid Balance Hydration is about more than just drinking water—it's a delicate balance of chemistry in your body. Enter electrolytes, the unsung heroes of hydration. These tiny, charged particles work behind the scenes to power your body’s most vital functions, from keeping your heart beating to fueling your muscles. Drinking electrolyte rich water makes it much easier to quench your body’s thirst and provides cells and tissues with more of what they need to function optimally. People often turn to electrolytes when they’re sweating through an intense workout, recovering from illness, or navigating a hot summer day, but we also need them in the winter too. During cold winter months, the body’s thirst response diminishes because blood vessels constrict to conserve heat. This reduces the signals to drink water, even though the body still loses fluids. Regardless of season, electrolytes play a critical role in maintaining balance, energy, and health. But what are electrolytes, exactly, and why do they matter so much in hydration? In this article, we’ll cover the basics of electrolytes, explore their importance in hydration, and share practical tips to ensure you stay optimally hydrated no matter what you’re doing. Shop Fringe Electrolyte & Mineral Mix Electrolytes 101 Electrolytes are substances that dissolve in water to produce ions, which are charged particles. These ions conduct electricity, making electrolytes essential for a variety of biological and chemical processes. Common electrolytes include: Sodium (Na⁺): Vital for nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. Potassium (K⁺): Crucial for heart function, muscle contractions, and maintaining cell integrity. Calcium (Ca²⁺): Important for bone health, blood clotting, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Magnesium (Mg²⁺): Supports enzyme activity, muscle function, and energy production. Chloride (Cl⁻): Maintains fluid balance and aids digestion by forming stomach acid (HCl). Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻): Helps maintain pH balance in the blood. Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): Involved in energy production and cellular function. Electrolytes are closely related to minerals because many electrolytes are, in fact, minerals. Minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride serve dual roles as both essential nutrients and electrolytes. Once dissolved in the body’s fluids, these minerals become electrolytes (ions) that facilitate critical processes. This is why Fringe’s electrolyte product is named “Electrolyte and Mineral Mix”! Electrolytes and Hydration Electrolytes are essential for effective hydration because they help regulate the balance of fluids in and out of cells, tissues, and organs. Water alone is not sufficient for proper hydration; it needs electrolytes to ensure that fluids are distributed and utilized efficiently within the body. Electrolytes regulate hydration in several ways: + Regulating Fluid Balance: + Increasing Cellular Water Absorption: Without proper electrolyte balance, it’s difficult for water to be properly absorbed into cells. Cells must be sufficiently hydrated to function properly, so when absorption is impaired, so is function. + Preventing Dehydration: + Replacing Fluid Loss: When you lose body fluids through things like sweating or illness it’s not just water that goes, it’s electrolytes too. So, if you want to replace the fluid that is lost, you have to consume electrolytes along with water. In simple terms, when water is consumed without electrolytes, it can disrupt the delicate balance of fluids in the body, which are a mixture of water along with a range of different ions. To be properly hydrated, you require both. Water As Nature Intended Electrolyte rich water is the way nature intended water to be. Pure H2O is a result of manufacturing, not nature. Water in nature also contains a wide range of nutrients in the form of dissolved minerals… aka electrolytes! As it travels over rocks and through the earth, minerals make their way into water. The composition of natural water varies widely and depends on the geology of the region it comes from. For example, calcium rich water can be found the mountains of Italy, while magnesium rich water is extracted from volcanic groundwater in Germany. How to Stay Optimally Hydrated Here are some practical tips to help you stay optimally hydrated: Listen to your body: Thirst is a natural indicator but can sometimes lag behind actual hydration needs, especially during intense activities. Stay ahead of your thirst by drinking 2-3 litres of fluid daily. Monitor urine color: Pale yellow indicates proper hydration, while dark yellow suggests a need for fluids. Eat electrolyte rich foods: Include naturally electrolyte-rich foods in your diet, such as bananas (potassium), dark leafy greens (magnesium), and dairy products (calcium). Use electrolyte supplements: Supplements can be used daily to enhance the electrolyte concentration of water (especially reverse osmosis water, which is totally devoid of electrolytes). Increase use whenever you have increased fluid loss, such as when exercising, spending time in the heat, or suffering from illness. Drink electrolyte solutions during the activity and afterward to rehydrate. How To Choose an Electrolyte Supplement What to look for in a product: A range of electrolytes, including including sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. %DV (Daily Values) that are less than 20%; in natural water, levels will will be between 1 and 20% DV, so this is a good rule of thumb to follow. Simple, naturally derived ingredients, without added sugars or “natural flavors” Verification of purity through an unbiased chemical analysis performed by a third-party lab. Fringe Minerals and Electrolyte Mix meets all these criteria and is a great option for both adults and kids looking to support their hydration. Simply mix 1 scoop of electrolyte powder into your water, 1-2 times per day.
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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
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RLT in Your Clinic: What is Red Light Therapy?
You don’t have to look very far these days to see some form of red light therapy. Recovery businesses are popping up in local communities around the country, panels and wraps are available from a variety of online stores, and social media loves pictures of people illuminated with bright red lights to cure their various ailments. But does red light therapy really do all that it promises? Red Light 101 Photobiomodulation is the scientific term for red light therapy. It can be defined as a non-thermal form of light therapy in the visible and near infrared spectrum to stimulate cellular functions. Simply put, it is the use of specific wavelengths of light to stimulate local cells to be more efficient, resilient and robust. Red light therapy uses wavelengths of light in the range of 600-1000nm (usually 600s and 800s) which have been shown to interact with the mitochondria within local cells to boost ATP production (increased energy), modulate oxidative stress, and enhance cellular repair. This cascade of events that occurs can be incredibly powerful for tissue healing, reducing pain and even enhancing athletic performance. Because the light is acting on a cellular level within the body, the effects of photobiomodulation are wide ranging and very powerful. Inflammation Modulation The inflammatory process is vital for tissue healing, so it is important that we optimize the progression following any injury. Slowing this process down while the body is trying to heal can compromise tissue healing on a local level. This is the reason that many clinicians have moved away from ice during an acute phase of an injury. Ice is great for pain relief, but because it slows blood flow and cellular function, the pain relief can come at the cost of tissue healing. The red and near infrared wavelengths of light that are produced by red light therapy devices are designed to improve cellular function. They promote tissue healing by accelerating the inflammatory process, especially after an acute injury or in the post operative patient. Photobiomodulation has the pain-relieving effects of ice without the negative effects associated with a compromised inflammatory process. Red light therapy can also be used to reduce inflammation in the chronically inflamed patient. This often happens in the case of longer term tendonitis/tendinosis injuries. By optimizing cellular ATP and respiration, inflammation can be reduced with red and near infrared wavelengths of light. This is an extremely useful modality for patients that are caught in a pain-spasm cycle. The lesson is that red light therapy can modulate inflammation; accelerating it when needed but also reducing it if that is warranted. The body is much smarter than we are, so the goal is to set the body up to heal itself and let it go to work. Pain Reduction Chronic pain affects approximately 20% of adults, making this a huge issue for millions of people every day. Photobiomodulation is a great way to reduce pain quickly and effectively without the use of harmful medications or narcotics. The pain relieving effects can partially be explained because of its connection to the inflammatory process. By reducing inflammation in chronically inflamed tissue, pain will be reduced. Pain is further modulated with red light therapy by desensitizing pain nocioceptors in the body and increasing the release of endogenous opiates, which are the body’s natural pain relievers. As mentioned above, red light therapy has a similar pain-relieving effect of ice and heat without the negative effects that can often accompany those modalities. Enhanced Wound Healing Red light therapy is a powerful tool for wound healing. It has been shown to improve fibroblastic activity and enhance collagen production, the basic building blocks that are needed to improve healing. Photobiomodulation is also effective at improving angiogenesis, which is the formation of new capillaries within the body. With improved blood flow to local tissues comes increased oxygen and nutrients being delivered to local tissues which plays an important role in tissue repair. Scar Tissue Reduction Scars can be extremely problematic for many patients (but often ignored). They can be painful, thick and adhered to deeper layers if not managed well. When healing tissue is exposed to red and near infrared light, scar quality is improved by regulating TGF-Beta to improve proper collagen alignment. Also, because red light therapy regulates fibroblastic activity, it can improve scar formation by reducing hyperactivity and mast cell activation. The end result us a scar that tends to look, feel and move better. Athletic Performance Enhancement ATP is the energy source for all cells and red light therapy stimulates our cells to produce more of it. When cells have more ATP, they are better at their specific job. Thus, exposing large parts of our body to red light therapy can be thought of as an ergogenic aid. When our muscle cells have more ATP, theoretically that can lead to greater power output. Red blood cells can potentially carry oxygen more efficiently after exposure to red and near infrared light. Nerve cells can become more proficient and on and on. None of these items on their own will make a huge difference for most high-level athletes, but put together, meaningful changes can be observed. Most athletes measure success in very, very small increments, so even slight improvements can be extremely impactful when looking at athletic performance enhancement. Conclusion When you understand how red light therapy works, you understand how to use it. This powerful modality offers a lot of positive results with almost no risk, making it an attractive tool for clinicians to use with a wide variety of patient populations.
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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.
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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.
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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/
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