Understanding Red Light Therapy

Understanding Red Light Therapy: A Comprehensive Overview

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), commonly referred to as “red light therapy,” has gained significant traction in both the medical community and consumer markets over the past few decades. This non-invasive treatment, which uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and tissues, has been validated through extensive research and is recognized by the FDA for its potential benefits across a wide range of health conditions. Today, red light therapy is a billion-dollar industry, with at-home light therapy devices becoming increasingly popular (GVR, 2023). Despite its growing popularity, there are many misconceptions surrounding red light therapy. A lack of understanding about the science behind PBMT can leave consumers vulnerable to misleading marketing and create communication barriers between patients and medical professionals.

To better understand current consumer knowledge of PBMT, we conducted a survey of 31 volunteers with varying levels of exposure to red light therapy. The goal was to assess their understanding of this therapeutic treatment and identify areas where education is needed. This article will discuss the survey results, clarify some common misconceptions about red light therapy, and explore the potential benefits of this treatment for various health conditions.

Survey Overview

Our survey included 31 unique volunteers, most of whom were not existing customers of JustLight and had not previously engaged with our brand. This was done to minimize bias and ensure that the responses reflected a broad range of experiences with PBMT. Participants were asked to complete a 13-question survey that included questions about their past experiences with various PBMT services and technologies, as well as 10 True/False questions about PBMT. The survey also collected demographic information, such as age range and gender. After completing the survey, participants were directed to a blog post on our website that discussed each survey point in depth.

Demographics of Survey Participants

The demographic breakdown of our survey participants was as follows:

• Gender: 12 male, 17 female, and 2 identified as ‘Other’ or preferred not to say.
• Age:
  • 35.5% were between 18 – 24 years old
  • 29.0% were 25 – 34 years old
  • 3.2% were 35 – 44 years old
  • 6.4% were 45 – 54 years old
  • 25.8% were 55 – 64 years old

Of the 31 participants, 66% had some prior knowledge of PBMT, with 60% of these individuals being female.

Key Findings from the Survey

Correctly Answered Questions

The average score on the True/False section of the survey was 49.67% (SD = 28.9%), indicating a general lack of understanding of PBMT among the participants. Below are the top two questions that were answered correctly:

1. “Not all light is equal.”

When asked whether different factors such as the type of light and dose of light-matter in red light therapy, 70.9% of respondents answered correctly, indicating that they understood that not all light is equal in effectiveness. This is promising, as the efficacy of Photobiomodulation therapy largely depends on specific wavelengths of light, such as low-level wavelengths like red and near-infrared light, and their correct dosing. However, while participants seemed aware that these nuances exist, it is unclear if they fully understand how these factors influence treatment outcomes.

2. “When administering red light therapy, it is important to use protective eyewear or close your eyes to avoid staring directly into the LEDs.”

Eye safety is a critical aspect of using light therapy devices, and 64.5% of respondents correctly identified the importance of protecting their eyes during treatment. The FDA recommends that all manufacturers of light therapy devices include disclaimers about eye protection (FDA-2022-D-3116, 2023). Bright LEDs can cause temporary discomfort and visual aftereffects, such as making colors appear more blue or green (Thompson & Burr, 2009). Interestingly, while PBMT can benefit eye health when used to heal retinal injuries (Eells et al., 2016), it is essential for users to take precautions when using these devices for non-ophthalmic concerns.

Incorrectly Answered Questions

Below are the top two questions that were most frequently answered incorrectly, highlighting common misconceptions about red light therapy:

1. “Red light therapy works through clothing.”

A surprising 96.7% of participants incorrectly believed that red light therapy could be effective through clothing. In reality, infrared light is readily absorbed by fabrics, and red light can be reflected or absorbed depending on the color of the clothing. This misconception can lead to ineffective treatments, as the light cannot penetrate the skin and reach the target cells if blocked by clothing. For effective treatment, it is crucial to use PBMT on clean, bare skin. Additionally, skincare products, such as makeup, should be avoided during treatment because their pigments can react with the light, further diminishing its effectiveness.

2. “Full-body red light therapy offers the same benefits as targeted, local red light therapy.”

Approximately 32.2% of respondents incorrectly believed that full-body red light therapy provides the same benefits as targeted therapy. However, there is no robust data directly comparing the efficacy of full-body and targeted PBMT. Clinical studies have predominantly focused on localized treatments, revealing that optimal dosing parameters differ between various areas and tissue types (Zein et al., 2018). Full-body PBMT, often marketed as a convenient, all-encompassing solution, lacks the rigorous testing that localized treatments have undergone. As a result, consumers may be misled into purchasing expensive full-body devices without understanding the limitations and unproven efficacy of these products.

Addressing Misconceptions and Enhancing Consumer Knowledge

The Importance of Educating Consumers

Our survey highlights a critical need for better consumer education on the science and practical use of red light therapy. While there is some awareness of the importance of light type and dose, many consumers still hold misconceptions that could lead to ineffective or misused treatments. For instance, the belief that red light therapy can be effective through clothing or that full-body treatments are equally beneficial as targeted therapies can result in disappointing outcomes.

Photobiomodulation Therapy: The Science Behind It

Photobiomodulation therapy, which includes red light therapy, is based on the principle that specific wavelengths of light can penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular processes. These light therapy devices, particularly those using low-wavelength red and near-infrared light, have been shown to enhance cellular functions, such as ATP production, which is vital for energy levels and cellular activity. These processes contribute to a range of therapeutic benefits, including collagen production, wound healing, and improved skin health.

Potential Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy offers numerous potential benefits, including:

• Skin Health and Rejuvenation: Red light therapy can improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote collagen production, making it a popular choice for anti-aging treatments.
• Wound Healing: Studies have shown that red light therapy can accelerate the healing process for wounds, burns, and scars by enhancing collagen synthesis and improving blood flow to the affected area.
• Pain Relief: Red light therapy is effective in reducing chronic pain, muscle pain, and joint pain, making it a valuable tool for managing conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
• Hair Growth: Red light therapy has been used to stimulate hair regrowth in individuals with conditions such as alopecia by promoting cellular regeneration in hair follicles.
• Mental Health and Cognitive Functions: Emerging research suggests that red light therapy may have positive effects on cognitive functions and mental health, potentially benefiting those with conditions like depression and traumatic brain injury.

Selecting the Right Light Therapy Device

Given the variety of light therapy devices on the market, it is essential for consumers to choose a device that meets their specific needs. Factors to consider include the type of light used, the wavelengths, the power density, and the intended use (e.g., skin rejuvenation, pain relief, hair regrowth). It is also important to consider the safety features of the device, such as protective eyewear and FDA approval, to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Conclusion: Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Overall, our survey underscores the need for improved education on Photobiomodulation therapy to ensure that consumers can make informed decisions about at-home use. While many consumers understand the importance of safety and the nuances of choosing the right type and dose of light, there is still a lack of clarity on what makes a reliable PBM device and how to use it effectively.

For researchers, doctors, and companies involved in Photobiomodulation therapy, it is crucial to focus on educating consumers about the science behind red light therapy. This includes providing clear instructions on device usage, addressing common misconceptions, and sharing evidence-based information on the potential benefits and limitations of PBMT.

By enhancing consumer knowledge, we can improve patient satisfaction rates, optimize treatment outcomes, and bridge the gap between patients and medical professionals when discussing red light therapy as a viable treatment option.

References

• Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10, Part 851 (10 CFR 851), Worker Safety and Health Program – Department of Energy, §851.23 – Safety and Health Standards.
• Dompe, C., Moncrieff, L., Matys, J., et al. (2020). Photobiomodulation—the underlying mechanism and clinical applications. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(6), 1724.
• Eells, J. T., Gopalakrishnan, S., Valter, K. (2016). Near-infrared Photobiomodulation in retinal injury and disease. In Retinal Degenerative Diseases: Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy.
• Fitzmaurice, B., Heneghan, N. R., Rayen, A., Soundy, A. (2022). Whole-body Photobiomodulation therapy for chronic pain: a protocol for a feasibility trial. BMJ Open, 12(6), e060058.
• Geneva, I. I. (2016). Photobiomodulation for the treatment of retinal diseases: a review. International Journal of Ophthalmology, 9(1), 145.
• Nie, F., Hao, S., Ji, Y., et al. (2023). Biphasic dose response in the anti-inflammation experiment of PBM. Lasers in Medical Science, 38(1), 66.
• Navarro-Ledesma, S., Carroll, J., Burton, P., Ana, G. M. (2023). Short-term effects of whole-body Photobiomodulation on pain, quality of life and psychological factors in a population suffering from fibromyalgia: A triple-blinded randomized clinical trial. Pain and Therapy, 12(1), 225-239.
• Randa Zein, Wayne Selting, Michael R. Hamblin, “Review of light parameters and Photobiomodulation efficacy: dive into complexity,” Journal of Biomedical Optics, 23(12), 120901 (2018).
• Rentz, L. E., Bryner, R. W., Ramadan, J., Rezai, A., Galster, S. M. (2022). Full-body Photobiomodulation therapy is associated with reduced sleep durations and augmented cardiorespiratory indicators of recovery. Sports, 10(8), 119.
• Thompson, P., & Burr, D. (2009). Visual aftereffects. Current Biology, 19(1), R11–R14.
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2008.10.014

By staying informed and understanding the nuances of red light therapy, consumers can take full advantage of this effective treatment option for a variety of health conditions, while ensuring safety and efficacy in their at-home use.