Phototherapy

Phototherapy uses a selective non-coherent light produced by LEDs. In more advanced systems, it uses plasma light more powerful than the previous types and light bands capable of interacting with pathological tissues on several levels.

In recent years, considerable research has been carried out on the action of specific types of light on skin rejuvenation, tissue biostimulation and the treatment of dermatological pathologies such as acne, pre-cancerous skin lesions and non-melanoma skin tumours. In addition, research into the use of phototherapy for treating muscle pain, neuralgia, myalgia, arthralgia and trophic disorders has also been carried out. There are no known side effects.

Photocatalysis light — and, in particular, intense blue light with infrareds — has the capacity to selectively destroy tissues (without damaging healthy surrounding cells) that have previously been treated with a photosensitising agent (ALA).

When used with infrareds, blue light has proved extremely effective in the treatment of moderate forms of acne and against skin aging, to accelerate the post-surgical healing of wounds, after peeling treatments and laser surgery and in the treatment of skin ulcers. This can even be done without an activator (ALA), exploiting the ability of infrared light to improve tissue metabolism and that of blue light to bind the bacteria that cause acne and are responsible for the inflammatory phases of the illness, reducing it considerably.

Blue light therapy

Blue light therapy can be used to treat certain conditions on or just under the skin. The procedure is pain-free. Through photo-oxidation, high-intensity blue light (420+/-5 nm) causes a decrease in the bilirubin in the serum. This is then broken down into non-toxic water-soluble products that can easily be eliminated by the kidneys, with a consequent photo-rejuvenation activity. As a result, blue light therapy is considered an excellent treatment for actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous sun spots).

Blue light can also be used to promote wound healing processes and create effective biostimulation on moderate acne and skin ageing, as it determines a local photo-stimulating reaction that produces free radicals which destroy bacteria in the pilosebaceous follicles without damaging healthy surrounding cells.

In addition to treating various skin conditions, blue light therapy can also be used as a treatment for depression. It is especially effective when treating major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, formerly known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition is often partially caused by dreary winter weather, darker days and spending more time indoors. It can be treated with light.

Infrared therapy

Infrared therapy is a light-based method that can used to treat pain and inflammation in various parts of the body. In contrast to ultraviolet light, which can damage the skin, infrared light enhances cell regeneration. Through electromagnetic radiation at certain wavelengths (IR frequencies with a wavelength of 780–1400 nm (are typically used), infrared light treats the site of injury or inflammation to promote cell repair. As this form of therapy is safe, natural, non-invasive and painless, it is often offered as an alternative treatment for various health conditions like muscle pain, joint stiffness and arthritis.

Infrared light can penetrate even the deep layers of the skin — reaching the muscles, nerves and even the bones to provide improved pain relief.

This type of light is absorbed by the photoreceptors in cells and transformed into thermal energy on the upper layers of the skin, and only a small part is reflected. Pulsed light is more effective than continuous light, as it produces a much higher number of photons. Once absorbed, the light energy kickstarts a series of metabolic events, triggering several natural processes of the body on a cellular level.

Benefits

Infrared therapy has many roles in the human body — from detoxification and skin purification to pain relief, improved circulation and lowering blood pressure. It is a safe and effective remedy for pain and inflammation and can be used to treat various health conditions, including back pain, arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, tendonitis, nerve pain like sciatica and sports injuries.

However, one of the key health benefits of infrared therapy is improvement in cardiovascular health, which is achieved by increasing the production of nitric oxide. This molecule is crucial for blood circulation and can prevent blood from clotting and clumping in the vessels. In addition to these benefits, infrared light can also help to regulate blood pressure and combat free radicals to prevent oxidative stress.

Since infrared therapy enhances and improves circulation in the skin and other parts of the body, it can bring oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues, promoting healing. It helps ease pain, relieve inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.

By increasing blood flow to the different parts of the body, infrared light can help oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells, enabling them to function better. Infrared therapy also triggers the growth and repair of new muscles cells and tissues by improving the action of the mitochondria within cells. As a result, this type of therapy is frequently used to stimulate the regeneration and repair of injured tissues and reduce pain and inflammation.

Red light therapy (low-level laser therapy)

Red light therapy involves exposing the body to low wavelength red light. It is also known as low-level laser light therapy and is widely applied by dermatologists. Red light is natural and is able to penetrate deep into and beyond the skin, where the cells are able to absorb and utilise it. Mitochondria within the skin cells are then able to absorb these light particles. This can help the cells produce more adenosine triphosphate, the energy source of all cells. Many experts attribute the therapeutic and rejuvenating effects of red light to this extra energy allowing cells to respond to damage.

The success of red light therapy is attributed to its ability to:

Increase fibroblast production, which helps produce collagen and other tissue fibres.
Increase the circulation of blood.
Protect cells from damage.
Stimulate the cells through an increase in mRNA.
Reduce signs of aging.
Reduce inflammation in the cells both at the area of use and throughout the system
Stimulate new blood vessels to form, which doctors call angiogenesis.

As a result, red light is an effective treatment for: