W
L
PAIN, INFLAMMATION
AND HEALING
Red light therapy or Photobiomodulation (PBM for short) is the
use of red and near infrared light on the body.
Scientists have proven that specific wavelengths of light in the mid
600 and mid 800nm range have the ability to modulate cellular
activity. The wavelengths can penetrate the body to different degrees
with the red light mainly absorbed by the skin and subcutaneous
fat, whilst the infrared wavelengths can pass deeper into the body
reaching muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. The light itself
is absorbed by small organelles present in almost every cell – the
mitochondria. These small but immensely important structures
are responsible for allowing our bodies to function.
How? Well, the mitochondria produce energy in the form of ATP
(Adenosine Triphosphate) which is the bodies energy currency.
This energy is used within your body’s cells to carry out every task.
If the cells have the energy they need – they work better and can do
their jobs more efficiently.
Unfortunately, when we become sick or injured or even older, our
mitochondria become less efficient, producing less energy and
are therefore less effective at their roles. If those mitochondria
are in your musculo-skeletal system then that can mean recovery
from injury can be problematic. Likewise, if you are one of the 10
million UK arthritis sufferers then joint aches and pains are more
than likely a way of life. Treatment usually involves management of
symptoms with supplements, painkillers or sometimes surgery – of
which the long-term use can lead to significant health effects.
PBM offers a natural, safe and effective alternative in the
management of joint aches and pain by effectively reducing the
inflammatory process through its control over the production of
chemical mediators/ messengers produced in the mitochondria.
86 wirrallife.com
A systematic review published in the journal Rheumatology in
2000 compared the results of 13 Randomised controlled, double
blind, placebo -controlled trials and concluded that PBM produced
significant results across all studies. The best results were in the
Rheumatoid Arthritis group which saw a 70% reduction in pain
after PBM when compared to a placebo.
Another 2013 systematic review published in the Australian
Journal of Physiotherapy, which looked at 11 studies, specifically
looking at chronic knee pain, concluded that PBM reduced
pain and improved function! Crucially, the results suggested an
improvement in overall joint health – indicating that symptoms
weren’t just relieved but healing actually may have occurred in
some cases. When combined with exercise in a 2012 study, PBM
resulted in a highly significant improvement in pain, functionality
and activity, alongside a significant improvement in range of
motion. When compared to pain killers and steroids, PBM has
been shown to be at least as clinically effective without the side-
effects of short and long-term use or the risk of drug interactions
and complications.
On the Wirral, it is estimated that over a third of all over 45-year-
olds will be living with some form arthritis. Photobiomodulation
offers an alternative which not only helps to manage symptoms but
also promotes healing of the tissue with increased blood flow and
drainage accompanying improved cellular function and recovery.
March marks the arrival of the first whole body PBM light pod to
the Underground Training Station in Hoylake. Look out for our
launch events and come along and see the amazing effects of light
for yourself!