Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular processes. This therapy has been used for a variety of conditions, including pain management, skin rejuvenation, and wound healing. More recently, red light therapy has gained attention as a potential treatment for brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke.
Studies have shown that red light therapy may be beneficial for brain healing by reducing inflammation, promoting the growth of new blood vessels, and stimulating the production of ATP, a molecule that is essential for cellular energy. In one study, researchers found that red light therapy improved cognitive function and reduced brain inflammation in mice with TBI (1). Another study showed that red light therapy improved motor function and reduced the size of brain lesions in rats with stroke (2).
Red light therapy has also been shown to have potential benefits for individuals with Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. In a pilot study, researchers found that red light therapy improved cognitive function and reduced depression and anxiety in individuals with Parkinson's disease (3). A separate study found that red light therapy improved memory and reduced oxidative stress in rats with Alzheimer's disease (4).
While red light therapy shows promise as a potential therapy for brain injuries and other neurological conditions, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and efficacy in humans. Nevertheless, the results of these studies suggest that red light therapy may be a promising adjunct therapy for individuals with brain injuries and other neurological conditions.
References:
Xuan W, Agrawal T, Huang L, et al. Transcranial low-level laser therapy improves neurological performance in traumatic brain injury in mice: effect of treatment repetition regimen. PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e53454.
Lapchak PA, De Taboada L. Transcranial near infrared laser treatment (NILT) increases cortical adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) content following embolic strokes in rabbits. Brain Res. 2010;1306:100-105.
Naeser MA, Saltmarche A, Krengel MH, et al. Improved cognitive function after transcranial, light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, traumatic brain injury: two case reports. Photomed Laser Surg. 2011;29(5):351-358.
Wu Q, Xuan W, Ando T, et al. Low-level laser therapy for closed-head traumatic brain injury in mice: effect of different wavelengths. Lasers Surg Med. 2012;44(3):218-226.
Patient Reviews
I've recently gotten a Joovv Red and Infared Light. This has been an awesome tool that helps me reduce inflammation. I also notice that I'm sharper after doing it. I do it every morning and night, it's been awesome to have it. I would look into one of these.
This devise (Joovv) is unreal. My brain feels clearer after and all my symptoms are reduced. It’s not a cure and doesn’t last long but will get me though a few hours when I need to concentrate. Definitely worth looking into.
Syntonic Phototherapy, often referred to as light therapy, is a treatment used for vision problems following concussion. Treatment consists of laying beneath a lamp, with the lights off. A colored light filter will be taped over the lamp or the patient will wear a pair colored glasses for approximately 20 minutes. The color used will vary based on the problem being treated. Typically red stimulates the sympathic nervous system, while indigo activates the parasympathetic system. Visual deficits seen in post concussion syndrome that may benefit from light therapy are accommodation, binocularity, visual processing, and functional visual field. This is just one tool in the developmental optometrist tool box. Ask your local provider if it's right for you.