Written by Vanessa Lloyd, Director and Head Therapist
Vanessa Lloyd is a well-known recovery and performance specialist at Pro Active Manchester in the north of England. She works primarily with athletes and fitness fanatics of all levels implementing Pro Active's ProX Formula. She is renowned for getting top level results with technologies such as PEMF, Red Light, and Deep Tissue Acupuncture.
Arthritis is an incredibly challenging condition characterised by persistent pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints. It affects people of all ages, making everyday life difficult for millions of individuals around the world.
It's important to understand the prevalence of different types of arthritis across the world. In the UK for example, Osteoarthritis (OA) affects around 10 million people, with 5.4 million cases of knee OA and 3.2 million cases of hip OA. Additionally, 450,000 adults have a diagnosed case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, and roughly 190,000 adults are estimated to have Psoriatic Arthritis. In the United States, 23% of adults, over 53 million people, are living with arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While traditional treatments like medications and physical therapy can offer some relief, they often come with unsavoury side effects. Red Light Therapy (RLT) is emerging as a non- invasive and effective treatment alternative for arthritis. Let’s explore some of the mechanisms, benefits, and clinical evidence supporting RLT for arthritis management.
Understanding red light therapy
RLT, or Red Light Therapy, is a form of treatment that utilises low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues.
When these specific wavelengths reach the mitochondria within cells, they stimulate a process called photobiomodulation. This process enhances the natural production of energy within the cells, leading to a range of therapeutic effects within the body. Photobiomodulation has been found to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and support cellular regeneration, among other beneficial effects.
These effects include reduced inflammation, relief from pain, and improved tissue repair, making RLT a promising option for various health conditions such as arthritis, and inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Benefits of red light therapy for arthritis
Inflammatory cytokines are small proteins released by cells, especially those in the immune system. They play a crucial role in the body's response to injury and infection but can also contribute to chronic inflammation when produced in excess. In conditions such as arthritis, high levels of inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α) lead to persistent joint pain, swelling, and tissue damage.
When red and near-infrared light penetrates the skin and underlying tissues, it is absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells. This absorption increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which enhances cellular energy and function. Improved cellular function helps in regulating the immune response and reduces the overproduction of cytokines.
It goes without saying that reduced inflammation and swelling result in better joint mobility and function. As arthritis often limits movement and flexibility due to pain and stiffness, by mitigating these symptoms, RLT can help restore a greater range of motion, enabling people suffering from arthritis to perform daily activities with less discomfort.
Several studies underscore the anti-inflammatory benefits of RLT. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent RLT experienced significant reductions in pain and morning stiffness. Another study
highlighted in the Photomedicine and Laser Surgery journal reported decreased levels of IL-1 and TNF-α in patients with osteoarthritis after RLT sessions.
So RLT not only provides pain relief but also stimulates the production of collagen, a key component in repairing damaged joint tissues. This enhanced collagen synthesis helps to strengthen the supporting structures of the joints, potentially slowing down the progression of arthritis.
In addition, RLT promotes the regeneration of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments playing a vital role in maintaining joint function and mobility, which is essential for effectively managing arthritis.
People often report improved joint flexibility and range of motion after regular RLT sessions. These improvements can make daily activities easier and enhance overall quality of life.
Incorporating red light therapy into arthritis management
Consistency is key to achieving substantial benefits from Red Light Therapy. Our clients find that regular sessions, lasting typically between 10 to 20 minutes, are fundamental for the maintenance and enhancement of their joint health over an extended period.
An integrated care approach is recommended to get the best results, involving the combination of RLT with other modalities such as physical therapy, PEMF, and lifestyle adjustments to afford a comprehensive management plan for arthritis, and you should talk to your doctor about starting with RLT if you are affected by arthritis.
RLT should be personalised to suit individual needs, accounting for the severity of symptoms and the specific type of arthritis. This is why you should approach a professional team like Pro Active, who can help design your schedule to meet your needs. Importantly, RLT is associated with minimal side effects, rendering it suitable for long-term application.
So, to sum up, Red Light Therapy offers a promising, non-pharmacological option for managing arthritis. It can provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and enhance joint mobility without the adverse effects associated with traditional treatments. As research progresses, RLT's potential in arthritis management continues to expand, offering hope for improved quality of life for arthritis sufferers.
By leveraging the therapeutic effects of RLT, individuals with arthritis can find significant relief and lead more active, fulfilling lives.
Regular RLT sessions have been demonstrated to positively impact clients’ joint flexibility and range of motion. Many people have reported substantial improvements in their ability to engage in daily activities and have observed an overall enhancement in their quality of life.
Numerous studies have documented the potential of RLT in enhancing physical function among arthritis patients, leading to reduced pain and improved management of everyday tasks. These findings indicate that RLT holds promise for individuals facing challenges related to arthritis.
So if you are affected by arthritis and are looking for some relief, then reach out today and talk to Pro Active about Red Light Therapy.
Read more from Vanessa Lloyd
Vanessa Lloyd, Director and Head Therapist
Vanessa Lloyd is a leader in recovery and performance in the north of England with her company Pro Active Manchester. Helping athletes and fitness fanatics of all levels to achieve peak performance and accelerate rehabilitation from injury. Using Pro Active's ProX Formula, Vanessa uses state of the art technologies such as PEMF, Red Light Therapy, and Deep Tissue Acupuncture to achieve top level results with her clients.
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