Red Light Therapy - Exploring Pulsed Light versus Steady Light

By now you have probably heard something about red light therapy. Maybe you have even tried it or purchased a home device. While red light therapy is becoming more popular as a complementary wellness option, most devices on the market offer steady light technology. Emerging research suggests that pulsed light therapy may offer some unique advantages. That is why we have specifically added pulsed light technology to several of our devices. This blog will explore some of the benefits of pulsed light in red light therapy and its effects on pain management and other related applications.

What is the difference between steady and pulsed light?
Steady light refers to a continuous emission of light at a constant intensity throughout the treatment session. On the other hand, pulsed light involves emitting light in intermittent bursts or pulses, where the light is turned on and off at certain frequencies. The number of times the light is turned off and on, per second, is measured in Hertz (Hz) and is also called frequency or the pulse rate. While both steady and pulsed light have their merits in red light therapy, pulsed light may be more effective in certain applications. The pulsing action of light in pulsed light therapy allows for precise modulation of the light energy, which can result in enhanced cellular responses.

The intermittent bursts of light provide moments of rest for the cells, preventing excessive heat buildup and reducing the risk of cellular fatigue. This rhythmic pattern of light exposure also promotes better oxygenation and circulation within the treated area. By alternating between light and dark periods, pulsed light therapy can optimize cellular metabolism, stimulate specific biological processes, and potentially elicit more pronounced therapeutic effects compared to steady light. Additionally, pulsed light therapy may have a better ability to target specific cellular pathways and receptors, leading to a more targeted and efficient treatment.

Enhanced Pain Relief
One of the key areas where pulsed light has shown promise is in pain management. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology examined the effects of pulsed light therapy on patients with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. The findings revealed that pulsed light therapy led to significant reductions in pain intensity, improved joint mobility, and enhanced overall quality of life compared to steady light therapy.

Accelerated Wound Healing
Wound healing is a complex process influenced by various factors, including cellular regeneration and inflammation control. Research published in the Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery demonstrated that pulsed light therapy effectively accelerates wound healing by stimulating the production of collagen and increasing blood flow to the treated area. The study concluded that the pulsed light approach may provide an innovative method for promoting faster healing in chronic wounds.

Improved Skin Rejuvenation
Red light therapy has long been recognized for its ability to rejuvenate the skin, reduce signs of aging, and improve overall skin health. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology compared the effects of pulsed light therapy and steady light therapy on skin rejuvenation. The results indicated that pulsed light therapy yielded superior outcomes in terms of wrinkle reduction, skin firmness, and overall skin texture improvement. The researchers suggested that the pulsed light approach may enhance collagen synthesis and stimulate cellular turnover more effectively.

Enhanced Hair Growth
Pulsed light therapy has also shown potential in the field of hair restoration. A study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine showed that red light therapy significantly increased hair density and thickness in both men and women with androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss. The findings revealed that pulsed light therapy led to a significant increase in hair density and thickness, suggesting its potential as a non-invasive treatment for hair loss.

Conclusion
The emerging research surrounding the benefits of pulsing light in red light therapy demonstrates its potential in various applications, ranging from pain management and wound healing to skin rejuvenation and hair growth. These studies indicate that pulsed light therapy may offer superior results compared to steady light therapy in terms of pain relief, tissue regeneration, and overall treatment efficacy. 

Ready to purchase a device? Check out our website of available devices. If you are new to red light therapy, don’t worry, all device purchases include lifetime access to our customer portal, with additional resources such as our introduction to light therapy course, Photopuncture charts for targeted light therapy and so much more. Check out our educational hub for more details!