Treating Chronic Pain with Red Light Therapy

Do you suffer from chronic pain? Have you tried medicine and other traditional options, but you are still suffering? You are not alone! More and more, individuals are turning to alternative wellness options such as red light therapy to find relief and take back control of their lives. In this blog, we will discuss why treating chronic pain typically requires a more complex approach compared to treating acute pain. We will also explore ways you can incorporate red and infrared light therapy into your daily wellness routine right from the comfort of your own home! 

Let's discuss chronic pain a bit more. As mentioned above, chronic pain more difficult to treat than acute pain? But why? There are a variety of reasons including:

1. Multifactorial nature: Chronic pain often involves a multitude of factors such as physical, psychological, emotional, and social components. These factors can interact in complex ways and contribute to the persistence of pain over time. Addressing all these factors requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach.

2. Neuroplastic changes: Chronic pain can lead to neuroplastic changes in the nervous system, where the brain and nerves become sensitized to pain signals. These changes can perpetuate the pain experience even after the initial injury or cause of pain has healed. Treating these neuroplastic changes requires interventions that target the central nervous system.

3. Psychological factors: Chronic pain is often associated with psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, and negative thought patterns. Addressing these psychological factors is crucial for managing chronic pain effectively. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and other psychological interventions are often needed to manage chronic pain.

4. Long-term impact on quality of life: Chronic pain can significantly impact a person's quality of life, leading to disability, reduced mobility, sleep disturbances, and social isolation. Treating chronic pain requires not only reducing pain intensity but also improving overall functioning and quality of life.

5. Medication tolerance and side effects: Long-term use of pain medications, such as opioids, can lead to tolerance, dependence, and increased risk of side effects. Finding alternative treatments and strategies to manage chronic pain without relying solely on medications is essential for long-term pain management.

6. Individualized treatment: Due to the complex nature of chronic pain and the variability in how it presents in different individuals, a one-size-fits-all approach is often ineffective. Tailoring treatment plans to address each person's unique combination of factors contributing to their pain is essential for successful management.

Now for the good news. Red and infrared light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation, has shown promise in addressing chronic pain through its ability to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote tissue healing. It's non-invasive and safe for use in the comfort of your home and it's more affordable than ever!

To incorporate red and infrared light therapy into your chronic pain management routine, consider using a handheld light therapy device such as this Torch to target specific areas of pain for short sessions multiple times a week. In particular, you can address nerve pain from the place of pain to the source (the spine) with targeted red light therapy which can be much more effective for long term pain relief. In fact, the Light Therapy Resource Torch includes complimentary access to customized Photopuncture Charts as well as our Pain Management Booklet which illustrate how to use targeted red light therapy to specifically address nerve and pain issues. Start out with just 1 session per area every other day and gradually increase to one session per day as tolerated.

Additionally, incorporating red and infrared light therapy sessions under a wrap, band or panel can be extremely effective at managing chronic pain, particularly if related to an underlying auto-immune condition. Because red and infrared light therapy has the ability to amplify the naturally occurring regenerative healing process in the body, adding in sessions with a panel such as this one can be incredibly effective for whole body treatments without the high price tag. Simply position the panel to treat the area of the body you are targeting for up to 10 minutes at 6" away. Once you are done, feel free to reposition the panel and target a different area of the body. Or you could consider a wrap or band, such as this one, offering a larger coverage area than the Handheld Torch, along with added micro-vibration and magnetic pulsing. You can set it and forget it, taking a low and slow approach to healing.

No matter what delivery method you select, consistency is key, so aim to use light therapy regularly to maximize its benefits. Do not expect immediate results. It can take months to experience the benefits of light therapy, but it is worth the time and effort to regain control of your life and live pain free again!

Additionally, combining light therapy with other treatment modalities such as stretching, exercise, and relaxation techniques can enhance its effectiveness in managing chronic pain. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications that may interact with light therapy. By integrating red and infrared light therapy into your pain management plan, you may experience reduced pain, improved function, and a better quality of life.

In summary, treating chronic pain requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach that addresses the physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects of pain. By considering the complex interplay of factors contributing to chronic pain, you can develop a comprehensive treatment plan that aims to improve pain management, restore function, and enhance quality of life for individuals living with chronic pain. If you haven't given red light therapy a try, don't wait! It's affordable and can be life changing. We would be honored to call you a customer! Feel free to check out our devices and educational materials on our website and experience the life changing benefits of red light therapy today!