Red Light Therapy and Osteoporosis, What can be Done?

 Osteoporosis is known as a silent condition and is a common reason for a broken bone in the elder population. Chances are that you know an elderly person who has fractured or broken a bone from a minor incident, and are aware that it can be a devastating event for that person. Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue that ultimately leads to the fragility of the bone, which can result in an increase in broken or fractured bones.

Our bones tend to lose strength as the years pass, however, it is osteoporosis that causes the bones to become more brittle as we age. So delicate that even a small stressor, such as mild exercise, can cause a fracture. Common areas of the body to be affected will be joint-related areas. Such as the wrist, hip, knee, and spine. Before we dive into the maintenance of healing from a fracture, it's also important to discuss any preventative measures.

Luckily, with the early use of red light therapy, there is a promising way to boost strength in bone health. Both naturally and safely. Before we get into how red light therapy can support osteoporosis, it is also important not to confuse osteoporosis with osteoarthritis and some common risk factors.  

Difference Between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis

There is a progressive decline in bone tissue when osteoporosis is present, which makes bones less thick and more liable to fracture. Osteoporosis is a disorder in which the bones lose density, and inadvertently a person will be more prone to fractures. It can cause a person to experience significant back pain, and affect their posture. Osteoarthritis on the other hand is to describes a variety of disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, affecting the joints and surrounding tissues.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases , "In the United States, more than 53 million people either already have osteoporosis or are at high risk due to low bone mass.” Osteoporosis can make it difficult for a person to walk and can lead to future or permanent impairment. Here are some risks factors of osteoporosis according to the National Institute of health:

Risk Factors For Developing Osteoporosis Include:

• Family history of the broken bones or osteoporosis
• Have a broken bone after age 50
• Had early menopause.
• Amenorrhea
• Prolonged use of certain medications
• Low calcium intake, low Vit D
• Lack of physical activity, or had extended bed rest
• Smoking & Excessive alcohol intake
• Small body frame

Preventative Measures To Keep In Mind

The most effective methods for keeping your bones strong and healthy include consuming calcium and vitamin D-rich meals, strength training, walking, and in general, a continuation of regular weight-bearing exercises.

When it comes to an existing case of osteoporosis, we want to continue to rebuild any bone loss to prevent future breaks or fractures. With that said, healthy lifestyle choices do come into play, such as a well-balanced diet and mild strengthening exercises. Always consult with your physician before undertaking any lifestyle changes, including exercise, as there is the possibility of further complications in some individuals. It's also important to note that bones do replenish themselves in response to hormones. Hence why the early onset of menopause may contribute to osteoporosis.

Before we dive into some research, I wanted to include an excellent in-depth source to prevent possible falls and related fractures from the ‘National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.' Learn how to fall-proof your home today!

Red Light Therapy for Bone Health, What does the Research Say

Red light therapy is making quite an impact on many people's health; and studies show that it can assist with osteoporosis. Red light therapy comes with a long list of benefits backed by peer-reviewed scientific data.

There is potential to Increase your bone healing with red and near-infrared light therapy. This 2010 study has found that red and NIR light stimulates the energy production in the bone cells and supports the healing progress from breaks and bone fractures. Additionally, this fascinating study from 2017 noted that collagen and procollagen attachment and production improved, and bone cell development was stimulated, all of which helps to speed up the bone repair process. The animal study titled ‘Effect of in vivo low-level laser therapy on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis of rats,” examined “postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP)” and concluded “positive effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) with pulse wave.” (Mostafavinia A, et al., 2017). The focus of this research was to see how PBM influenced the vitality and calcium ion release of “ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis patients.” It was found that Pulse wave (PW) PBM significantly stimulated viability and cell proliferation of healthy BMMSCs (bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells). A similar study found that low-level laser therapy also known as LLLT, “can enhance the viability and proliferation rate of healthy and especially osteoporotic autologous BMMSCs.” (Fallahnezhad S, et al., 2016).

This 2010 research article from the Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine assessed the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with a “novel bioactive material (Biosilicate®” on bone fracture consolidation in osteoporotic rats.” The results supported the notion that red light therapy supported bone repair, therefore assisted in increasing bone formation. It was concluded, "A morphometric analysis revealed that the Biosilicate plus laser groups showed a higher amount of newly formed bone,” (Bossini PS, et al., 2010)

A research article titled, ‘Low-level laser therapy (830 nm) improves bone repair in osteoporotic rats: similar outcomes at two different dosages,'' studied the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in osteoporotic rats. In the low level laser-treated subjects, at both fluences, there was more newly produced bone and granulation tissue than that of the control group. Red Light treatment showed improvement in bone repair in osteoporotic rats,“as a result of stimulation of the newly formed bone, fibrovascularization and angiogenesis.” (Bossini PS, et al., 2012)

An article fromthe Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology focused on LLLT and concluded the following:“LLLT significantly enhances the stiffness of repairing tissue in the 8th-week post-injury in osteochondral defects in rabbits.” (Fahimeh K, et.al., 2007). Although more research is needed in more human trials, we see that studies suggest Near-infrared irradiated bone has higher bone development and collagen deposition than non-irradiated bone.  

The development of innovative ways to speed up the bone-repair process has resulted in considerable improvements in fracture therapy. The following study, titled “Laser 904 nm action on bone repair in rats with osteoporosis,”concluded the following; “Low-level 904-nm laser (50 mJ/cm2) accelerated the repair process of osteopenic fractures, especially in the initial phase of bone regeneration,” (Pires-Oliveira, D.A.A. et.al., 2010) notably in the early stages of bone regeneration.

As outlined above, the effects of biostimulation on bone have been recently and continue to receive some promising attention. With studies such as the ones listed above, we now know that red and near-infrared light therapy has been proven to speed wound healing and contribute to cell regeneration as well as cell proliferation. As for osteoporosis, we can imagine the therapeutic benefits such as the increase in bone growth factors and increased blood vessel formation. Researchers have also found that red and near-infrared light therapy can improve regenerative surgery associated with fractures. This perspective allows us to see that red light therapy can alter the quality of life in our aging population.

Is Red Light Therapy Right for You?

The outlined research suggests there is a definite link between bone health and red light therapy. Osteoporosis can come with complications when a diagnosis is too late. Taking the steps to prevent it from developing may be an important part of one’s wellness strategy; as well as being mindful of risk factors and taking steps to prevent falls and fractures if the diagnosis has already been made.

The enlightening exploration of its mechanisms and the compelling research shared in this article shed light on the promising effects of red and NIR light on bone health. By stimulating osteoblast activity, promoting collagen synthesis, and enhancing overall bone density, red light therapy emerges as a non-invasive and drug-free approach that holds immense potential for individuals with osteoporosis. While further studies are needed to uncover the optimal treatment protocols and long-term outcomes, the encouraging evidence and personal anecdotes shared in this piece offer a glimpse into the possibilities of improving bone strength and mitigating the risks associated with osteoporosis. Let us embrace the radiant potential of red light therapy, illuminating a path towards stronger, healthier bones and a better quality of life for those affected by this condition.

Our modern lifestyle has impacted the way we receive light wavelengths from the sun. With infrared red light, we have the ability to stimulate systemic circulation and increase mitochondrial production. Red light therapy can provide what you need to function at your best and allow your body to accept the energy it needs to optimize, change and improve daily functions. Take the step to better health and well-being today!

Sources:

Kazem Shakouri S, Soleimanpour J, Salekzamani Y, Oskuie MR. Effect of low-level laser therapy on the fracture healing process. Lasers Med Sci. 2010 Jan;25(1):73-7. doi: 10.1007/s10103-009-0670-7. Epub 2009 Apr 28. PMID: 19399356.

Mostafavinia A, Dehdehi L, Ghoreishi SK, Hajihossainlou B, Bayat M. Effect of in vivo low-level laser therapy on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis of rats. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2017 Oct;175:29-36. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.08.021. Epub 2017 Aug 18. PMID: 28846932.

Mostafavinia A, Dehdehi L, Ghoreishi SK, Hajihossainlou B, Bayat M. Effect of in vivo low-level laser therapy on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis of rats. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2017 Oct;175:29-36. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.08.021. Epub 2017 Aug 18. PMID: 28846932.

Fallahnezhad S, Piryaei A, Tabeie F, Nazarian H, Darbandi H, Amini A, Mostafavinia A, Ghorishi SK, Jalalifirouzkouhi A, Bayat M. Low-level laser therapy with helium-neon laser improved viability of osteoporotic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells from ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic rats. J Biomed Opt. 2016 Sep 1;21(9):98002. doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.21.9.098002. PMID: 27685702.

Bossini PS, Rennó AC, Ribeiro DA, Fangel R, Ribeiro AC, Lahoz Mde A, Parizotto NA. Low level laser therapy (830nm) improves bone repair in osteoporotic rats: similar outcomes at two different dosages. Exp Gerontol. 2012 Feb;47(2):136-42. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2011.11.005. Epub 2011 Nov 21. PMID: 22138375.

Zein R, Selting W, Benedicenti S. Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Bone Regeneration During Osseointegration and Bone Graft. Photomed Laser Surg. 2017 Dec;35(12):649-658. doi: 10.1089/pho.2017.4275. Epub 2017 Jul 21. PMID: 28742438.