From a Rouge customer: "My wife has had many back surgeries and was always in pain. Since using the red light therapy her back pain has diminished a lot and is very happy we got it!
A number of studies have shown that red light therapy can improve symptoms and improve recovery time after surgery.
Any major surgery has a number of possible concerns and adverse effects such as persistent discomfort and disrupted sleep. The following issues could arise following reconstructive surgery, albeit being uncommon: "Surgical Scars, Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT), Nerve Injury, and infection in the legs,”. Red light therapy shows promise in treating these conditions; and is in the unique position to concurrently address all four of these potential side effects. Red light therapy can help to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications and can be a very supportive component in the post-operative period.
There are a number of different devices that can be used in post-operative rehabilitation, and some of the most common and easily accessible include red light therapy devices. Here at Rouge, we're dedicated to providing you with the best red light device possible that is made to give you the best chance to recover while alleviating discomfort.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a type of phototherapy that uses low-level lasers or LEDs to emit red or near-infrared light that can treat various health conditions, such as improvement of circulation and a reduction in inflammation.
Red light therapy is thought to work in part by increasing the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) by the mitochondria, a molecule that plays a key role in cell metabolism. ATP is responsible for transporting energy within cells, and this process is essential for cell growth and repair.
Red Light Therapy can offer the body's natural healing process a boost by supplying energy that is transferred into biochemical vitality to the tissues. As a result, inflammation is reduced, the flow of blood is enhanced and the healing process is expedited.
The Science behind rehabilitation with Red Light Therapy
In one study, red light therapy was found to reduce pain and swelling in patients who had undergone knee surgery. In another study, RLT was found to improve healing in patients who had undergone Achilles tendon repair surgery.
Dr. Perlmutter and his team at the Perlmutter Health & Neuroscience Institute have found that red light therapy can be a valuable tool in restoring function and comfort to patients who have undergone neurosurgery.
This 2006 study, explored how a new-generation LED phototherapy system improved wound healing following a combined procedure. The study concluded, in comparison to contralateral unirradiated controls, red LED phototherapy after blepharoplasty and laser ablative resurfacing reduced the time it took for adverse effects to go away and the healing process by 50 to 30 percent.
Dr. Rochkind, a specialist in nerve regeneration and a micro-neurosurgeon at Tel Aviv University, asserts that low level laser therapy (also known as Red Light Therapy) boosts the functional activity of affected nerves and seems to have an instantaneous protective effect.
What To Expect
It is always important to have a plan in place for after surgery. The first thing you should do is talk to your surgeon about what type of rehabilitation is recommended and important protocols to follow.
Rehabilitation can help correct your posture, restore movement and flexibility, and improve the quality of life. When adding red light therapy to any healing journey, you can have an enhanced therapeutic experience.
Regardless of the type of surgery you undergo, after it is complete, the goal should be on managing pain and recovery. Coping with the initial discomfort and avoiding situations that can make healing difficult make up the first stage.
Three suggested tips to follow post-surgery while incorporating Red Light Therapy:
- Take the time to rest as your body absorbs what it needs. At this stage in early post operation, eating and drinking adequately, preventing infections, and limiting stress on the treated region is essential. Adding red light therapy to your rest period can alleviate the initial discomfort. Always consult with your surgeon to ensure postoperative protocols are followed. The process will go more smoothly if the first stage is handled correctly.
- You may anticipate experiencing painful symptoms. Discomfort with movement, or distress from the swelling and irritation are normal after many surgeries, depending on the operation. Following your pain specialist's recommendations and comprehending the advantages and disadvantages of many of the conventional and over-the-counter drugs accessible are crucial while managing pain. Adding red light therapy, getting enough rest, and other methods are just a few of the natural ways to lessen pain.
- After surgery, the key to regaining normal function is the judicious use of physical activity that meets the demands of your particular injury without exacerbating or pressuring it. Utilizing red light therapy in any restored range of motion protocol can be an added benefit to the healing process. Examples of workouts include:
Can Other Devices and Procedures be Combined With This Type of
Treatment?
Yes, other devices and procedures can be combined with red light therapy. In fact, some studies have shown that combining red light therapy with other treatments can enhance the effectiveness of the therapy. For example, one study showed that combining red light therapy with electrical stimulation led to greater improvements in muscle strength and function than red light therapy alone.
When used correctly, red light therapy is safe and effective for most people. However, there are a few people who should not use this therapy. These include those who are taking photosensitizing medications. We also advise using red light therapy on wounds that are open and may bleed as increasing blood flow may not be ideal at that time. If you have any concerns about whether or not red light therapy is right for you, be sure to speak with your doctor before using any device.
Red light therapy is a convenient treatment option that can be used in the comfort of your own home. There are many different types of red light therapy devices available on the market, so it is important to do your research to find the right device for you. If you are considering having surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor about the possibility of incorporating red light therapy into your post-operative rehabilitation plan.
We wish you the best of luck when it comes to restoring strength in the postoperative period and by choosing red light therapy today, you may find the support necessary to reach the goals of getting back to your pre-operation activities!
References
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de Rezende MU, Varone BB, Martuscelli DF, Ocampos GP, Freire GMG, Pinto NC, de Sousa MVP. Pilot study of the effect of therapeutic photobiomodulation on postoperative pain in knee arthroplasty. Braz J Anesthesiol. 2022 Jan-Feb;72(1):159-161. doi: 10.1016/j.bjane.2021.07.040. Epub 2021 Nov 17. PMID:
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Hashmi JT, Huang YY, Osmani BZ, Sharma SK, Naeser MA, Hamblin MR. Role of low-level laser therapy in neurorehabilitation. PM R. 2010 Dec;2(12 Suppl 2):S292-305. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2010.10.013. PMID: 21172691; PMCID: PMC3065857.
Sebastian A, Allan E, Allan D, Colthurst J, Bayat A. Addition of novel degenerate electrical waveform stimulation with photodynamic therapy significantly enhances its cytotoxic effect in keloid fibroblasts: first report of a potential combination therapy. J Dermatol Sci. 2011 Dec;64(3):174-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2011.08.012. Epub 2011 Sep 17. PMID: 22015050.
Tatmatsu-Rocha JC, de Castro CA, Sene-Fiorese M, Parizotto NA. Light-emitting diode modulates carbohydrate metabolism by pancreatic duct regeneration. Lasers Med Sci. 2017 Nov;32(8):1747-1755. doi: 10.1007/s10103-017-2245-3. Epub 2017 Jun 3. PMID: 28577185.
Trelles MA, Allones I. Red light-emitting diode (LED) therapy accelerates wound healing post-blepharoplasty and periocular laser ablative resurfacing. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2006 Apr;8(1):39-42. doi: 10.1080/14764170600607731. PMID: 16581685.
Vieira WH, Ferraresi C, Perez SE, Baldissera V, Parizotto NA. Effects of low-level laser therapy (808 nm) on isokinetic muscle performance of young women submitted to endurance training: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2012 Mar;27(2):497-504. doi: 10.1007/s10103-011-0984-0. Epub 2011 Aug 26. PMID: 21870127.
Wu X, Dmitriev AE, Cardoso MJ, Viers-Costello AG, Borke RC, Streeter J, Anders JJ. 810 nm Wavelength light: an effective therapy for transected or contused rat spinal cord. Lasers Surg Med. 2009 Jan;41(1):36-41. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20729. PMID: 19143019.
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.
