Quick refresher, RLT exposes your body to low levels of red or near-infrared light. This can be through a lamp, a device or even a laser with a red light. Unlike near-infrared light, you can see red light. This red light stimulates an effect within your body at the cellular level that allows the mitochondria to soak it in and, in turn, produce more energy. With your mitochondria working on overdrive to create energy for the body, your cells are better (read: more quickly) able to repair themselves.

So, how does this translate to pain? Unlike other light sources like UV rays or Blue lights, Red Light is able to penetrate through the skin’s outer layer, which is how it provokes this response from within your cells. This jumpstart of energy production at the cellular level allows your cells to begin the healing process, alleviating inflammation at the site, potentially deep within your muscles or joints. Red Light therapy can be effective for the relief of muscle and joint pain, arthritis, and muscle spasms. It can also work to relieve stiffness, promote relaxation of the muscle tissue, and temporarily increase blood circulation where the heat is applied.

Clinical studies have revealed the effectiveness of this treatment for those suffering from osteoarthritis knee pain, for treating meniscus tears, as well as general joint and nerve pain. The most promising evidence that is appearing from this research is that Red Light Therapy seems to be able to treat the root cause of the pain as opposed to simply relieving symptoms. Some emerging research is also point to signs that RLT can reduce and alleviate back pain, one of the most common chronic pains our society faces today. Time will tell as research is ongoing.

If you’re one of the more than more than 28 million adults in the UK who are living with chronic pain (as estimated by the British Pain Society) you know just how desperate it can feel to try to find a non-prescription and non-surgical way to relieve and manage the pain. The normalcy of your everyday life depends on it. Red Light Therapy is a new and promising technology that can even be done in the comfort of your own home to manage and relieve pain and inflammation naturally.