Can you believe that around 160 million people worldwide are dealing with fibromyalgia? In the U.S. alone, there are about 4 million affected, and the UK has around 3 million! [Source: Fibromyalgia by Numbers: Key Statistics | MoreGoodDays Pain-management Program]
Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting condition that causes constant pain and tiredness all over the body. With its tough and exhausting symptoms, finding relief can feel nearly impossible.
But red light therapy is getting a lot of buzz lately because it’s really helping fibromyalgia patients manage their pain. Doctors are noticing that after trying this therapy, many patients are experiencing less pain and better sleep quality.
As research is still going on relief for Fibromyalgia with Red Light, it is a much-needed solution for those living with this chronic illness.
Let’s see how Red Light Therapy actually manages fibromyalgia.
Understanding Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Causes, and Challenges
What is Fibromyalgia?
[Source: Fibromyalgia – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic]
So, fibromyalgia is a chronic condition where you go through exhausting pain, fatigue, and stiffness throughout the body every day. Your quality of life drops, highly affecting your work, socializing, and daily activities.
Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:
- Aching in multiple body areas
- Persistent tiredness and exhaustion
- Few areas on the body are extremely sensitive to touch
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Experiencing non-restorative sleep
- Problems with memory, concentration, and thinking clearly
- Risk of getting anxiety and depression
- Frequent and chronic headache
- Facing irritable bowel syndrome
- Women get painful periods
Common Challenges for Fibromyalgia Patients
Fibromyalgia shows a unique set of challenges for those who live with it:
- The constant chronic pain limits daily activities and causes significant distress.
- Persistent fatigue makes it difficult to perform even a simple task.
- Even though there are various treatments to manage symptoms, effective treatments are still limited.
- Misunderstanding the condition creates social isolation and discrimination.
- The physical and mental toll of fibromyalgia leaves individuals with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
An Introduction to Red Light Therapy
Fibromyalgia is one of the chronic conditions that medical experts still can’t find a cure for. To this date, experts are doing their best to find a cure or at least find something close to a cure that will help lower the pain and control it better.
Red light therapy has turned out to be a pretty effective natural option for people dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms. It’s doing a better job of managing these symptoms than doctors thought it would.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Another name for Red light therapy is photobiomodulation. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses a certain wavelength of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular production. Within a few sessions, it can reduce inflammation and repair damaged tissues.
[Source: What is red light therapy? | MD Anderson Cancer Center]
Scientific Basis of Red Light Therapy
Tons of studies have been done on the effectiveness of red light therapy. Experts have really taken the time to explore the potential benefits of RLT for different health issues, including fibromyalgia.
So far, what they have found:
- Reduced pain: Red light therapy has been shown to minimize pain by modulating pain signals in the nervous system.
- Improved sleep quality: RLT helps keep your body’s circadian rhythm, which means it really boosts your sleep quality and cuts down on sleep disturbances. It’s a positive, non-drug therapy that’s gentle and works to prevent sleep problems.
- Reduced Inflammation: This treatment reduces inflammation. Since fibromyalgia has the same symptoms, the therapy works better on it.
- Enhanced cellular energy production: Red light therapy stimulates mitochondria, which are known as houses of cells, leading to increased energy production and cellular repair.
3 Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Since red light therapy uses the required wavelength of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin, it eventually benefits the biological processes.
Pain Relief
One of the most highlighted benefits fibromyalgia sufferers get from Red light therapy is pain relief. The wavelength of the light goes deeper into the tissues to do its work.
- Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation is a prevalent contributor to fibromyalgia pain. RLT can reduce this inflammation just by modulating the body’s inflammatory response.
- Ease Muscle Pain: The therapy can relax tense muscles and eliminate muscle soreness or spasms. Most importantly, it increases flexibility and decreases pain.
Improved Sleep and Fatigue Reduction
People with fibromyalgia really struggle with sleep disturbances. They have a hard time getting proper rest, which makes recovery tough and can actually make their symptoms worse. Red light therapy can help improve sleep quality by:
- Regulating Circadian Rhythm: RLT affects melatonin production, which controls the sleep-wake cycles. The therapy works like a body’s internal clock.
- Reducing Pain: When the pain goes away, it is much easier for the patient to sleep properly. Red light therapy can relieve the pain and improve mood.
- Boosting Energy Levels: Fibromyalgia can really drain a person’s energy and affect their quality of life. To help with that fatigue, red light therapy (RLT) boosts mitochondrial function, which ramps up ATP production. This gives cells the energy they need to function better.
Enhanced Mood and Mental Health
It has shown individuals with fibromyalgia get various mood disorders because of all the never-ending treatment, and lifestyle changes make them really vulnerable. Red light therapy can have a positive impact on mental health by:
- Balancing Neurotransmitters: Red light therapy is also linked with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These hormones help to regulate your mood and make you feel better.
- Reducing Stress: After taking red light therapy, patients feel much better and stress-free, thanks to better sleep and pain relief.
- Boosting Self-Esteem: This therapy even improves physical and mental well-being, giving patients self-esteem and a more positive outlook on life.
How To Use Red Light Therapy For Fibromyalgia?
So, you’ve got your red light therapy device, and you’re ready to explore the benefits of red light therapy at home, whether it’s for yourself or someone dealing with fibromyalgia. What’s the best way to go about it?
Let’s find the answer to your question.
At-Home Devices vs. Professional Clinics
| Features | At-home device | Professional Clinics |
| Convenience | High | Low |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
| Customization | Less customizable | Highly customizable |
| Personal Guidance | Limited | Extensive |
| Social Interaction | Limited | Potential for social interaction |
At-Home Devices
Pros:
- More convenient
- Cost-effective option
- Private set up
Cons:
- It may require more research to find a suitable device
- There are very few customization options
- You will get less guidance
Professional Clinics
Pros:
- Expert Guidance
- Customized treatment plans
- Access to advanced equipment
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Less convenient
- It may not be accessible to everyone
Best Practices for Effective Use
If you want to get the most out of red light therapy for fibromyalgia, there are a few things you can try. Practicing some simple tips can really help you benefit from it.
- Duration: The exact time/duration for each session depends on your needs and what type of device you are using. Generally, healthcare providers suggest 10 to 20-minute sessions.
- Frequency: You can get the benefits from daily or every-other-day sessions. If you are going for 10-20 minutes of session, then 5 to 7 times per week is enough. However, the frequency should be adjusted according to how your body reacts to the therapy and tolerance level.
- Positioning: This is important. Try positioning the device at an angle where your targeted body parts have the maximum exposure to the light. The light has to reach directly the affected area. For widespread pain, go with a larger panel or multiple smaller panels.
- Eye Protection: Never wear bare eyes for red light therapy. The light wavelength can damage your eyes, so cover your eyes during the session.
- Consistency: Consistent use is the ultimate way to see the results you are looking for.
Potential Risks and Precautions
We don’t want you to face any risks that can be avoided. These silly mistakes can lead to huge, uncertain accidents. That is why knowing the potential risks and preparing for them is important.
Safety Guidelines
While red light therapy is a non-harmful treatment, it is better to follow certain guidelines for one’s peace of mind or minimize potential risks:
- Pregnant women: If you are about to give birth, you shouldn’t go for red light therapy. This therapy isn’t for pregnant ladies.
- Individuals with recent eye surgery: People who just had eye surgery should avoid getting red light therapy. Before making such a decision, you should consult with your doctor.
- Individuals taking photosensitizing medication: Those who are taking medication that potentially increases their sensitivity to light should avoid red light therapy.
General Precautions:
- Wear eye protection during the red light therapy sessions.
- If you have sensitive skin, then go for shorter sessions and increase it with time.
- Avoid going out to the sun after a session. It may leave you with sunburn risks.
- It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare doctor before starting any treatment.
Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device
Key Features to Look For
When you are buying a red light therapy device, these are things you should look for first:
- Wavelength: To ensure the overall treatment’s success, opt for a device with a wavelength of 630-680 nm for red light and 800-830 nm for near-infrared light.
- Intensity: The intensity of the light is mainly measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²). Higher intensity results in more effective results, but buy the ones with an adjustable system so that you can control them according to your needs.
- Portability: You can buy a portable RLT device for better flexibility and convenience, depending on your daily lifestyle and preferences. It will allow you to use it at home or on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fibromyalgia?
It is chronic conditioning recognized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tenderness throughout the body.
How does red light therapy work?
It exposes your body to specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. This light helps boost energy production in your cells, reduce inflammation, and help your tissues heal.
Is red light therapy safe for fibromyalgia patients?
Yes, light therapy is safe for fibromyalgia patients. You can just follow the safety guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional before starting the treatment.
What are the benefits of red light therapy for fibromyalgia?
- Pain relief
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce fatigue
- Enhance mood and mental health
How often should I use red light therapy for fibromyalgia?
The frequency of using light therapy varies, but daily or every-other-day sessions are standard. It can be 5 to 7 times per week.
Are there any side effects of red light therapy?
Red light therapy is usually pretty easy on the body and has few side effects. That said, some might feel a bit of skin irritation or have slight eye discomfort.
Where can I buy red light therapy devices for fibromyalgia?
You can purchase red light therapy devices online or at specialized health stores with good reputations and good customer service.