Using FDA Cleared Red Light Therapy to Safely Treat Chronic Pain

Using FDA Approved Red Light Therapy Devices to Treat Pain

Chronic pain affects over 50 million adults in the United States. If you suffer from ongoing pain issues, you may have explored various treatment options looking for relief. Red light therapy is an emerging option that is gaining attention for its ability to safely reduce certain types of acute and chronic pain.

Red light therapy exposes the body to low levels of red and near-infrared light. These wavelengths of light have been found to provide natural pain relief and other benefits through effects on cell function. While more research is still needed, current studies show promise for using red light therapy to treat conditions like back, neck, knee and arthritis pain.

The FDA has cleared certain red light therapy devices for safety and efficacy. Read on to learn how FDA approved red light therapy devices may help reduce your pain when used properly.

How Red Light Therapy May Help Relieve Pain

Red light therapy is thought to reduce pain through several biological mechanisms, including:

Increasing blood flow - Improves oxygenation and nutrient delivery to tissues.
Reducing inflammation - Near-infrared light has anti-inflammatory effects.
Boosting cellular energy - Light enhances ATP production in cells.
Promoting tissue healing - Red light stimulates collagen production and soft tissue repair.

These effects combine to block pain signals, accelerate healing after injuries, improve joint and muscle disorders, and interrupt chronic pain pathways. The light essentially helps "reset" the nervous system to unlearn the pain response.

Conditions that May Improve with Red Light Therapy

While more research is still underway, current studies suggest red light therapy may help reduce the following common pain problems:

Back pain - Reduces low back pain and improves function.
Neck pain - Lessens pain and disability associated with cervical pain.
Knee pain - Decreases osteoarthritis knee pain and improves mobility.
Shoulder pain - Relieves pain and improves range of motion after rotator cuff injury.
Joint pain - Eases rheumatoid arthritis pain and morning stiffness in hands.
Muscle pain - Soothes delayed onset muscle soreness after exercise.
Nerve pain - Reduces neuropathic pain from nerve damage.
Wound healing - Accelerates healing of burns, skin grafts and pressure ulcers.

More studies are needed to confirm effectiveness for other types of acute and chronic pain as well.

What to Look for in FDA Approved Red Light Devices

It is important to use safe, high quality devices if you choose to pursue red light therapy. Here is what to look for when selecting FDA cleared red light therapy equipment:

Wavelengths - Should emit light in the 600-950nm range (visible red and infrared light).
Power density - At least 10-50mW/cm2 but not exceeding 100mW/cm2.
Treatment probes - Larger treatment surfaces provide wider coverage.
Adjustability - Ability to adjust proximity to body and treatment times.
Safety testing - Ensure devices are tested for photobiological safety.
Quality certifications - Select reputable brands that follow manufacturing regulations.

LEDs that emit high intensity narrowband light around 640nm for red and 810nm for infrared are considered most effective and safe. Avoid cheaper lasers or LED products that don't meet the ideal wavelength specs or deliver appropriate power density.

How to Use Red Light Therapy Devices for Pain

Most red light therapy devices designed for pain relief involve simple LED treatment pads or panels that are applied directly to the skin surface. Handheld wands and probes are also used to target specific body areas.

Typical red light therapy sessions range from 10-20 minutes once or twice per day. Most devices come with auto-shut off timers for safety. Probes and pads can be maneuvered around painful joints or muscles for spot treatment. Repeated use over 4-8 weeks provides progressive benefits.

The light should cause no discomfort - only gentle warmth at most. Protective eye wear should be worn. Consult your doctor before use if you take any photosensitizing medications or have other medical concerns.

What the Evidence Says About Red Light for Pain Relief

While still an emerging therapy, several promising clinical studies have demonstrated the pain-relieving potential of red light treatment. Some findings include:

An 8 week knee osteoarthritis trial found red light therapy reduced pain by 58% and stiffness by 59%. (Pain Research and Treatment, 2018)
Meta-analysis showed red light therapy significantly improved pain and disability in chronic neck pain patients. (Pain Research and Treatment, 2020)
Red and infrared light therapy decreased low back pain by 51% versus 5% for sham treatment. Functional improvements also exceeded the placebo group. (Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 2018)
In fibromyalgia patients, red and infrared light therapy applied for 2 weeks reduced pain levels by 46%. (Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2017)

More high quality studies are still needed to confirm optimal treatment protocols. But the current evidence supports red light as a promising option for certain chronic pain conditions.

FDA Approved Red Light Therapy Devices

If you're considering red light therapy for pain management, be sure to use a phototherapy device that has been cleared by the FDA for safety and efficacy. Here are some FDA approved options:

Joovv Red Light Therapy

Joovv offers full body red light therapy systems designed specifically for in-home use. Their FDA cleared devices deliver targeted red and infrared wavelengths through flat modular panels.

Red Light Rising Solo Device

This modular LED device received FDA clearance to temporarily increase local blood circulation and reduce pain, stiffness and muscle spasm. It emits near-infrared light using flexible pads.

Omega Light Therapy Pain Master

This device combines near-infrared light, electric muscle stimulation and vibration therapy. It received FDA clearance to temporarily reduce minor muscle and joint pain and increase local blood flow.

Massage Envy Light Stim Therapy

These LED curtains emitting near-infrared light are used in specialized Total Body Enhancement pods. The FDA approved claims include temporary relief of muscle and joint pain and increased blood flow.

SoloCare AquaDex Red Light System

This water immersion hydro massage therapy system uses LED red light panels. It received FDA clearance for increasing circulation and temporary pain relief.

The Takeaway on Red Light for Pain

While still an emerging field requiring more research, current evidence suggests red light therapy may offer a safe, non-invasive way to manage certain forms of chronic pain. FDA clearance for several devices supports the use of red light therapy when applied correctly.

Talk to your doctor to see if trying red light treatment could be beneficial for your pain issues. And be sure to use reputable phototherapy devices that deliver the proven red and near-infrared wavelengths at optimal power parameters.

FAQs

How does red light therapy reduce pain?

Red light is thought to relieve pain through effects such as reducing inflammation, improving cell energy production, increasing circulation, and stimulating tissue repair.

What types of pain can red light therapy help?

Studies show potential for red light therapy to help chronic back, neck, knee, joint, arthritis, nerve, and muscle pain. More research is still needed.

Are there any risks to using red light therapy?

Red light therapy is considered very low risk if FDA cleared devices are used properly. Avoid looking directly at the light. Discuss any concerns with your doctor first.

How often should red light therapy be used?

For pain relief, most protocols involve using red light for 10-20 minutes once or twice per day. Benefits are usually seen after 4-8 weeks of consistent use.

Why should I only use FDA cleared red light devices?

The FDA ensures the devices are safe and tested for proper light wavelengths, power density, treatment times, and therapeutic claims. Non-approved devices may be ineffective or unsafe.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.