Using Infrared Light Therapy Wands to Treat Pain

Understanding Infrared Light Therapy for Pain Management

Chronic pain affects millions of people and can significantly reduce quality of life. Finding effective pain relief is essential for improving daily function and wellbeing. One emerging option for managing certain types of pain is the use of handheld infrared light devices, sometimes called infrared wands or photobiomodulation devices. These convenient devices deliver therapeutic wavelengths of light to provide natural pain relief by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and stimulating healing processes in the body. Understanding how infrared light therapy works and its benefits for pain can help you determine if trying this promising treatment is right for your needs.

How an Infrared Wand Works

An infrared wand is a handheld device that emits light in the near infrared spectrum. This corresponds to wavelengths from about 600 to 1200 nanometers. Special LEDs (light emitting diodes) within the wand produce therapeutic levels of infrared light energy. When the light is held against or over areas of tissue, the photons are absorbed into the cells. This initiates various therapeutic biological responses.

Stimulates Mitochondrial Function

One key effect is increasing mitochondrial function in cells. The mitochondria act as the powerhouses of cells, producing cellular energy called ATP. Boosting mitochondrial activity enhances cell health and energy production. This provides benefits to damaged or inflamed tissues.

Reduces Inflammation

Infrared light is also thought to help modulate inflammation. The light absorption stimulates cells to produce more anti-inflammatory mediators while reducing pro-inflammatory factors. Decreasing excessive inflammation in tissues can significantly relieve pain.

Increases Circulation

Research shows near infrared light can enhance microcirculation in tissues. Improving blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to affected areas to assist with healing.

Promotes Tissue Repair

By reducing inflammation, improving energy production, and enhancing circulation, infrared light aids regeneration and repair of damaged tissues. Animal studies show infrared light increases collagen production and accelerates wound healing.

Benefits for Pain Relief

The unique physiological effects of infrared wavelengths on tissues confer therapeutic benefits that can help relieve many types of pain, including:

Muscle and Joint Pain

Infrared therapy is commonly used to treat muscle strains and sprains. The light reduces inflammation in damaged soft tissues while improving circulation to promote healing. This provides natural relief for muscle and joint pains related to injuries, overuse, arthritis, and other conditions.

Nerve Pain

Research indicates photobiomodulation with near infrared light may calm overactive nerves and reduce neuropathic pain related to chronic conditions like diabetes, shingles, and sciatica. The light may help damaged nerves heal and regain normal function.

Back Pain

Most studies have focused specifically on using infrared light to relieve chronic low back pain. Meta-analyses of clinical trials conclude infrared photobiomodulation significantly reduces pain and disability related to low back pain compared to placebo treatments.

Neck Pain

Infrared therapy can also relieve neck pain from whiplash injuries, poor posture, arthritis, and disc problems. The light reduces inflammation in damaged tissues while improving circulation and cell function to accelerate healing.

Using an Infrared Wand

Infrared wands provide a convenient and non-invasive way to administer therapeutic infrared light. The wands are portable handheld devices that deliver light at the desired wavelength, intensity, and dose with the click of a button.

Wand Types

There are infrared wands designed for either spot treatment of specific areas or wide-field treatment of larger areas. Some wands contain multiple LEDs while mini wands may have one focused LED. The size and design depends on the intended treatment areas.

Application Tips

To use an infrared wand, simply hold the light tip directly against or slightly above the skin over the area of pain. The light should feel warm but not uncomfortable. Treatment sessions typically last from 30 seconds up to 10 minutes depending on the device and condition being treated. Most people use the wand daily or a few times a week as needed for pain relief.

Safety Considerations

Infrared wands are generally safe when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid shining the light directly into the eyes. Consult with your doctor before use if you are pregnant, have an implanted medical device, or are receiving cancer treatment.

Clinical Research on Infrared Therapy for Pain

Extensive research supports using therapeutic infrared light for relieving many kinds of pain. Some key findings from clinical studies include:

• An analysis of 22 studies found photobiomodulation significantly reduced chronic neck pain intensity by 70% compared to 14% with sham treatments.
• In a study of 182 patients with chronic low back pain, more than 70% of those receiving infrared therapy reported over 50% pain relief compared to less than 45% of control participants.
• Among post-surgical patients reporting oral surgery pain, those treated with infrared light experienced a 55% greater reduction in pain compared to no treatment after 7 days.
• In a trial of knee osteoarthritis patients, near infrared photobiomodulation treatment decreased pain by 72% after 10 weeks compared to only 11% pain reduction in sham-treated patients.

Multiple meta-analyses of numerous high-quality studies confirm infrared photobiomodulation consistently provides significant relief for musculoskeletal pain with moderate short-term benefits, supporting its use as an alternative therapy for pain management.

Comparing Infrared to Heat and Ice

Applying heat and ice are other common at-home therapies for relieving pain and inflammation. But infrared light works differently than either heat or cold modalities. The unique physiological effects of specific infrared wavelengths are responsible for the pain relief benefits, not simply heating or cooling of tissues.

vs Heat Therapy

While infrared light warms tissues similarly to thermal heat packs, the infrared wavelengths specifically interact with cells to reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue repair, and reduce nerve pain in ways that ordinary heat does not. So infrared treatment provides more complete therapeutic benefits.

vs Ice Therapy

Icing reduces pain and swelling through vasoconstriction to numb tissues. However, infrared light actually improves microcirculation to deliver healing blood flow. Infrared also promotes regenerative processes at a cellular level rather than just numbing areas.

For optimal results, some experts recommend alternating use of ice and infrared treatment. Icing first helps numb pain, then infrared light promotes healing of the underlying injury while restoring healthy blood flow to the area.

Infrared Therapy Precautions

Photobiomodulation with an infrared wand for pain relief is considered very safe with minimal risks when used properly. However, the following precautions should be kept in mind:

• Avoid use over pregnant uterus, pacemakers, cancer lesions, or thyroid gland
• Protect eyes from direct light exposure
• Start with short treatment times and low intensities to check for sensitivity
• Follow all manufacturers' instructions for safe device use
• Discuss with your doctor if you have any specific medical concerns

Infrared therapy should not be used as a substitute for medical care. Always consult your physician to identify and properly treat any underlying medical condition causing pain.

Takeaway Points

In summary, key points to understand about infrared light wands for pain relief include:

• Infrared wands deliver therapeutic wavelengths that reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate cellular repair.
• Benefits includerelief for muscle, nerve, joint, back, and neck pain when used properly.
• Infrared works differently than heat and ice therapy to relieve pain at the cellular level.
• Research showsconsistent pain relief benefits in many clinical studies.
• Infrared therapy is very safe with minimal risks when current precautions are followed.

Infrared wands provide a promising option for managing chronic or acute pain naturally. They are easy to use at home and research supports their effectiveness. Talk to your doctor to see if trying infrared light therapy could be beneficial for finding pain relief.

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.