If you’ve been struggling with persistent muscle tension or painful spasms, you’d know these pains can significantly affect daily life from issues like interrupted sleep or reduced mobility. Traditional remedies like pain relievers and massages may offer temporary relief - but what about for chronic conditions? This is where your red light therapy light comes in.
This non-invasive approach to rehab has gained attention for its ability to reduce muscle damage, pain, and atrophy with little in the way of adverse risk factors. Its effects go beyond temporary relief to aid the body’s natural ability for long-term recovery. In this article, our team at Rojo Light Therapy AUS will be focusing on two specific wavelengths of red light therapy: 800 nm and 850 nm.
Red light therapy devices emit specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, which the cell's mitochondria absorb. This interaction increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that fuels cellular processes.
Increased ATP production accelerates cellular repair and regeneration, which improves the recovery of damaged or stressed muscle fibres. Additionally, red light therapy stimulates the release of nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates blood vessels and enhances blood flow. Improved circulation helps flush out metabolic waste products like lactic acid, which contributes to muscle tension and spasms. It also helps ensure the optimal delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, helping cells repair microtears in the muscles which are the main sources of muscle pain.
Research has also proven red light therapy modulates the inflammatory response. By reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting anti-inflammatory pathways, it soothes the swelling and irritation often associated with chronic muscle tension. It has also been found the the use of pulsing in the treatment can influence neuromuscular activity, calming overactive nerve impulses and reducing involuntary spasms.
These wavelengths penetrate the skin to different depths and produces varied therapeutic benefits. Explore how they specifically differ below.
While the precise depths this wavelength can reach below the skin are not yet well-documented, it has been generally associated with benefits such as enhanced blood flow and microcirculation. By enhancing blood flow in the upper muscle tissues, red light therapy light stimulates muscle oxygenation and the delivery of essential nutrients for cellular repair and regeneration.
This effect is highly beneficial for those dealing with acute muscle soreness, such as post-exercise tension or localised spasms caused by stress or overuse. It’s also excellent for treating smaller muscle groups or areas where tension is closer to the skin’s surface, such as the neck, shoulders, or forearms.
Research indicates that the 850nm wavelength can penetrate human tissue to a depth of approximately 2 millimetres. At this depth, the treatment can stimulate mitochondrial activity, enhancing cellular energy production. This, in turn, promotes tissue repair and regeneration.
One study focused on nurses suffering from chronic back pain noted that regular exposure to 850nm wavelengths of red light therapy significantly reduced their pain levels.
This wavelength’s ability to reach deeper tissues enables it to provide lasting relief where other therapies fall short. It also allows the stimulation of cellular processes that encourages long-term recovery benefits.
Deciding between 800nm and 850nm wavelengths depends on the severity and location of your muscle tension or spasms. If your issues are mild or surface-level, the 800nm wavelength offers an efficient solution. It’s suitable for alleviating tension or pain after workouts, addressing localised spasms, or supporting minor muscle recovery.
On the other hand, if you’re experiencing chronic muscle spasms, tension in larger muscle groups, or discomfort stemming from deeper tissues, the 850nm wavelength would be more effective. This helps address the root cause of pain and provides long-lasting relief with regular use.
For more comprehensive muscle health benefits, alternating between the two wavelengths is ideal. Together, they provide the versatility to treat a wide range of conditions, ensuring a well-rounded approach to muscle recovery.
Explore the benefits of these wavelengths with our devices at ROJO Red Light Therapy. Our products are designed to deliver various health benefits to your entire body. Check out our range of products today or contact us for more questions or inquiries.
