Doing whatever you can do to help your endometriosis symptoms is something many of our clients can relate to. In our office, we love red light. But is red light good for endometriosis? This blog will break that down.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a treatment that uses low-wavelength red light to promote healing and to improve various skin and health conditions.
The therapy works by penetrating the skin and stimulating cellular activity, which can enhance circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair.
Red light therapy stimulates the mitochondria, which produces energy. This energy allows the body to heal itself more effectively.
Red light therapy is useful for:
Skin Health: It can help reduce wrinkles, acne, and scars, as well as improve skin tone and texture.
Wound Healing: RLT may accelerate the healing process for cuts and injuries.
Pain Relief: Some studies suggest it can alleviate pain in conditions like arthritis and muscle injuries.
Stress Reduction: RLT stimulates a release of endorphins and helps oxygenate the blood and tissues helping muscles to relax.
Anti-Inflammatory: as the light enters through the skin, hormesis (a low-dose, metabolic stressor) is created, building on the body’s inflammatory defense system, lowering inflammation and strengthening cells to further fight inflammation.
Why People With Endometriosis Are Turning to Red Light Therapy
Endometriosis is classified as a “chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder” by the NIH.
Lesions continuously release high levels of pro-inflammatory proteins into the immune system which can spill over into the bloodstream creating whole-body systemic inflammation which ultimately contributes to pain, whole-body fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and more.
RLT targets inflammation, lowering overall inflammation and strengthening the body’s response to inflammatory triggers. This non-invasive, gentle, and mostly pleasant treatment offers a relaxing way to reduce the root of endometriosis.
What the Research Says
Research is still continuing on the effectiveness of red light therapy, but some limited studies are showing promise.
Independent researchers and providers have done limited studies with patients with chronic pelvic pain, including endometriosis, and found that women who used red light therapy reported lower levels of pain. However, these are independent studies of a small sample with no control group, so definitive answers are not yet available.
With so little treatment available for endometriosis, these results for a non-invasive, gentle treatment option are very encouraging.
Potential Benefits for Endo Symptoms
Inflammation Reduction- The hormesis created by the light, along with the mitochondria stimulated by the light wavelengths, lower the pro-inflammatory proteins in the body which are responsible for severe cramping.
Improved Blood Flow- Increased blood flow can dilate the blood vessels, increasing microcirculation to relieve cramping. It also means more oxygen delivered to your organs, helping fight overall fatigue.
Pain Relief- RLT helps to calm swollen or damaged tissue and can release endorphins that reduce nerve sensitivity, lessening the body’s pain response.
Tissue Repair- The red light wavelengths can stimulate cell mitochondria to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) the primary energy source for the body. This can help heal tissue affected by endometrial lesions.
What Red Light Therapy Cannot Do
RLT is not a substitute for excision surgery. It cannot cure endo - and the only proven way to eliminate lesions is through excision surgery.
Red light therapy is a great tool when used in conjunction with pelvic floor physical therapy and mental health therapy for treating the symptoms and underlying inflammation of endometriosis.
The best way to treat endo is by working with specialists who can ensure you are receiving both holistic and technologic treatment options to manage your symptoms and improve your daily life.
How to Use It Safely
As with any new treatment, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor before starting. This helps rule out contraindications with medications or personal or family history.
Make sure you are using an FDA-cleared device (we recommend Fringe Heals red light. We are an affiliate, so we do get a kickback if you use our discount code — RC10 gets you 10% off! These are the devices we use in clinic.)
Look for a device that falls into wavelength ranges of 630-680 nm or 800-880 nm.
Do a light sensitivity test before committing to a full session. If you are sensitive to light or use medications that make you sensitive to light, red light therapy may not be a good option for you.
Limit sessions to 10-20 minutes, especially if you are new to RLT.
If you are using a red light panel, be sure to wear protective eye glasses/goggles and not look directly into the light source.
There is currently not enough information about RLT and pregnancy, so it is not recommended for use on the abdomen or pelvis during pregnancy.
Where to Find Pelvic Floor PT for Endometriosis in Thousand Oaks
Ready to start feeling better? Endometriosis strains the entire body - not just the pelvis, and not just during menstruation. At Cappuccino Physical Therapy, we believe in empowering individuals with effective solutions that promote healing, wellness, and vitality.
As a patient of Cappuccino Physical Therapy, red light therapy is an included service we can provide during your scheduled appointment at no additional cost.
We believe in a fully customized approach to health and healing, and are committed to ongoing education as healthcare providers, ensuring we stay at the forefront of new treatment options and advancements.
Next on your reading list:
How is Endometriosis Treated? A Pelvic Floor PT’s Approach
Endometriosis and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): What You Need to Know
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12842206/
https://fringeheals.com/pages/faq-light-therapy
https://ubiehealth.com/doctors-note/redlight-therapy-endometriosis-cramps-reduce-pain443q2
https://ubiehealth.com/doctors-note/red-light-therapy-endometriosis-cramp-relief-pain743q2
