Red light therapy employs low-wavelength red light to potentially improve skin health, reduce inflammation, and aid in muscle recovery. It is believed to function by stimulating cellular activities through its interaction with mitochondria, potentially increasing energy production and supporting healing processes. This non-invasive technique has been studied for a range of medical and cosmetic applications, including treating skin conditions, encouraging hair growth, and enhancing recovery after physical exercise.
A recent systematic review compiled and analyzed several clinical trials looking at red light therapy and sports performance and found many positive results, including decreased markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as creatine kinase, which is found in muscle cells and is released when cells are damaged. There are several ways in which red light therapy can be used to support exercise recovery, as laid out in this article.
Energy Production
Both red and near infrared light wavelengths increase the production of cellular energy. When these wavelengths are absorbed into the mitochondria of cells, light sensitive molecules are activated and there is a signaling cascade that results in an increase in the production of ATP, which is the energy currency of the cell.
Oxidative Stress Modulation
Red light therapy has also been shown to modulate oxidative stress, which can be increased with exercise. By modulating oxidative stress, red light therapy can help to speed up exercise recovery.
Inflammation
Exercise induced inflammation is a normal part of the process of muscle repair and regeneration, but excessive inflammation can be uncomfortable and can prolong healing times. One of the most well characterized effects of red light therapy is to decrease inflammation, so it can help with this aspect of exercise recovery too.
Recap
Most studies applied light to the muscles prior to exercise, which is called pre-conditioning. Red Light Therapy Wraps – such as the Fringe Regular or Extra-Long Wrap – can be used to provide comprehensive light coverage both before and after exercise. Red Light Therapy Wraps deliver both red and near infrared light using hundreds of LED light chips. Since the wraps are wireless, they’re easy to use wherever you are.
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